Zenith W40801 G20802 El Primero Chronographs

andrewluff · 2019-03-26T12:06:24Z

Discover the rare Zenith W40801 and G20802 chronographs in white and yellow gold. Explore the legendary El Primero movement and vintage Zenith market insights.

Andrewluff's post showcases the rare sight of two vintage Zenith chronographs, the W40801 in white gold and the G20802 in yellow gold, side-by-side. This article highlights the exceptional condition of these pieces, particularly their bracelets, and delves into the community's appreciation for Zenith's historical movements and their enduring value.

Seeing one of these amazing pieces is almost impossible... but can you imagine seeing 2 next to each other on the same day? It's like a horse race where they are riding unicorns!!

The amazing W40801 in white gold and the G20802 in yellow gold

Not only are the cases, dials, etc in beautiful condition, just look at those bracelets!! I can honestly say I have never felt bracelets that flexed so smoothly and felt so comfortable against the wrist... I really did not think it was possible!

Cheers

Andrew

Key Points from the Discussion

The Zenith El Primero movement, conceived and designed without modern CAD-CAM technology, is considered exceptional and a true testament to artisanal craftsmanship, having evolved yet remained fundamentally the same for 50 years.
Investing in vintage Zenith chronographs, particularly those with the El Primero movement, may offer a more secure investment compared to some vintage Rolex models, with less risk regarding authenticity and value.
The market for vintage Zenith A386 models in steel is experiencing rapidly increasing prices, making it challenging for collectors to acquire correct and beautiful examples.
The bracelets on these vintage Zenith chronographs are noted for their incredibly smooth flex and comfort, a quality rarely found on other Swiss chronographs of the era, with vintage Seikos being a possible exception.

The Discussion

Dr No

Mar 26, 2019

. . . ain't that the truth ;-) . . .

Dr No

Mar 26, 2019

. . . which I can't recall ever seeing on another chronograph hailing from Switzerland. Are there others besides vintage Seikos? Art

Ambiorix

Mar 26, 2019

Can do miracles! Fun aside, A true watchcollector is openminded, and i know Andrew is both. Beside, if one wants to collect vintage, or if i would, it’s better to put your money into these instead of.... Rolex, let’s say, less risk of getting scr@*ed, moneywise and on the hardware also,imho. Wishing all a nice day! Grtz,Dom

Ambiorix

Mar 27, 2019

But compared to Valjoux Daytonas and, the EP-powered Daytonas(espcialy the steel one),we are still far away. Bottomline for me still is, this mouvement stays exceptional .If one thinks about the fact that it was conceived,designed in a time when Cad-Cam didn’t exist, it is truly “artisanat”. And.....,evenmore mindblowing, in those 50 years, it evolved, but stayed the same. Grtz,Dom

amanico

Mar 27, 2019

At my big surprise... As I am trying to " catch " one which is truly beautiful and 100% correct... An A 386 in steel, I mean. Prices go faster than the time you need to find one. alas. Best, Nicolas

Zenith W40801 G20802 El Primero Chronographs

Key Points from the Discussion

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