Let my little buddy tell you how I feel: Finally, after years of being on the Target of Opportunity list there's an El Primero in my box! It's a reference 01.0210.415 caliber 3019 PHC from around 1973 - the last reference made of the vintage EP's before the apocalypse as I've been told. As you can see, it's not in mint condition but that's why we have our trusted watchmakers. It needs a correct crown, and the pushers are a little stiff too. The movement appears to be in great shape though, and it seems to be keeping time despite needing a service. I really shouldn't have spent this money, but for a C-licious EP like this in the perfect size I had to do it. As parts come in and work gets done, I'll update the thread so consider this the "before" post. There will be several forum members to thank at the end too. Let's just say for now that this website has the best group of collectors anywhere.
They make TVs in America as well, so I 'spose it's OK. (isn't jealous banter the only way to offset the pain of "I wish I'd snagged it"?)
well, you sure as heck can't sit at the bar. Jeeves! Eject this rabble! Evidently! Very nice snag, Dennis, and it looks a good fit. It'll clean up very well and I see how it's a nice fit for the collection!
Unfortunately, Somebody is a couple of steps ahead of you. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonography I've had a few of those for various maladies over the years. Now we need to get you a Cal. 11 and a Seiko 6139 to complete the holy trinity of automatic chronos. Looking forward to seeing the "after" shots. gatorcpa
Thanks guys! And away we go with buying parts. Just grabbed a NOS dial: I knew somebody would take me seriously if I didn't use the smiley. ( ) You know you want an EP Ash.
You're serious about this, aren't you? Please don't tell me you're going to start clock-blocking me the way Gavin's been doing. Not another monster. Congrats! Great watch. Now I might need one...
While there would be good reason to worry that another vortex would be joining the Zenith universe, I think you're all safe because (a) I already understand the etiquette enough to know that the IllumZenati are polite and have a back room order, (b) it's monetary suicide to go head to head with one of you guys when you have tunnel vision for a particular watch, and (c) my collecting is based on calibers so this is my EP example. Not entirely sure yet, but this may be a one-and-done. I'm not a fan of the A3817 case style, and as much as I like black & gold most chronographs are too thick to wear as dress watches since they don't readily tuck under a cuff. The only other style I'm really interested in is the A386 and I can get that in the reissue if I want another El Primero.
I think I just heard a collective sigh of relief after that last post. I'm pretty happy! That deserved special thanks to JE for pointing me in the right direction. Of course Lou and Marc are sharing the credit for enabling - Lou for getting me to take a more serious look at the brand and Marc for posting the listing, plus some behind the scenes coaching. A crown and a buckle up next!
D - Please put it on the March list. But don't let me play with it too much. You know what happens when I touch a Zenith! gatorcpa
Nice pick up Dennis ...should serve you well as you enter the Zenith bar. That A386 is looking better all the time!
I am just happy that someone else finally understood the greatness of this watch. It might not have the most beautiful Zenith logo but its has the same movement as the older ones and its understated design puts it in a class of its own. I have felt a little alone. No we can start a sub group... "We who understand" regards JE
You have to love C-cases. They're under appreciated no matter what brand, except maybe for Doxa. I'm C-razy about them. Just bought an 18 mm buckle for it too, after the Zenmasters cleared it as authentic.