Zenith El Primero - What are your thoughts?

[legedema]

I am looking for a new watch, was thinking to get a Pam but after trying them out I am not that sure.
during my last visit I noticed the El Primero and appreciate to get your ideas about it.
any owner here ?

[arcadelt]

Originally Posted by legedema

during my last visit I noticed the El Primero and appreciate to get your ideas about it.

any owner here ?

Depends on which reference you are considering, but in general the movement is legendary and the watches are well built. Value retention is poor, but if you were considering a Panerai anyway, that shouldn’t be a difficulty.

[legedema]

I tried the black dial , my other alternative is Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph

[arcadelt]

Originally Posted by legedema

I tried the black dial , my other alternative is Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph

They have lots of watches with El Primero movements and black dials. You might need to be more specific, or perhaps post a picture.

[1William]

Great movement and a variety of watches and dial colors. You need to be specific as to which model and dial configuration. My advice would be to get a significant discount, 30%, if new and close to 50% off msrp if pre-owned.

[JR16]

I had the 38mm classic and got bored so traded it.


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[legedema]

Originally Posted by 1William

Great movement and a variety of watches and dial colors. You need to be specific as to which model and dial configuration. My advice would be to get a significant discount, 30%, if new and close to 50% off msrp if pre-owned.

Wow,thats a huge amount of discount what you are mentioning.
What makes you think that they will agree to reduce 30% ,sounds interesting and actually huge if true

[stockae92]

PAM and Zenith EP are very different watch. Which one are you trying to compare between? And what are you looking for in your watch purchase?

[AEC]

I love 'em. There are some that are over-styled to my eye, but others are really classic renditions of a great chronograph. The movement is dynamite; one of the world's benchmarks, I think.

I had a Captain Chronograph with a Champagne colored dial and rose gold hands & indices, and I loved it.

[aa909]

I just picked up my first Zenith with the El Primero movement

Bronze Pilot Chrono with blue dial



great looking piece and the movement is excellent. after 10 days and it's less than 2 sec fast/day

[Speed]

I have the 1969 reissue. The size doesn’t feel small to me. I think it’s just right. Love the vintage feel.

I put it on a black Zenith gator as it comes with brown.

The lug width is 19mm so if you want to swap in other straps, you won’t have as much of a selection unless you buy soft 20mms and jam them on. Spring bars are also curved.

As others have said, value retention is not your friend with these. Buy used.

[Peterandwatches]

Tried it. Wasn’t for me, but they’re lovely pieces.

[legedema]

Originally Posted by stockae92

PAM and Zenith EP are very different watch. Which one are you trying to compare between? And what are you looking for in your watch purchase?

was looking for Pam233 but figured out that it is to complicated but later on I saw El Primero 1969 and it was kinda good looking watch.but I dont have much info. about Zenith.

the issue with Pam is ; that every time I see a good watch they say it is discontinued. that also sound a little strange.
the new models with the blue seconds are nothing for me

[legedema]

Originally Posted by Speed

I have the 1969 reissue. The size doesn’t feel small to me. I think it’s just right. Love the vintage feel.

I put it on a black Zenith gator as it comes with brown.

The lug width is 19mm so if you want to swap in other straps, you won’t have as much of a selection unless you buy soft 20mms and jam them on. Spring bars are also curved.

As others have said, value retention is not your friend with these. Buy used.

thanks , guess the best way is to find a used one

[Speed]

Originally Posted by legedema

thanks , guess the best way is to find a used one

Most definitely.

I have not sent mine in for a service yet. I am used to the stellar treatment I get from my RSC so I’m sure Zenith is bound to be a let down, but we shall see.

[rootbeer7]

You turned down a 233. Shame on you!!! El Primero a great movement, a lot of choice in specific watch. Pam 233 probably a safer bet financially (bought well)

[ericisback]

Have loved mine for almost 20 years...

[arcentaur]

Mine’s Class 4 with the 400Z movement. Pretty much the only watch I wear these days.

