1970s Zenith El Primero Chronograph "Cover Girl" (Ref. A3818) Blue Dial

The Zenith El Primero chronographs were unlike any other chronograph when it was released both aesthetically and mechanically. On January 10th, 1969, Zenith introduced the world's first automatic chronograph caliber, the 3019PHC El Primero, beating out Seiko and the Chronomatic group consisting of Breitling, Heuer, Hamilton, and Büren in the competition to build the first automatic chronograph.

What makes the cal. 3019PHC movement a true legend and icon is the number of watches outside of the Zenith brand that employed this legendary movement, most notable of which was the first self-winding Rolex Daytona, aka the "Zenith Daytona". Rolex used a modified version of El Primero until the brand released its own in-house automatic chronograph movement in the year 2000.

3019PHC El Primero movement

3019PHC El Primero movement

The Zenith ref. A3818 is one of the most recognizable and beloved references from the brand and has even been reintroduced for the modern era. This model is charismatically nicknamed "Cover Girl" for being featured as the cover image in the book Zenith: Swiss Watch Manufacture Since 1865 by Manfred Rössler.

SPECS

Stock # ZEPA3818
Brand Zenith
Style El Primero Chronograph "Cover Girl"
Model 3818
Serial 86XXXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Blue
Millimeters 37.5
Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap
CASE & BRACELET

The strong geometrical case is in excellent condition, showing minimal evidence of previous polishing with the original angles and case chamfers intact and still crisp. The case retains its original crown and pump pushers. The case back features light wear with tool marks and is adorned with the Zenith logo medallion with the case serial remaining fully present. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The original blue sunburst dial is in exceptional vintage condition, showing only nominal aging which is most present around the outer sub-dial rings but is minimal for this color dial from this era. The silver text on the dial and in the outer timing ring all remain fully present and in excellent condition. The sub-dials are in remarkable condition with nominal aging present. The tritium lume plots have achieved a lovely golden-yellow patina and show no degradation when inspected under UV light. The original tritium hands, including the red chronograph hand, match the dial lume almost perfectly. Under UV light inspection the hands display no degradation.

ACCESSORIES

None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.

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