Pre-Loved Zenith El Primero

Why the El Primero is iconic

Zenith launched the El Primero calibre in 1969, among the first automatic chronograph movements, notable for its high-frequency 36,000 vibrations-per-hour beat rate enabling precise tenth-of-a-second timing. The movement has powered the brand's chronograph collections for decades, including tri-colour dial variants that became a defining El Primero look.

What to pay pre-owned

Pre-owned UK prices typically range from around £2,600 to £6,500, centred near £4,000 for a steel chronograph in good condition with box and papers. Vintage tri-colour dial references, early production examples and complete sets sit toward the top; missing papers, replacement dials or heavy case polishing bring the price down.

Sizes & variants

References span vintage A386 and A384 tri-colour chronographs through to modern Chronomaster models, in steel, gold or two-tone, with panda or reverse-panda dial options.