Wasn't me

 

Of course this doesn't mean that now 384s typical value is around 40K.
But it's a good news in my humble opinion to see that a historically relevant piece is now saw for what it really is.

In a world where some common - and not so historically relevant - pieces have crazy quotations, is nice to see that these watches are now looked with different eyes, just that.

Sometimes a value's watch is given more by a strong perception of some collateral aspects than an intrinsic thing. For example a stronger fan community will make some refs more desirable than others, or a stronger company, that pays more attention into archives or collectors, will give a plus - an economic plus - to some models. Just examples.

I am not here to say that it's right or wrong, I just love these pieces and I am happy that, as said, some collectors are now seeing them differently.

 

Totally agree! Dont like price increases per se, but it is just nuts that tropical A384s where below 5k eur just recently (bought mine half year ago for 4.5k eur), when compared with many others....

 

I’m looking for other 2-3 references of late 60’/early70’ Zenith production.
For me it incrising prices aren’t good news.

Also cairelli reference was sold about 40k by Phillips auction and price first increased then was stabilised on 10/12k

 

I agree with you, but it is also important to say that this one was probably the best A384 i have ever seen so far.

 

Sorry, it was 62,5k chf

 

As said, I don't think that these are realistic value; to me it is important to see that these refs have now some space into the more important auction house's catalogue.
Something that was not thinkable just 2-3 years ago.
Moreover, that watch (yes of course an extraordinary example) reached a very big value, that was absolutely not a foregone thing.

 

Now if the brand could get some other nice references going in that direction. I find it interesting that vintage Zenith prices aren’t near what a few other ‘second tier’ brands , no names but you know who you are, have been achieving. Not a complaint yet as I’ve picked up some nice examples of late but there’s not as much love for Zenith for some reason

 

Well I will chime in 'outer space price'. NO touch with reality. And one day does not a summer make! So all those that think thier's is worth 40K, I suggest you try and sell it and reality will quickly re-appear
Two people wanted it and was a matter of winning! To much testosterone in the auction rooms.

 

Hello, I'm new to this forum but have been reading about and researching vintage El Primeros for a few weeks. This forum is a treasure trove of information!
Right now I'm just researching and researching to make sure I'm ready to pounce when I see something I like. I think right now I'm looking more for an A385 vs an A386 or A384. I like the brown dial for some reason.
With that being said, do these still really exist?
This seller (in Malaysia) on Chrono24 claims he's got an original A386 with box and papers, and original GF ladder bracelet. Link here.
All the hands look good, as well as the dial and tachy ring.

-Is this thing real and do similar ones come up for sale every once in a while.
-Is this what an A386 is going for nowadays (USD 22,500)? It's like 4x-6x that of an A385.

 

I think that specific watch is too expensive given condition, but yes an A386 seems to be around 4 times as expensive as A385 (and A384 but A384 might have increased a bit lately). I think these refs offer a great bang for the buck.

 

What is it about the condition that you notice a being issues? Is there somethin obvious? I don't have a trained eye on this and am trying to learn as I go. Thanks!

 

I am no expert on these, but I think it should be in top condition for that money. And this is good but not excellent. The patina on the lume could be better, the dial could be better. For example in the blue subdial there are some scratches or some uneven patina. The minute hand looks a bit bent. Also I think it has been polished?

 

Very nice for me, with box and paper is impossible to find!
Unfortunely a bad watchmaker ruined the blue subdial ot the chrono changing the second hand.
I would like to have it, the price is very expansive!

 

Yes, shame about the blue register.
I'd rather have a top one with no papers

 

Totally agree. Condition is crucial, B&P is bonus.

 

I agree with you, but a good and professional watch maker could easily clean and restore the sub dial.
In my opinion to find a A386 in condition better than this today is very difficoult.
The problem is the price....

 

... easily clean and restore the subdial ...
I doubt that this is an easy job. Also the subdial hands (at least in the blue sub) are replacement parts (see the tip).
Agree totally that it is hard to find a nice all original A386 nowadays.
Best luck

 

Bought this stunning A384 last week, with tropical subdials that turn caramel in the sun, and with original paper with matching serial number and 2017 Zenith service.


Couldn't love it more...

I hope these early el primero references will get the attention they deserve both for their historical importance and for their beauty!

 

That dial is amazing! Congrats!