April 1969, El Primero
EThe 1960s saw a race between watch brands to equip chronographs with automatic winding. While the Heuer, Breitling and Buren brands (with their micro-rotor) teamed up with the module manufacturer Dubois Depraz in a secret project to develop a joint calibre (which became known as the ‘Chronomatic’), Zenith embarked on its own adventure to create an integrated calibre. In April 1969, with both sides ready to present their achievements, Zenith christened theirs ‘El Primero’. So, in English, for the avoidance of doubt.
What is an integrated chronograph?
A ‘complication’ is defined as any function other than telling the time, and so is the chronograph function, which is designed to measure partial times by means of partial counters whose mechanism is operated by push-pieces. When the race began in Switzerland in the 1960s to equip it with automatic winding, the Chronomatic consortium opted for the solution of attaching a chronograph module to a basic calibre, while Zenith decided to start from scratch by creating a calibre which integrates both elements and is therefore inseparable, something which Seiko had already achieved a year earlier with its calibres 6139 and 6138.
The chronograph control centre
In addition to the construction and the concept itself, a special feature that distinguishes the integrated chronograph from the modular chronograph is the ‘control centre’: while in the latter the functions are controlled by a series of cams, in the former we find the ‘column wheel’, a star-shaped part that is more precise and, above all, much more elegant than the cams. The rotor or oscillating mass loads the mainspring (the ‘rope’) in both directions.
Zenith Pre-owned
Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969
Ref.Rabat:
V002200218
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The Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 is based on the integrated chronograph the brand introduced that year, in fierce competition with other brands also seeking to be the first to launch an automatic chronograph. Its ‘open heart’ allows the balance wheel to be seen oscillating at the dizzying rate of 36,000 vibrations per hour or, in other words, 10 times per second, enabling it to time to the nearest tenth of a second. The calibre can also be viewed through the transparent caseback of the 2 mm diameter case.
Features
Brand
Zenith Pre-owned
Reference
03.2040.4061/69.C496
Functions
Chronograph
Automatic
Automatic
Case
Material
Stainless Steel
Case
Round
Water resistance
30 m
Diameter
42 mm
Dial
Dial colour/material
White
Bracelet
Leather
Leather
Clasp type
Foldover
Certified Official Maintenance
Certified Pre-Owned Watches:
All watches undergo a complete inspection by the brand's Official Technical Service, which includes maintenance of the watch mechanism, polishing the case and bracelet, as well as the replacement of any damaged components. In watches with leather or rubber straps, these are replaced with new straps of the same brand.
RABAT Certified Pre-Owned Watches:
RABAT Certified Pre-Owned Watches watches retain their original condition without maintenance and come with a limited warranty, preserving their unique features and timeless history.
Availability
Each watch in the RABAT Certified Pre-owned programme is unique, so availability is limited.
The rabat.net website lists a selection of available stock, but we recommend contacting our Customer Service department for specific details about each model.
April 1969, El Primero
EThe 1960s saw a race between watch brands to equip chronographs with automatic winding. While the Heuer, Breitling and Buren brands (with their micro-rotor) teamed up with the module manufacturer Dubois Depraz in a secret project to develop a joint calibre (which became known as the ‘Chronomatic’), Zenith embarked on its own adventure to create an integrated calibre. In April 1969, with both sides ready to present their achievements, Zenith christened theirs ‘El Primero’. So, in English, for the avoidance of doubt.
What is an integrated chronograph?
A ‘complication’ is defined as any function other than telling the time, and so is the chronograph function, which is designed to measure partial times by means of partial counters whose mechanism is operated by push-pieces. When the race began in Switzerland in the 1960s to equip it with automatic winding, the Chronomatic consortium opted for the solution of attaching a chronograph module to a basic calibre, while Zenith decided to start from scratch by creating a calibre which integrates both elements and is therefore inseparable, something which Seiko had already achieved a year earlier with its calibres 6139 and 6138.
The chronograph control centre
In addition to the construction and the concept itself, a special feature that distinguishes the integrated chronograph from the modular chronograph is the ‘control centre’: while in the latter the functions are controlled by a series of cams, in the former we find the ‘column wheel’, a star-shaped part that is more precise and, above all, much more elegant than the cams. The rotor or oscillating mass loads the mainspring (the ‘rope’) in both directions.
