Excuse the poor photo (taken through a shop window). This El Primero took my eye several months ago, and many a time I've been on the point of going in and buying it. I love the look of it, I especially like blue dials and it's very much my era, (1971), but I don't know much hands-on about Zenith. I'm also a bit wary simply because it's remained unsold for so long. £3,850 ($5,030) is being asked, but it didn't sell even when on a Black Friday reduction to £2,950 ($3,855) late last year. Any views from Zenith experts please?
Perhaps this rounded case is not very attractive. Especially when comparing to other models that have nice sharp edges and design.
The A787 and A788 references are not as desirable as many of the other early 70s references because of the case-shape. This one also does seem to have the edges polished, but it's hard to tell from that one angle. My guess is that it's a combination of high price, mediocre case condition, and generally less interest in that particular reference. Better photos would be needed to judge whether the hands are original.
As said already, the case shape deems this one to be a less popular choice and thus not highly in demand amongst collectors other than Zenith Nerds! Hard to give a great assessment from the single photo, perhaps get some more. The hands look ok, though need further photos to be sure. Same issue with case, often it looks over polished when the photos are poor. They do wear very nicely, the case is rather light and makes a great piece in summer. Here’s mine;
Thank you gents for your good and enlightening comments. WP - yours looks so good and a really nice photo - much appreciated. I realise now that through my unfamiliarity I missed the degree of polishing, and I'd agree that the case aesthetics have suffered in consequence. Do like that dial though. With a visit to Bienne upcoming I think I'll keep funds in reserve - there's going to be lots of Omega inspiration/temptation resulting from that!
Thread resurrection ... today I am appreciating these A788 cushions cases as was said above (last year) ... lightweight and sleek. I'm sorry that the picture makes it look rather large on my small wrist. It's really a feather-weight.
While obviously not as favored as the other early EP’s, as many of you have stated, the cushion-cased A788 is a sleek, fun, and beautiful watch to wear. As a benefit, good examples are more easily available to be found. This year alone, I have seen 2 NOS examples for sale. Currently, I think $4500 to $5000 is a fair price for a good example. Mine is below. Thx for the thread!
I'm actually starting to get in to these more and more. Coincidentally this lines up with the more and more outrageous prices of the other, more 'attractive, models. They really do need to look like @Medinatalzahra example above. The case is already an acquired taste, and it loses a lot if it's over polished.