The Most Underrated Iconic Watch Or An Epic Fail? - Zenith El Primero Timeless Chronomaster Review
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- In today’s watch review I set my eyes on one of the most understated and classy incarnations of perhaps the most important and iconic chronograph of all time.
To start, I review the history of Zenith as a brand and some of their key achievements before getting to grips with this extremely limited edition.
The Zenith Chronomaster Timeless Heritage El Primero is certainly one interesting watch. Despite this piece making me feel rather conflicted due to some faults in its design, one thing is certain - it ticks all the boxes when it comes to what you want in a luxury watch. It’s a legendary heritage brand, has an exclusive availability, is stunningly refined in terms of quality, has some serious horological muscle to power it, and all of this is done in a classy and "timeless" (forgive the pun) style.
So what could possibly go wrong? Join me as we take a closer look and find out.
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No collector can call themselves “serious” unless they have an El Primero in their collection....simples!
The more you study this Brand the more you realise how good they are compared to the others in the market.
Oh my. Zenith is my holy grail brand. I've always been like: "Who cares for Rolex when you got Zenith???". LOL
My definitive Schwarzkopf would be: Zenith El Primero Original 1969 and Grand Seiko SBGR253G.
Why am I not surprised? I love your choices fratello.
Keep being awesome Luca, I hope you are well.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
zenith is cheap how could it be holy grail ?
it's also my grail watch.
Your audio and visual intro was aesthetically pleasing TGV as usual. I cannot stress enough the exceptional time and passion you put into your historical research and narration. I really enjoy your finished product. I love your thoroughness and completeness regarding the information provided. A very entertaining and visually stimulating video. An El Primero is on my radar. Thank you once again, Sir. I look forward to the next. Keep up the great work and best regards.
Thank you Bubba, as always you are a true gent for saying so.
The fact you understand and appreciate how much goes into this, well, the respect is mutual.
Onwards and upwards my friend!
Best regards,
TGV
I am of the same opinion. I normally get bored by watch review but this channel is different and I often end up listening to review of watches I would never want to own but the history that comes with the review is always interesting. This and longislandwatch informative capsules are my favourite watch related youtube channels.
You are starting to cost me some money man, bought a Seiko Alpinist and a Hamilton Khaki field this week because of these videos.
Zenith is the only company apart from Grand Seiko that regularly uses 36,000 bph high beat rate movements in their watches what requires a lot of craftsmanship as there are the problems of wear and power reserve. Do I need to say more?
You are wrong my friend, there are other watch companies producing watches with movements beating with 36000 bph, ie, Zodiac SST 36000, Seiko Lord Marvel, Blancpain Bathyscaphe Chronograph Flyback, Chopard L.U.C 8HF Power Control, the Movado chronograph 36000 bph and of finally the Tag Heuer caliber 21.
@@mikepatrik5156 GS 5 HZ caliber has a stop second hand function with 55 hr power reserve and a precision handmade watch. A High performance precision handmade timepiece and affordable.
I'm confused - are you saying the hi-beat 36,000bph movement is a good thing or bad?
@@mikec3454 it's very good, better accuracy and less affected by shock.
One of your most professional and comprehensive reviews.
Thank you Sylvio :D
Very much appreciated.
Best regards,
TGV
Another terrific review, Tristano. I've heard how iconic the El Primero is, but I honestly knew next to nothing about the brand. I appreciate the thorough research you put into each episode. Well done!
Thank you Matt, hearing that makes it all worth it!
Onwards and upwards,
Best regards,
TGV
You've become a badass reviewer!!! I've been watching you for years it's just amazing seeing your progression.
Progressive realization of a worthy ideal equals success and that is what you're doing. It's in 3D for the world to see.
TGV you did an exceptional job on this video! It felt like less of a review and more of a documentary, those up close glamor shots were perfect. And I appreciate the in depth historical assessment of the brand.
Keep it up!
Beautiful video, I love your appreciation for the craft. Thanks for all the hard work you put into it
Awesome watch!
Thank you so much for saying that, it makes it all worth it.
