Hong Kong, Nov 26, 2022
LOT 386
ZENITH
REF. 01-0200-415, SELF-WINDING, CHRONOGRAPH, MINUTE AND HOUR COUNTERS, DATE, INTEGRATED BRACELET; “EL PRIMERO”, SO-CALLED “TV SCREEN” OR “FERNSHER” OR “THE BIG BLUE”; SURF STAINLESS STEEL
HKD 19,900 - 39,700
EUR 2,600 - 5,100 / CHF 2,500 - 5,000 / USD 2,600 - 5,100
Sold: HKD 25,000
Surf stainless steel, self-winding, square and “tonneau”-shaped, gentleman’s wristwatch, water-resistant with screwed case-back, blue colour dial with subsidiary seconds at 9 and four horological complications:
· 1/10 second chronograph (activated by the two round-shaped push-pieces located on the case-band under a large press rectangular piece) with tachometer scale graduated on the dial for 500 units per hour
· Half-instantaneous 30-minute recorder (subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock)
· 12-hour recorder (subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock)
· Instantaneous date of the month (aperture between 4 and 5 o’clock)
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 3-8 |
Good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-01 |
Good HANDS Original |
Brand Zenith, Le Locle
Model “Automatic”, “El Primero”; so-called “TV screen” or “Fernsher” or “The Big Blue”
Reference 01-0200-415
Year circa 1972-1978
Movement No. unnumbered
Case No. unnumbered
Material Surf stainless steel
Bracelet integrated stainless steel Zenith bracelet with clasp (by Chatelain)
Length 200 mm. (approx.)
Caliber 3019 PHC, unadjusted, 31 jewels
Dimensions 43 x 39.5 mm.
Weight 171.5 gr. (approx.)
Signature dial, case and movement
Accessories instruction booklet (Ref. 499); five additional links
Notes
Zenith, “El Primero”, Ref. 01.0200.415, so-called “TV screen” or “Fernsher” or “The Big Blue”
Introduced in 1972, this reference was produced in a limited series of 4 950 examples in total until 1978.
The watch is nowadays nicknamed “TV screen” or “Fernseher”, for the “tv set” because of this particular shape between square and “tonneau”-shaped. This model is also called “The Big Blue” among collectors.
Another 50 “TV screens” “El Primero” were manufactured with a black dial in 1978, Ref. 01.0201.415. This marks the end of the model and brings the total production to 5 000 examples. These black “TV screens” were the last Zenith “El Primero” of the 1970’s.
With its heavy and robust 43 mm. stainless steel case, the watch has an extremely virile look. At the time, this watch design was used as a theme for the letterhead of Zenith-Movado S.A. The brand advertises the watch as “A new elaborately styled model with larger, easy to use press levers, replacing the usual push buttons”.
The model was delivered with two different integrated bracelets. The first one, massive, with large links, gives a powerful look to the watch. These bracelets were made by a company called Chatelain. When Chatelain was bankrupt, Zenith had to resort to the NSA bracelets, made by Novabit S.A. The second-generation bracelet is lighter, some would say more refined and probably much more comfortable to wear, thanks also to its patented deployant clasp.
The case-back is engraved “SURF STAINLESS STEEL” with the reference number “01-0200-415”. Under the special cut mineral glass, an attractive blue dial with three subsidiary silvered ring dials (high lighting the case design) for the subsidiary seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour recorders, an aperture for the date of the month at 4 o’clock, and, on the outside, a 1/5th division, surrounded by a blue tachometer. The watch is powered by the famous calibre “El Primero” 3019 PHC, beating at 36 000 vibrations / hour.
Bibliography
· Rossler, Manfred, Zenith, Swiss Watch Manufacture, p. 252.
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Zenith, “El Primero”
The “El Primero” self-winding chronograph was launched in 1969. It was the world’s first and the only one in its category to measure short periods of time to one-tenth of a second. The lever escapement movement beating 36 000 vibrations / hour (high mechanical frequency) and is fitted with a central rotor mounted on ball bearings. The coordination of chronographic functions is operated by column wheel. 50-hour power-reserve.
At this time, two versions of the calibre exist:
· Z 400, instantaneous change of date with quick setting; 31 jewels, diameter 30 mm., height 6.5 mm., 280 components.
· Z 410, instantaneous change of date and day with quick setting, month and moon phases; 31 jewels, diameter 30 mm., height 7.55 mm., 354 components.