Zenith El Primero A386

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Finally got my grail after a long hunt with not much prospect given the relative scarcity of the vintage A386 (ard 2500 produced between 1969-71).  So I was filled with much surprise and exhilaration when one came within sight from my recent watchmaker in Italy... I was so thrilled! I fell in love with it at first sight. 

Without further ado, here are some pics (borrowed the movement pic from seller as I don't know how to open the case back)







The dial is original and there's subtle difference from the 2009 New Vintage 1969 dials which are also used as a service dial. The E in El Primero is different.

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It is powered by El Primero 3019 PHC with high beats of 36000 bph. EP means "The First" in Spanish, as part of Zenith's claim to have produced the world's first self-winding chronograph (in the race against Seiko and the group comprising of Heuer, Breitling, Buren and Dubois-Depraz).

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The crown is not the original four pointed star but is the later service crown which is quite common.


 

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The mandatory wrist shots:





Am a happy and contented man... 

[Godzillaz]

Bro, that's an ugly watch. The case is scratch up, the dial has decay, lume don't work, some more movement is old.

Sell it to me, I'll gladly take the burden away. 

Wanna trade with a Tag Heuer?

Congratulations on a piece of history 

Regard
Tyler

[bezelnut]

Finally it's up here. 

Simply STUNNING! The more you look at it, the more amazing it is. Actually Zenith made 3 models of EP during that period, a384, a385 & a386, and you got the right one. Plus, the 38mm fit you wrist so nicely. congratulation for your achievement, wear it proud, wear it in good health.

[hanz079]

Congratz again!!
This watch deserves it's own thread.
Wear it in the best of health 

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Bro, that's an ugly watch. The case is scratch up, the dial has decay, lume don't work, some more movement is old.

Sell it to me, I'll gladly take the burden away. 

Wanna trade with a Tag Heuer?

Congratulations on a piece of history 

Regard
Tyler

Hahaha. Old and "ugly" but I sayang...

Maybe if with a Heuer Monaco 1133b.....

Thanks!

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Finally it's up here. 

Simply STUNNING! The more you look at it, the more amazing it is. Actually Zenith made 3 models of EP during that period, a384, a385 & a386, and you got the right one. Plus, the 38mm fit you wrist so nicely. congratulation for your achievement, wear it proud, wear it in good health.

Yah the trilogy... I was offered the A385 but think I will pass. I like the A384 though but need to take a break first as targeted other pieces. Perhaps one day...

It feels good on the wrist! Will take my time to find a matching leather strap... and the elusive pin buckle...

Thanks!

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Congratz again!!
This watch deserves it's own thread.
Wear it in the best of health 

Thanks! Will always treasure it. Must learn more from the Zenith sifu also.

Cheers!

[bezelnut]

Yah the trilogy... I was offered the A385 but think I will pass. I like the A384 though but need to take a break first as targeted other pieces. Perhaps one day...

It feels good on the wrist! Will take my time to find a matching leather strap... and the elusive pin buckle...

Thanks!

Yes, I support you. Go for the Heuer Monaco. 

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Yah the trilogy... I was offered the A385 but think I will pass. I like the A384 though but need to take a break first as targeted other pieces. Perhaps one day...

It feels good on the wrist! Will take my time to find a matching leather strap... and the elusive pin buckle...

Thanks!

Yes, I support you. Go for the Heuer Monaco. 

Hehe. That vintage's too expensive for me. Going for something slightly lower in price. After that, really plan to take a long break. The external environment is a bit dicey.

[bentarazero]

My God that's a beaut. Congrats! But I'd go with a darker colored strap.

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My God that's a beaut. Congrats! But I'd go with a darker colored strap.

Thanks. Still looking for a nice matching black strap with Zenith buckle. But was told it's an uncommon 17mm buckle... so will take some time to search for it.

[hanz079]

My God that's a beaut. Congrats! But I'd go with a darker colored strap.

Thanks. Still looking for a nice matching black strap with Zenith buckle. But was told it's an uncommon 17mm buckle... so will take some time to search for it.

I think it's a 16mm buckle.

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My God that's a beaut. Congrats! But I'd go with a darker colored strap.

Thanks. Still looking for a nice matching black strap with Zenith buckle. But was told it's an uncommon 17mm buckle... so will take some time to search for it.

I think it's a 16mm buckle.

Oops, I must have remembered wrongly from the guidance given to me by a sifu watchmaker - i forgot to take down notes when he told me. 
Ok... hunt on for 16mm! He did say best bet is eBay although it will be tough...