Zenith - El Primero Chronomaster - 01.0501.400 - Men - 1997

Zenith El Primero Chronograph – Calibre 400 – Automatic – 38 mm – With Original Warranty

Few chronograph movements have achieved the legendary status of the Zenith El Primero Calibre 400. Introduced as one of the world's first high-frequency automatic chronograph movements, it remains admired for its precision, technical innovation, and lasting influence on Swiss watchmaking.

This Zenith El Primero features a 38 mm stainless steel case with a clean polished bezel and an original sapphire crystal. The original black dial is fitted with luminous Arabic numerals and matching luminous hands, providing excellent legibility while preserving the watch's sporty character. Completing the design are the original rectangular chronograph pushers and the original signed crown.

Powering the watch is the Zenith Calibre 400 automatic manufacture movement, professionally serviced in January 2026 and reported to be in excellent working order. The watch is fitted with a new green crocodile-pattern leather strap and buckle and is accompanied by its original Zenith warranty and booklet.

Specifications

* Brand: Zenith
* Model: El Primero Chronograph
* Country of origin: Switzerland
* Era: 1990s
* Movement: Zenith Calibre 400
* Winding: Automatic
* Case material: Stainless steel
* Case diameter: 38 mm (excluding crown)
* Bezel: Fixed polished stainless steel
* Crystal: Sapphire crystal
* Case back: Original snap-on back with sapphire exhibition window
* Crown: Original
* Pushers: Original rectangular chronograph pushers
* Dial: Original black
* Hour markers: Luminous Arabic numerals
* Hands: Original luminous hands
* Strap: Green crocodile-pattern leather, 20 mm
* Buckle: 14 mm

Included

* Original Zenith warranty
* Original Zenith booklet
* Travel presentation box
* One-year dealer warranty card

Condition

Presented in excellent pre-owned condition. The movement was serviced in January 2026 and is reported to be running correctly. The case, dial, and crystal show only light signs of careful wear consistent with age. The photographs form an integral part of the description and illustrate the condition and completeness of the lot.

Collector's Note

The El Primero Calibre 400 remains one of the most celebrated automatic chronograph movements ever produced, admired for its high-frequency architecture and enduring reliability. Examples accompanied by their original warranty documents and maintained in excellent condition remain highly sought after by collectors of fine Swiss chronographs.