Malaysia Watch Forum

Main Forums => General Discussion - Vintage Watches => Topic started by: 1to12 on April 07, 2013, 09:59:47 PM

Title: Zenith El Primero A386
Post by: 1to12 on April 07, 2013, 09:59:47 PM
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).  :Praying: 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.  :Jumping:

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

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/1to12/IMG_2309_zpsfab76d51.jpg)

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/1to12/IMG_2322_zpscf5a76fa.jpg)

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/1to12/IMG_2311_zps442f1a3d.jpg)

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.

Title: Re: Zenith El Primero A386
Post by: 1to12 on April 07, 2013, 10:00:37 PM
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).

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/1to12/100_46922_zps70bf94b7.jpg)

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/1to12/IMG_2316_zps2cf7c880.jpg)
Title: Re: Zenith El Primero A386
Post by: 1to12 on April 07, 2013, 10:01:10 PM
The crown is not the original four pointed star but is the later service crown which is quite common.

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/1to12/IMG_2313_zps197797fd.jpg)
 

Title: Re: Zenith El Primero A386
Post by: 1to12 on April 07, 2013, 10:02:09 PM
The mandatory wrist shots:

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/1to12/IMG_2326_zps3e6147e6.jpg)

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o706/1to12/IMG_2323_zps6ca6745f.jpg)

Am a happy and contented man...  :Cheers:
Title: Re: Zenith El Primero A386
Post by: Godzillaz on April 08, 2013, 08:46:49 AM
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.  ;D

Wanna trade with a Tag Heuer? ;)

Congratulations on a piece of history  :thumbsup:

Regard
Tyler
Title: Re: Zenith El Primero A386
Post by: bezelnut on April 08, 2013, 12:04:02 PM
Finally it's up here.  :thumbsup:

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.
Title: Re: Zenith El Primero A386
Post by: hanz079 on April 08, 2013, 12:26:22 PM
Congratz again!!
This watch deserves it's own thread.
Wear it in the best of health  :Cheers:
Title: Re: Zenith El Primero A386
Post by: 1to12 on April 09, 2013, 09:09:12 PM
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.  ;D

Wanna trade with a Tag Heuer? ;)

Congratulations on a piece of history  :thumbsup:

Regard
Tyler

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

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

Thanks!
Title: Re: Zenith El Primero A386
Post by: 1to12 on April 09, 2013, 09:12:24 PM
Finally it's up here.  :thumbsup:

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!
Title: Re: Zenith El Primero A386
Post by: 1to12 on April 09, 2013, 09:13:45 PM
Congratz again!!
This watch deserves it's own thread.
Wear it in the best of health  :Cheers:

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

Cheers!
Title: Re: Zenith El Primero A386
Post by: bezelnut on April 10, 2013, 05:45:31 PM

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.  ;)
Title: Re: Zenith El Primero A386
Post by: 1to12 on April 10, 2013, 08:58:03 PM

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.
Title: Re: Zenith El Primero A386
Post by: bentarazero on July 19, 2013, 04:18:53 PM
My God that's a beaut. Congrats! But I'd go with a darker colored strap.
Title: Re: Zenith El Primero A386
Post by: 1to12 on July 21, 2013, 08:06:46 PM
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.
Title: Re: Zenith El Primero A386
Post by: hanz079 on July 22, 2013, 09:19:23 AM
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.
Title: Re: Zenith El Primero A386
Post by: 1to12 on July 22, 2013, 08:53:49 PM
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.  :HammerHead:
Ok... hunt on for 16mm! He did say best bet is eBay although it will be tough...  :Praying: