Zenith Vintage PVD Prototype Manual-wind cal. 146HP Chronograph Arguably one of the most famous chronograph makers in all of horology, Zenith is best-known for their El Primero automatic chronograph movement. From its status as one of the first automatic chronograph movements ever made (depending on who you ask) and the base movement to feature within the second-generation Rolex Daytona, the El Primero is certainly a modern-day icon. However, Zenith’s involvement in chronographs certainly pre-dates the El Primero, with the manual-wind cal. 146HP that powers the vintage PVD-coated stainless steel chronograph that we have here a testament to that fact. Identified as an example from the early 1970s as a result of the Zenith logo used on its black dial, this example is powered by the manual-wind cal. 146HP which was produced by Martel. An ebauche whom Zenith acquired in 1960, Martel’s expertise in producing high-class chronograph movements was what Zenith’s development of the El Primero movement relied upon. A prototype of which approx 12 were ever made, the watch provided the inspiration for the Chronometer Revival Shadow that was released in 2020. Offered as a tonneau-shaped 41mm PVD-coated stainless steel timepiece with a sleek black dial and a black rubber strap, this vintage watch aesthetically flies under the radar, yet from a mechanical perspective it retains a strong link to Martel and Zenith’s early days as a chronograph specialist who had only just developed the El Primero and were beginning to ramp up its production.
THE WATCH Made in perhaps a dozen examples, this undocumented "PROTOTYPE" provided as the inspiration for the 2020 Chronometer Revival Shadow.
THE CONSTRUCTION Featuring a PVD-coated stainless steel construction, this tonneau-shaped timepiece would have been huge for the early 1970s with its 41mm diameter, yet it wears smaller than one might expect through its blacked-out finish.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