Onwards and upwards.
Best regards,
TGV
Groovy Introduction TGV, executed wonderfully. The Zenith brand is new to me as is the El Primero, I'm fond of the watch and the brand, thank you for the in depth dive into the brand and detailed review. I appreciate how well you speak and the choice of words you use, it's a signature not only to you but your videos/brand as well. Cheers!
I wouldn’t change a thing! Stunning in every way to my eye.
Just bought my first automatic watch last week. A Seiko SKX013 purchased from Long Island Watch, both at the recommendation of The Governor. Absolutely loving it. Thank you for helping me start my journey into the world of horology!
Welcome to the best hobby a person can have and what a perfect way to do it.
The SKX will serve you well throughout your journey, from start to finish.
Enjoy it my friend and thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
Thank you, I certainly will enjoy it. Keep up all of the good work you do.
Love the Beatles intro!
"The back is almost as enjoyable as the front" TGV 2018
what a pure class comment this is.
Impeccable video as usual. Impeccable history lesson in the first part of this video. Love it. I cannot agree more. Zenith is always overlooked despite of its history, heritage, performance and awards. When I look at Zenith watches I am always astonished and I know there is value e quality, but when the moment to make a purchase decision comes I end up to look at other brands such as Omega (my favorite brand all time). Why? I don't know, but my soul is in love with something else and my heart say always Omega or Tudor. At the the end I believe that the case design of Zenith watches is sometimes too extreme or too classic, old fashion, maybe too much on both side. Nothing in the middle that satisfies my greedy and hungry of personal vintage design eyes. Definitely Zenith is an excellent watch maker and its products are a majestic exercise of technique, innovation, and research but unfortunately it's not my cup of tea. Just my feeling TGV. Thank you for this amazing review.
"The back is as enjoyable as the front." --TGV
Just how i like my women.. lol
nice
I just love how it looks so absolutely classic, yet modern at the same time. Truly timeless. Also, I could see this being worn by literally anybody. You can dress it up, or down with some casual strap and it will just work. I think this is the highest challenge in watch design. Creating a piece that just looks right for any occasion. It's much easier to design something specialized, since you only target a single group of customers with very particular set of demands.
I think this is why some classic models barely changed for many decades. If you have a perfect design and flawless execution why mess with it. Submariner would be another great example. Infinitely versatile.
This is one my favorite watch channels. You provide real information; do not criticize other channels; and you do not suffer from Rolex OCD like many of the other channels. Keep up the good work!
My answer to the question in the title is both. This is one of my favorite watches.
Huge fan of this watch. I purchased 25/25 of this LE and love it. Engagement gift to myself :)
Wow, that is amazing to hear from an actual owner, you have style sir!
I doff my imaginary hat to you!
Enjoy it and than k you for sharing,
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry Agree with your review. I personally like the hands but I’m aware of another owner who did t like them due to poor legibility and Timeless worked with Zenith to create custom replacement hands for the client! Incredible service! Crown is definitely small to operate.
I’m now awaiting delivery of 22/25 :)
The El Primero A386 and A384 are my favorite watches of all time. It just exudes everything I love about watches. Heritage, story, craftsmanship...and it's just pretty.
Love zenith watches. I have an old one from the 60's that was my granddads. Great little watch
I absolutely love Zenith. In fact my first "nice" watch was an El Primero Class 4 with black dial, and it's as much of a beauty outside as it is a beast inside. Even at the same price point I would choose an El Primero over a Daytona anytime.
I need to send this video to a friend of mine who swore Rolex never used a Zenith movement! Damn, I could have won a bet! And I could even live very well with the crown, but the 19mm lug width is kind of a pain.
My trinity Zenith, JLC and Seiko.
Love it!!!!
An that is form a VC and AP fan! :D
Thank you Dan,
Best regards,
TGV
Grand Seiko’s are amazing! Big honour for that people who created and actually making them.
Instead of Seiko, i will give it up for Bond watch Omega Seamaster, particularly 300. Jlc i dont like reverso. Only love the ultrathin or master control. As for Z, definitely the 1969 l primer0....
