Zenith El Primero Ref. G381 - Tropical 'Panda' Dial

Zenith has a long and rich history in watchmaking dating back to 1865, with the second half of the twentieth century regarded as their golden age.

We're not ones to disagree, and how could we when they are credited with development and production of one of the first automatic-winding chronograph movements ever. That of course, is the El-Primeo high-frequency movement, which without a doubt all on its own changed the company. The movement was unveiled in the Ref. A386 in 1969 and ended the race to build the first automatic-winding chronograph movement. It is even the namesake of the movement: El Primero translates to The First.

The piece that we have here came a few years later as a high-end follow-up to the original. Crafted out of solid yellow gold, this Ref. G381 carries over the proportions, dial layout, and of course, the El Primero movement from the original, and this ones a looker. The case retains those characteristic flat lugs with the lovely chamfers on the outside edge, with yellow gold 'pump' pushers, a signed yellow gold crown, and a screw-down caseback. It remains in strong overall condition, showing normal signs of wear throughout with deep hallmarks, and very faint 'rosy' oxidation developing in a few areas. The 'panda' dial inside, once white with black subsidiary registers, has developed a deep and uniform, brown 'tropical' patina over the years, resulting in an absolutely stunning configuration. The applied yellow gold indices are complimented by a yellow gold handset with white subsidiary register hands and a characteristic red 'paddle' chronograph seconds hand carried over from the steel variant.

El Primeros have a cult following that runs deep and are extremely coveted by those collectors. Strong examples like this do not come to market as often as you may think, and they present fantastic value relative value next to, let's say, other more well-known solid gold chronographs from this era...

As it pertains to vintage collecting, this checks a heck of a lot of boxes; A storied brand, excellent condition, virtually perfect sizing, and completely unique patina really embodies everything that makes vintage great. What more can you ask for?