1970s Zenith 'TV' El Primero Ref. 01.0200.415 With Box Why This Watch Matters This "TV"-shaped El Primero is a Zenith you won't come across too often, plus it's in essentially unworn condition. The Full Story The Zenith El Primero debuted in 1969 as one of the world's first automatic chronographs. Zenith featured the new movement in a number of different case shapes at launch, but there is nothing quite like the model we have here. This reference came a few years after the El Primero was released, in the early/mid 1970s, and it would be produced until around the end of that decade. Collectors today refer to this model as the "TV" or "Big Blue" due to its square-tonneau case shape that resembled a television set and the distinct blue colored dial. This watch features a large stainless-steel case with a beautiful blue dial that has a tachymeter scale around its periphery, adding some nice depth. The bezel is polished, so that contrasts nicely with the brushed case and bracelet. The dial has three sub-dials with "TV" shaped silver rings that accentuate the case design. The watch also has an integrated stainless steel bracelet that starts at 31mm wide at the lugs and tapers to 16mm at the clasp, adding a nice level of comfort on the wrist. Zenith used two different bracelets for this model. The earlier examples, like we have here, had a thicker, heavier style of bracelet, but eventually Zenith switched to a lighter one made by Novavit SA (NSA). The story goes that the initial bracelets Zenith used for this model were made by Châtelain. The company went out of business in the middle of this model's production, so Zenith switched to bracelets made by NSA. The bracelet is double signed at the clasp with both the Zenith and Châtelain logos. The chronograph pushers are also interesting on this model. When viewed from behind, you'll notice there is a single piece of steel that functions like a lever when engaging the pushers. This innovation was supposed to allow for easier use of the pushers, especially compared to a traditional design. It adds to the watch's unique vintage style. The example we have here is in mint, nearly unworn condition. It was clearly well taken care of, spending most of its life in a safe. It even comes with the original box, which is overall well preserved. The Zenith "TV" El Primero is a great watch for warmer weather and is something you won't come across everyday. The Fine Print Maker: Zenith Model: El Primero Reference: 01.0200.415 Year: 1970s Case No: N/A Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 44.2 x 42.1mm (height x width); 14.3mm thickness Crystal: Mineral glass Lume: Yes, tritium lume on hands; no lume on dial Caliber: Self winding El Primero, caliber 3019 PHC Bracelet/Strap: Zenith integrated stainless steel bracelet Lug Width: 31mm Box/Papers: Original box What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Nearly unworn condition - 'TV'-style case shape - Integrated bracelet - Original box Things To Know: - Light handling marks on case - Crystal has scratch at two o'clock This El Primero is in excellent, essentially unworn condition. The case and bracelet have a few very light scratches and handling marks. The polished part of the bezel has a few very light scratches, too. The caseback still has some of the original purple protective coating on it. The dial and hands are in excellent condition with very little patina. The crystal has a scratch at two o'clock that is hard to see in the photos. The bracelet is in excellent condition with no stretch and some very minor handling marks.