Simply beautiful. Not much more to be said, really. Pure class.
Thank you Justin,
Best regards,
TGV
Recent videos are truly at an elevated level .,⌚️. While magically also bringing the comforting delivery of 2015...
This is one your best videos. You really stepped it up with this one. Keep it up!
Looks like I’m staying up 21:12 longer than expected
I really enjoyed this. Zenith is one of my favorite watch brands.
My second watch, in 1968, at the tender age of 12, was a Zenith. My dad bought it for me when I passed the scholarship exams to gain entrance to an English public school. I wish I still had it.
It came (at my request) with a metal band of a very particular kind, whose name completely escapes me. My dad had the same band on his Breitling. I wish I knew what happened to that watch, too.
Wow, I wish I was as classy at 12. Your father sounds like an absolute legend.
Thank you David, I bet you miss that watch.
Best regards,
TGV
He bought me an Omega Chronostop for my 18th. I still have that watch - sadly, he passed away some 15 years ago. I think of him every time I wear it.
u had an awesome dad...my dad didn't bought me a watch coz he was saving money for my education fee..I will pass my Omega Seasmaster to my son when he graduated university ..
Cheers to good Dads and fine Fathers. Raise a pint. 🍺
I love the simplicity even though everytime I think of the El Primero I always think of the Iconic Tri-color subdials. I guess that's why this one is a steal on the second hand market.
Thanks for yet another great review Tgv!
Thank you, very kind of you to say.
I adore the tri-colour one, it certainly is the icon.
Best regards,
TGV
Amazing watch ! I got a Vintage Zenith from my grandfather so I love this brand but didn't really know about their history. Thank for that video 😊
Zenith makes excellent watches! Their more subtle pieces speak to me more personally, but their finishing & movements are top across the board.
Love, love, love the blued hands on this one! I'm going to have to add this piece to my list for sure.
So glad I could help, a very worthy choice.
Thank you Alex,
Best regards,
TGV
I just love the passion you have for watches and video making, all the uploads are so detailed and beautifully crafted, with expansive visual elements and knowledge. Even though I am not a big watch collector, you are definitely one of my favourite youtubers.
Possibly one of the most under rated chronographs...I surely think so
That dial is so clean and beautiful, I almost forgot about Zenith...but wow the simplicity is somewhat satisfying compared to some of the other incredible El Primeros hahaha
Hope you are well TGV.
Always happy to see one of your videos in my sub boxes!!
Regards from down under.
Don’t worry about the straps - I have all mine made by a fellow in Vietnam (some guy off of eBay) who does superb work. You specify the exact measurements like lengths of each strap, lug width,buckle width, material like crocodile or ostrich or other, and colour, and thickness of the strap.... this guy willl make it exactly to your specs.... all for about $37.
I truly believe that if he stamped “Patek Philippe “ on the back they would sell for about $400. They’re not copies, they are his own, but bloody excellently well made. If you want more info, email me. I don’t work for him; I’m not related to him; I don’t get a commission, etc, etc. etc.
Sounds fantastic.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
The only thing I have in common with TGV is Pentel GraphGear 500. Jokes aside, great video and what a great watch, really. I've met your channel when searching how to start a watch collection and due to you I think I've became a watch enthusiast and I don't even have a watch yet. Anyway, thank you TGV
Just purchased the Sinn 104 Sa St I. After looking at countless watches for over a year. Your review helped me pull the trigger and im glad I did. Love the channel TGV. I hope you continue to be prolific.
Fantastic choice!
You will not regret it. I am so glad I was able to help.
Thank you for the kind words and comment, it makes it all worth it.
Enjoy your Sinn Jack,
Best regards,
TGV
My next piece im saving for is actually the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Moonphase in yellow gold! Good to see you to are a man of taste TGV 👍🏻
You classy devil!
Good luck, it's a hell of a watch. I loved reviewing that one too.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Zenith El Primero> 99% of all other watches IMHO.
Paul!
Great to hear from you sir.
I hope you are well fratello.
