One can easily be forgiven for thinking that the case is made from something more precious than stainless steel. When light hits the watch it glistens back at the wearer. The 45mm case is cast from stainless steel that has been very finely polished everywhere except the top of the lugs. It has many complications but takes them all within its stride. The Zenith 03.2160.4047/01.c713 is a time piece that has a lot going on. 18 different metals in the classic version.77 other milling operations on the bridge side.According to the El Primero information booklet, making the movement involves: These unique requirements have given rise to over 600 different movements. Available to buy pre-owned from The Watch Sourceĭue to the more niche specifications of Zenith watches, production is carried out from start to finish in their factory in Le Locle with all parts being expertly crafted by watchmakers. Rolex Daytona 16520, a model featuring a Zenith El Primero movement. Other brands such as Panerai, Tag Heuer and Bulgari adopted the movement into their pieces. This collaboration made some of the most sought after Daytona models in today’s market, one is available on our pre-owned website. During the 1980’s Rolex started rolling out production of the 16520 Daytona, a model that used the Zenith El Primero movement as its base. The adjustments earned serious attention within the industry. Increasing speed meant that the Zenith chronograph movements could accurately measure time within 1/10th of a second. To deal with the inevitable increased wear and tear they had to developed special lubricants that stay in the watch longer as well as increasing the power reserve to 50 hours. Zenith adapted their movement but increasing the speed at which it worked at, oscillating at 36,600 bph instead of the usual 18,800 bph which was the norm at the time. The Seiko ‘6139’ was discontinued in 1980 with the Calibre 11 being upgraded to a Calibre 12 within a year due to issues such as an overly strong mainspring and weak rotor. The brand did so in a way which has meant the ‘El Primero’ has out competed and out lived its rivals. Already later than many other brands, Zenith had to differentiate its calibre to stand out. A calibre which had involvement from brands such as Heuer, Breitling, Buren and Dubois-Depraz.ĭuring 1969, the production of these movements meant that automatic chronographs watches were readily available on the market. 1969 saw Zenith announce the El Primero in January (didn’t release until October), Seiko release the 6139 movement to the Japanese market in May with Heuer’s calibre 11 being released in August 1969. The title of ‘the first automatic chronograph’ is one that is fiercely fought over and has, historically, caused much contention among the watch world. El Primero proudly printed on the case back An achievement earned through over 300 years of learning from watch making tradition. The El Primero has the honour of being the most accurate series produced movement in the world. Zenith’s El Primero movement has provided a concrete foundation on which the brand has been able to build a rich history. At number 34, Rue des Billodes, Le Locle the manufacturer has been working tirelessly to perfect the art of time keeping to such a level of precision to earn 2,333 chronometry awards during their lifetime. Since 1865, a small Swiss town nestled with the valleys of Neuchatel has been producing on of the most famous movements ever made within the watch industry.
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