Zenith Watches
El Primero Model

El Primero was created in 1969 and was the first chronograph with an automatic movement and 36,000 alternations per hour.

In 1975 the ZENITH Radio Corporation, which had owned the brand for four years decided to stop producing mechanical watches and limit production to quartz watches. However, they hadn’t counted on Charles Vermont, who, along with his brother, had devoted a great part of his career to the development of this movement. He tried to reason with the American company but his efforts were in vain. The orders were to be carried out immediately and the machines were about to be destroyed. Being unable to stop the destruction, Charles Vermont set about hiding the essential items required to create the movement. He labelled, catalogued, sorted and protected the cams, cutting tools, stamps and machines and described the entire manufacturing process in a notebook.

Nine years later, in 1984, all the lost tools were put back in place and the El Primero movements could once again be produced.

A great story behind, what is today, one of the brand’s classic timepieces.

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The history of Zenith El Primero

El Primero was created in 1969 and was the first chronograph with an automatic movement and 36,000 alternations per hour.

Zenith El Primero Watches

El Primero was created in 1969 and was the first chronograph with an automatic movement and 36,000 alternations per hour.

In 1975 the ZENITH Radio Corporation, which had owned the brand for four years decided to stop producing mechanical watches and limit production to quartz watches. However, they hadn’t counted on Charles Vermont, who, along with his brother, had devoted a great part of his career to the development of this movement. He tried to reason with the American company but his efforts were in vain. The orders were to be carried out immediately and the machines were about to be destroyed. Being unable to stop the destruction, Charles Vermont set about hiding the essential items required to create the movement. He labelled, catalogued, sorted and protected the cams, cutting tools, stamps and machines and described the entire manufacturing process in a notebook.

Nine years later, in 1984, all the lost tools were put back in place and the El Primero movements could once again be produced.

A great story behind, what is today, one of the brand’s classic timepieces.

Dispatched within 24 hrs

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All items are in stock at Collector Square and shipped within 24 hours worldwide.

Delivery is secure and carried out by professional carriers (DHL or UPS) between 9am and 6pm:
-France: €20, within 2 working days (6 days for Corsica)
-Europe: delivery is €30, within 2 working days.
-Hong Kong: delivery is HK$700, within 3 to 4 working days.
-Rest of the world: delivery is €80, within 6-8 working days.

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Viewing at the showroom in Paris

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1-year warranty

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Authentication before online release

All items are delivered with their certificate of authenticity. Each item is expertly evaluated before being placed online and examined by our experts:
- expert in bags: Jérôme Lalande
- expert in watches: Romain Réa
- expert in jewellery: Thierry Stetten

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Discover the workshop

Authentication before online release

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All items are delivered with their certificate of authenticity. Each item is expertly evaluated before being placed online and examined by our experts:
- expert in bags: Jérôme Lalande
- expert in watches: Romain Réa
- expert in jewellery: Thierry Stetten

Learn more about our experts

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14 days to change your mind

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You have 14 days counting from the day you receive your item (the legal withdrawal period) in which to return it to us. The item must be returned in the same condition as when it was sold.

After 14 days, you have the option of exchanging your item for another using the Collector Switch service.

For further information, please contact our customer service.

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