BTW, we are having an event in August 1st.
I will txt you the details next week, I hope you can make it.
It would be great to see you.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Va bene T!
I share the same view
Great review TGV 👍. I couldn't agree more on the leaf hands. It's an awsome watch but I still like the Herritage 146 dial beter. Can't beat that insane sunburst. You are on a roll! Keep it up.
O&U, regards
Koen
Thank you Keon,
I am glad you agree, I really though I was the only one.
Best regards,
TGV
Very informative about an understated but well known and respected watch brand...although I am not a big fan of the brand itself. The problem with most chronographs is that they cannot be worn as dress timepiece even if they are from luxury brand!
A very interesting point. Perhaps a great topic for a video!
Thank you Ahmed,
Best regards,
TGV
...exactly the mix of understated class, innovation and quality I appreciate the most.
Unfortunately they’re so expensive too, and the competition is very hard at this level.
(Sorry that I hit the “send” button by accident😂)
Keep up the good work👍
Thank you Kjeld,
Haha, you got distracted by the horo-porn ;-)
Very good point about value, I tend to agree.
Best regards,
TGV
Fabulous.......just fabulous.
I have always loved zenith for their legendary El Primero 21 movement and they keep reincarnating their old models along with creating revolutionary and avant-garde ones. Thanks for sharing this beauty TGV.
I remember the moon phase review,that movement looked amazing
Outstanding review.
Without the benefit of seeing this piece in the steel, I must disagree on the leaf hands. There is something about them on this watch that reminds me of a vintage map. The dial colour with those neat sharp lines just provide me the feeling of a “new world” adventurer.
I love that clear case back. It unveils a true beast.
Agree on the price. Too many other great options at the price point.
Thank you Dean,
So glad you enjoy the watch.
Best regards,
TGV
I’d always wanted a Rolex chronograph but could never afford one until I read an article on another watch forum about “Why I didn’t buy a Daytona”. It detailed a story about a chap wanted to buy a Daytona while attending the Basel watch fair. The shop who had on in the case wouldn’t sell it, probably waiting for someone to pay too much! Instead, the writer elected to buy a Zenith El Primero. I started looking for one and found a watch seller in the UK offering one which looked very similar to the Daytona with screw down pushers and crown. I paid $1600.00! Never did buy a Daytona but I’m over it now.
A piece of art. My biggest negative is, no hacking movement. Don't understand a chrono certified without the possibility to synchronize to the perfect time.
Extreme nerdgasm when you showed the display back of that beatiful, classy beast!
Best regards!
Haha, very glad to hear it.
Thank you Joao,
Best regards,
TGV
I too agree with you on the shorter crown. As a result, both the pushers look like horns protruding too much...
Great review as always.
Robocop is very appropriate. Great cold open to start.
Thank you James :D
Best regards,
TGV
That flower that you made in the intro was amazing. It's at 0:24 and simply mesmerizing. I think Kubrick would enjoy what you are doing.
'Oscar-late'?
I have always admired the El Primero
TGV!
What can I say? Another fantastic review! I love your channel.
The first video of yours I saw was two years ago when I was looking for my first watch. I was so lucky to find you because you have the best videos for finding out about a watch, the company history, and general information about the watch industry. I love what you do. Your charisma and enthusiasm for watches and history inspire so many people to find a hidden love for timepieces. I am so happy to be a subscriber.
Thank you for everything!
P.S. - The skeleton style Zenith that you showed a picture of at the beginning of the review was breathtaking!
Best regards,
James
Thank you James for the kind words, it inspires me deeply.
I am deeply flattered. Hearing that you are happy makes my day!
Onwards and upwards my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
As usual, love the show. What a historic brand.
Thank you Jay :D
Best regards,
TGV
Another great intro TGV! I think I like the chronomaster moonphase better.
Thank you :D
Truth be told, if I had to choose better, I would go with the moony too.
But then again, you I am a sucker for a nice moon phase.
