Zenith El Primero ‘Original 1969’ 38mm Chronograph Blue 03.2150.400/53.C700

Zenith El Primero ‘Original 1969’ 38mm Chronograph Blue 03.2150.400/53.C700

Released as a tribute to the original El Primero Chronograph of 1969, The Original 1969 series combines vintage looks, one of the most respected movements ever made, and modern reliability in a package that provides undeniable value. These are Zeniths best modern watches in our opinion.

Featuring a 38mm case in steel which is just 12.3mm thick, it houses a deep matte dial with classic sunken overlapping sub-dials in grey for for the running seconds and 30 minute counters, and silver opaline for the hours. This silver carries through to the minute track just inboard of the blue tachymetre scale, creating a wonderful sense of cohesion. It’s finished with applied luminous markers, and luminous hour and minute hand, with a lovely red chrono hand for a nice pop of colour.

Powering it is the famed calibre 400 hi-beat automatic chronograph, and traces its routes back to 1969 being one of the original integrated automatic chronographs, hence the name. Topping it off is 100m of water resistance, and this can be utilised thanks to the fitment of Zenith’s lovely steel bracelet.

This piece was first sold locally in 2020 and presents in TZ ‘Good’ condition. Overall condition is excellent, with hairlines and swirl marks present, as well as some marks on the lugs from strap changes and some minor marks on the case back. The reason for the ‘Good’ rather than ‘Excellent’ grading according to the TZ scale is a small ding on the outer edge of the bezel near 5, and a few very small nicks on the side of the case toward the end of the upper left lug. Please see images for full details.

Bracelet will fit up to a 7in wrist, and shows minor desk dive marks. No spare links. It also includes the Zenith ‘gator strap, though this is heavily worn with splitting on the end. It’s mounted to a steel Zenith deployant clasp.

No service history, little new for that. Currently keeping time at around +12 seconds a day at 278 degrees of amplitude at time of writing.

Comes with outer sleeve, outer box, inner box, warranty card dated 2020, card holder, hang tag, instruction booklet, cleaning cloth, and OEM ‘gator strap on steel deployant.