For anyone looking to get into the Zenith El Primero game, I have for sale one of the more affordable references that contains the original, first generation 3019PHC calibre that was produced before the company ceased production in the 1970's. The 01-0210-415 El Primero is sometimes referred to as a Surf due to the inscription of the word "Surf" on the caseback which was Zenith's way of indicating that the watch was water resistant in the 1970's. I purchased this watch back in early 2019 and I had it fully serviced by a well known watchmaker and member of this forum in 2020. Since then, it has seen regular use within my watch rotation and all of the time keeping, date and chronograph fuctions work exactly as they should. I recently wore it for a week to test the accuracy and with it on my wrist, it gained approx. 9 seconds a day. I also left it fully-wound in the face up position for 2 days and it gained 9 seconds each day. This watch shows all the signs of regular use for a 50 year old watch, including minor scratches and flea bites but you will be hard pressed to find a more economical entry into the vintage El Primero market and one that has been serviced, at that. I can provide proof of a complete service that was done in June 2020 to anyone serious about purchasing. Dial - clean, original condition with all hour markers and printing in excellent condition. There is some degradation of the tritium lume plots. Hands - All hands are in excellent condition. Tritium lume on the minute and hour hands is intact and glows for a minute or two after being held under a light. Case - 36mm diameter (not including crown), 40mm lug to lug, 13mm height and 19mm lug width. Good overall condition with signs of honest use and wear. A flea bite at the bottom of the lower left hand lug. Crystal - mineral glass crystal is in very good condition with one very small 1mm long scratch near the centre that is only detected using a loupe. Caseback - clean with engraving SURF and 01-0210-415 Movement - 31 jewel 3019PHC last serviced in 2020 by Precision Horology. Crown - correct Zenith replacement crown with the square star. I had contact with a previous owner from the USA who had it serviced by Zenith USA back in 2013 and he sent me the Zenith service case as well as the original crown that was returned by Zenith. Bracelet - I will include a ladder style Forstner bracelet that suits this watch although this model was most commonly sold with a leather strab back in the day. The watch is located in Canada. I am looking for $2,800 USD (or $3,700 CAD), plus shipping, with payment through e-transfer, Wise or Pay Pal F&F. I am happy to answer any questions and can provide more photos, if needed. I am just getting used to a new camera, so I apologize for any images that are not the best resolution or quality. Note that I do not have a movement photo as the caseback is very tight and I don't want to create any marks from tool slippage. I have a photo taken from a previous sale posting that I can share with anyone considering purchase.
Still available - you won't find a more economical first gen EP with recent proof of a service by a very reputable watchmaker. Make an offer.