Best regards,
TGV
Sold my Zenith Elite Chronomaster last year. Got sod all for it. Some dealers didn't even make me an offer, no demand for them. Also you can get massive discounts on new Zeniths. That says a lot . A shame 'cos they make a lovely looking watch, it was a perfect time keeper, however the finishing on mine wasn't perfect.
So interested to hear the Zenith movement was used in Daytonas. ⌚❤😁
Chili Prepper: And.....Rolex had Zenith slow it down for use in the Daytona. If I'm not mistaken, El Primero is the only self winding chronograph IN THE WORLD which runs at 10 beats per second. You have to hear one held against your own ear to appreciate the great ticking sound.
Have a Rainbow and a Stratos, both with El Primero movements. They're great watches with very beautiful dials
It's a real pleasure to watch you review this beautiful watch. :-)
Once again, a staggeringly-gorgeous production, wholly worthy of its subject.
As far as who actually brought the first automatic chronograph to serial production goes, that's a whole different kettle of fish. Zenith's big claim to fame IMO is the level of engineering finesse brought to bear in the El Primero, which they've continued to push right up to the present. All this being said, if I could have just one watch to put on my wrist for all time, it would be the El Primero Rainbow Flyback: not the most cutting-edge example of the movement (not anymore, at least...we're talking 1990s "cutting edge" here), but that watch's nexus of engineering and design...wow, it still has me in its thrall.
Again, top-notch review/overview!
Just pulled the trigger on this. 😳😃
No denying this channel is slick. Great intros!
This El Primero you present is a beautiful watch. Interesting for me when I heard your negatives. I had to agree with you concerning the watch's stubby crown. But the hands I like very much. It's an elegant piece all round. I've priced Zenith in the past and have been bowled over at their cost. A pricey timepiece. I've had an interest for a long time in Zenith's El Primero Bullitt (never sure how to spell that) but it's so expensive. Seems to me that all luxury brands demand a high price of one kind or another.
What an amazing bit of technology! Of course, you're paying quite a premium to own one, but wow! This is the first time I've ever really lusted after such a high priced brand. The combination of technology and elegance is very seductive. I know TGV is very enamored with 70''s style but I think the hands on this model are da bomb.
Nice review man... Today I went to the gym and I am kinda tired but I saw your video and made a cup of coffee to watch it while I am drinking. Also Beatles song was awesome!
El Primero...my favorite chronograph. Imho head and shoulders above the Speedy and Navitimer from a true enthusiast's perspective...that "stealth luxury" you mentioned is precisely why I love it so much! I agree that the crown and pushers should display a bit more symmetry, but that dial just sings to me. That gorgeous movement reminds me of something Lange might do...I could stare at it all day! I still think I would opt for the iconic tri-color El Primero though...but I am going to take a look at your vid of the Chronomaster Calendar Moonphase. What a gorgeous piece! Cheers and thanks for another fantastic video TGV!
Yes!! Another el primero review!! ❤️
Zenith is definitely no fail. It's history, heritage, innovation, but forgotten for a long time (outside the watch community). The brand is respected, but not a household name. However, that is changing. Zenith brand is becoming more known outside watch fans.
i have 2 primeros and happy to see some praise for zenith, the watch is the best suited to your wrist ive seen.
What a beautiful rotor.
She's a beauty, thx for sharing it.
Great intro btw.
Thank you sir!
A pleasure.
Best regards,
TGV
I don't want a timeless watch, I need it to tell time.
This is just a joke
Have a nice day
fucking brilliant.
I own the Zenith triple date moon phase, I have watched your review of it many times just for fun. You should definitely add one to your collection of all may watches it might be my favorite. Love your channel!
I might adjust my watch spending focus from a Sub to the Zenith El Primero. Cheaping out and upping my huerology quotient.
That is not cheating out, I think its a classy move.
But then again, you can never go wrong with a sub ;-)
Thank you CP,
Best regards,
TGV
This channel along with Reddit watches helped me learn so fast! I started with a Sarb033 right before it was discontinued. Keep it up !
I learned of Zenith about a year and half ago and always felt they were seriously overlooked.
