Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Open

This Zenith Chromomaster El Primero Open has a movement inside that played an important role in horological history which goes back to the late 60’s. During this time, there was a race to create the first automatic chronograph. Hueur in joint venture with Breitling, Hamilton and Dobuis created the first automatic chronograph which was presented to the world in March of 1969, but Zenith beat them to the punch by being the first to officially announce to the media the creation of an automatic Chronograph, called El Primero in January of that year. It is important to note that commercial production of El Primero did not start until the fall of 69.

El Primero movement was also the first automatic chronograph that beat at 5 hertz. Fast forward to today, and Zenith still producing high frequency calibers some with chronographs that beat at 50 hertz!

This gorgeous Zenith is using caliber El Primero 4021 based on the famous El Primero 400. This high frequency in-house automatic movement beats at 5 hertz using 31 jewels and features silicon escape wheel, chronograph with column wheel, bi directional winding and about 50 hours power reserve.

The case is crafted in 18K rose gold with a silver Dial that features an open escapement design between the 8 and 12 O’clock position that allows you to view the heart of this caliber in action.

The dial also has 30 minute and 12 hour counter sub-dials that overlap each other forming an eight. This is a Zenith signature design that has been use on many models. The chronograph is very precise and feels very solid when you press on the pushers and that’s thanks to the column wheel.

This luxurious case comes paired with a brown alligator strap with an 18k rose gold pin buckle.