The watch here comes with its original ladder bracelet, which was manufactured by Gay Freres, a notably supplier to Patek Philippe. Combine that with the special tri-color sub-register dial, and outstanding condition, and you have the ultimate El Primero. Only 2,500 examples of the A386 reference were produced between 19, making this watch a highly sought after, and very hard watch to come by. Each have their points of interest, but the El Primero was unquestionably the first fast-beat, column wheel, full rotor integrated (not modular) chronograph movement ever made, and of the three pioneering self-winding chronographs that launched in 1969, it is the only one still in production. The other two were of course the Caliber 11, and the Seiko 6139. Let’s review: the Zenith El Primero, at its launch in 1969, was one of the first (arguably the first, and it’s one of the things enthusiasts love to argue about) self-winding chronographs. Launched in 1969, the El Primero model continues to be one of the most popular Zenith watches still sold by the brand. And the unmatched history, longevity, and technical importance of the legendary El Primero speak for itself. Why This Watch Matters The El Primero Reference A386 has become extremely hard to find – let alone in this condition and with its original “ladder” bracelet.

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