I'd love to see some videos focused on mechanical hand wound watches. It's always Quartz vs Automatic, but hand wound is so endearing to me, not to mention thinner.
12:30: It is often said that integrated chronographs are better than modular ones as they pick their momentum from any point of the gear train while moldular chronograph are powered all by the pointer shaft. I personally have both variants: a Jazzmaster Lord Hamilton with a Valjoux 7750 and a Presage with a Seiko 8R48 (and leaf hands!). Well, the Seiko has a column wheel and a vertical clutch which the Valjoux doesn't have. And I think that the pushers a a lot smoother than the ones of the Valjoux. Plus, it has 34 jewels while the Valjoux has 25.
And of course you have to distinguish between chronograph moduls that are simple planted on top of a regular non-chronograph movement and chronograph movements that have a modular design and wouldn't work without the chronograph modul.
I can't believe this is underrated! Just look at it, nothing else needs to be said!
Haha, so true.
I think the thing is, most people wish to Rolex, Omega and these days Tudor.
But then again, maybe that is just my perception,
What do you think?
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Haha, I try never to guess how other human's are thinking because the world still confuses me sometimes! But I think people are taken by what others say and see than what they sometimes might enjoy more.
Imho Zenith itself is one of the most underrated watch brands. But maybe i feel so due to my "relationship" to the brand. It's been my first luxury timepiece (El Primero Rainbow SS). I prefered it to a Speedmaster, Aquaracer and Submariner. Great review as always TGV. Greets from Germany.
Genuinely awesome piece of craftsmanship. But now quite dangerous to my credit card. Thanks for the great and thorough review.
What a stunner. One day I'll have to own a Zenith but sadly, this is out of my price range anytime soon. Nice review. Ciao! John
My Dream 4 watch collection
Beater-Gshock Ga-300
Dress-Victorinox Alliance
Everyday-Old faithful Seiko Pepsi 😉
Special occasions- Tag Heur Carrea Caliprer Heurer 1
Thoughts?
Fantastic watch, and the intro visuals with The Beatles playing in the background was absolutely superb! Overall great video. Would you however do a video sharing your thoughts and opinions on CWC watches?
Nice video TGV, but really, not everybody has wrists to wear these mini diameter watches, would be nice to also see a video now and then of some large 45mm+ diameter watches and still consider people who like those as real watch lovers. All the best and keep up the good work!
Beautiful as is. Love the hands and blend of modern and old styling.
putting it on the distressed brown leather band from colareb you have/had would look great ! it is great looking watch, i like watches like this one or omega 321 chronograph, white chronograph dial. Great review too !
Great presentation. I love getting the historical context. My husband is a fan of your videos and he doesn't even wear a watch !
As always very informative.i love the little pocket histories you do about brands.succinct and salient.just enough,not to much.lovely timepiece.amazing display back.good work fella.
Thank you Rick,
As always, you are a true gent for saying so, onwards and upwards.
Best regards,
TGV
Definitely one of the most beautiful watches you have reviewed. Your overview of the company itself was remarkable.
Great Video! I appreciate the level of research, information and objectivity you provide in your reviews. Very nice intro BTW!
This watch is the same watch that Zenith did as a Hodinkee limited edition. The only difference is the color of the dial and 3rd sub dial.
This one is actually way nicer because it has the champagne dial that looks absolutely out of this world in person, and blued chronometer hand and sub-dial hands.
It's also got pretty much the same crown and pushers as the Vacheron Constantin Cornes De Vache.
When I found that Rolex was using the Zenith El Primero movement I gave up looking for the Rolex chronograph and bought the Zenith instead. I had to buy it from a watch seller in the UK. Interestingly, it uses screw-down crown and pushers and has an expandable oyster type bracelet. Feel free to contact if interested.
What a beautiful watch, never realised how much of a steal zenith watches are second hand for the quality
Thank you Owen, they are indeed a soft spot in the used market.
Best regards,
TGV
Zenith make great pieces , my grail is an el primero tri color chrono probably gonna get the blue dial 38 mm version by the end of this year great video as always :)