Opinions on Zenith El Primero Chronograph

[spoonfork]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a dress watch, and the Zenith El Primero Chronograph comes up during my research, in particular the 02.0500.420 with the off-white dial. I've searched through this forum, but there's not much topics on Zenith. So question regarding the Zenith El Primero: what are your general opinions on the watch?
Is it durable? Does it scratch easily? How's the servicing like? Apart from it's history, what other aspect of Zenith watches that makes them appealing?

I've also taken a look at Maurice & Lacroix Les Classiques Chrono and Baume et Mercier Classima 8692. Both are mainly due to the looks. IWC Portuguese, although beautiful (seems like a favorite here) is just way too freaking expensive.

As a side note I currently own an Omega Speedmaster From the Moon to Mars and Damasko DA36.

Cheers,

--mel

[GlennTanChiaChiah]

The choice of the El Primero is a good one nonetheless. The movement itself is well made, robust and meant to last as well as being the first ever high beat automatic chronograph movement. In fact when Rolex was looking for a movement for it's (then) new Daytona model they decided on the El Primero.

[rioet]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a dress watch, and the Zenith El Primero Chronograph comes up during my research, in particular the 02.0500.420 with the off-white dial. I've searched through this forum, but there's not much topics on Zenith. So question regarding the Zenith El Primero: what are your general opinions on the watch?
Is it durable? Does it scratch easily? How's the servicing like? Apart from it's history, what other aspect of Zenith watches that makes them appealing?

I've also taken a look at Maurice & Lacroix Les Classiques Chrono and Baume et Mercier Classima 8692. Both are mainly due to the looks. IWC Portuguese, although beautiful (seems like a favorite here) is just way too freaking expensive.

As a side note I currently own an Omega Speedmaster From the Moon to Mars and Damasko DA36.

Cheers,

--mel

wondering if you said IWC is freaking expensive, then what is the price for Zenith El Primero, did you check?

[hanz079]

Hello there,

I have that model you are currently looking at.
Feel free to read up on my experience.
My hunt to perfect the watch is ongoing and will post updates when everything is in order.

http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,2081.0.html

[danny]

From 1998 to 2000 Rolex actually used the El Primero movements in the legendary Daytona chronograph.
If it's good enough for Rolex then it's good enough for me. Nuff said.

 

[spoonfork]

wondering if you said IWC is freaking expensive, then what is the price for Zenith El Primero, did you check?

Cheaper - I am looking at the 420Z movement. About half the price I would say. The newer incarnations of El Primero (Striking 10, 36000 VPH) are of course more expensive than IWC's Portuguese.

--mel

[takashi78]

From 1998 to 2000 Rolex actually used the El Primero movements in the legendary Daytona chronograph.
If it's good enough for Rolex then it's good enough for me. Nuff said.

 

Wow learnt something new today. I always thought that the Zenith movt Daytona had a longer production span than that.

[jacky8888]

ya me too.... i always thought that all daytonas hav zenith movement..... sorry guys... pls bear with my ignorance...

[gloomis]

wondering if you said IWC is freaking expensive, then what is the price for Zenith El Primero, did you check?

Cheaper - I am looking at the 420Z movement. About half the price I would say. The newer incarnations of El Primero (Striking 10, 36000 VPH) are of course more expensive than IWC's Portuguese.

--mel

oh....i tot zenith price is always higher than IWC. hehe....now can consider 1 as well.

[TheHobbit]

ya me too.... i always thought that all daytonas hav zenith movement..... sorry guys... pls bear with my ignorance...

Rolex started using the Zenith movement from 1991 to 2000. The Zenith movement replaced the Valjoux movement originally fitted to the Cosmograph. Some people say that the Zenith movements were actually used as early as 1988.

[duke916sps]

From 1998 to 2000 Rolex actually used the El Primero movements in the legendary Daytona chronograph.
If it's good enough for Rolex then it's good enough for me. Nuff said.

 

+1. Tough Nut to crack this movement...