Zenith “A3818” El Primero

Description

Up for grabs is an exceptional and attractive Zenith El Primero, Reference A3818, fitted with a beautiful blue, sunburst dial. The El Primero A3819 was limited approximately to 1,000 pieces, and produced between 1969-1972. It is powered by Zenith’s automatic El Primero movement, Caliber 3019 PHC/400, which was Zenith’s first automatic chronograph movement (and considered by many, the very first automatic chronograph movement).

The example offered here today is in excellent condition. The case is unpolished, with thick and prevalent beveled edges on the lugs. The dial is extremely attractive, with no major flaws, and only the lightest of aging. The original lume is present on both dial and hands, aged to a dark yellow on the dial, and a brighter yellow in the hands.  The watch comes equipped on its original Zenith “ladder” bracelet, made by Gay Freres, and is dated to the 3rd quarter of 1969.

The watch comes with its original Guarantee Booklet (not filled out) and a Zenith Extract of the Archives, confirming manufacture and delivery of this example to 1972