[Cabaiguan]

Cronometró. Absolutely love the watch and the history behind it.



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[VintageVagabound]

Recently I’ve tried on some of the 42mm ones and was surprised at how small they wear (in a good way). I have 6.5” wrists and I could swear that these el primeros were closer to 40mm. I really like the way they do the blue dials and like others have said I wouldn’t pay retail. They are always cheaper grey or used.

[Fabrice M]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

You turned down a 233. Shame on you!!! El Primero a great movement, a lot of choice in specific watch. Pam 233 probably a safer bet financially (bought well)

233 is a great watch for sure : ) especially the 233 dot.

[El-Duderino]

I have two Zeniths: Classic Cars and Boutique Open Chronomaster. Fun pieces and the EP movement is pretty much adored by watch enthusiasts.


If you were considering Panerai, then the 42mm models are probably the size you’d want. Since this is your first Zenith, I’d stick with the tried and true 1969 Chronomaster instead of the myriad other options out there. If buying new, 20% off MSRP is very doable and see if they’ll throw in an extra alligator strap as I think Zenith has some of the finest OEM straps out there.



Buy LNIB if you can or be prepared to be offered 50% of MSRP on trade or less.

Oh, and pay attention to the chronograph subdial layout. The older models have the minute subdial obscured by the hour subdial.

[CoveWatch]

Originally Posted by Speed

I have the 1969 reissue. The size doesn’t feel small to me. I think it’s just right. Love the vintage feel.

I put it on a black Zenith gator as it comes with brown.

The lug width is 19mm so if you want to swap in other straps, you won’t have as much of a selection unless you buy soft 20mms and jam them on. Spring bars are also curved.

As others have said, value retention is not your friend with these. Buy used.

That looks fantastic! I’ve always liked the way these looked

[Speed]

Originally Posted by CoveWatch

That looks fantastic! I’ve always liked the way these looked

Thank you!

My only quibble is Zenith is poor on value retention as previously mentioned.

The size is perfect on this one. And again 19mm lug width and curved proprietary spring bars are a bit weird.

[VanAdian]

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my 38mm 1969 on bracelet. I don’t quite buy the value retention argument here. What other than Rolex, in this price range retains value? I also don’t buy and enjoy watches expecting a zero or positive value return.
I got a pretty good deal (35% below msrp) but am again not particularly concerned about resale as this will be a keeper for me. Having said that, looking at the sales forums, a 10-15 % knock on an openly available purchase price seems a more than reasonable “first owner “ fee for this iconic piece.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by VanAdian

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my 38mm 1969 on bracelet. I don’t quite buy the value retention argument here. What other than Rolex, in this price range retains value? I also don’t buy and enjoy watches expecting a zero or positive value return.
I got a pretty good deal (35% below msrp) but am again not particularly concerned about resale as this will be a keeper for me. Having said that, looking at the sales forums, a 10-15 % knock on an openly available purchase price seems a more than reasonable “first owner “ fee for this iconic piece.

Yes. It's not a Rolex.

I am not complaining too much mind you. I like the watch quite a bit. I don't intend to sell any time soon either. Just thought fair warning was called for.

[EdwardC]

Look for the striking 10th that resembles the 1969 model. Occasionally there're still some NOS available

[legedema]

thanks you all for good advices.
will try to decide soon

[Mik8yu]

Same dilemma here. Was going for 16520 but the price just screams insanity.

Did the OP eventually go with it. The 1969 chrono is the model I kept coming back to. And the striking tenth.


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[wgdaytona]

Buy it, you will love an El Primmer movement in the Zenith. The history, the crazy smooth feeling of the winding mechanism and the trigger color look. I don't care for the open heart or other more modern looks, BUT the traditional trim color reissues are so beautiful you will never get tired of it. There is a 38mm and a 42mm model so choose based on what wears better on you. Buy used, or you'll pay 6/7000 new and used in mint can be found 4500-5000. I have one for sale, BUT only because I have two, I will never sell my second one. Superior to Panari by far I believe. Good luck!