Zenith El Primero 01-0190-415 Pilot Chrono

This Zenith El Primero 01-0190-415 dates from the 1970s and is accompanied by the original vintage Zenith bracelet. Also known as the pilot chronograph, this watch has an all-black dial and a black bakelite bezel. The Zenith Pilot is one of the rarest El Primero designs.

The black dial has white markings, which results in a beautiful contrast and excellent readability. An interesting component is the font of the model name "El Primero". The little curl next to the letter "o" usually indicates a service dial. However, most of the service dials were equipped with Luminova and therefore had a "SWISS MADE" text at 6 o'clock. The dial of the present watch has the inscription "T SWISS MADE T", which means that tritium was used. For this reason, we believe that the dial was replaced during a very early service (in the late 1980s).

A white tachymeter scale up to 1000 units per hour is attached to the beveled inner ring in the dial. Running seconds at 9 o'clock, minute counter at 3 o'clock and a 12-hour totalizer at 6 o'clock. As is typical for El Primero, the date is attached between 4 and 5 o'clock. The watch has a quick set date mechanism. All hands are authentic and have intact original luminous tritium. The chrono second hand is blue.

The chronograph has a 44mm case, which, despite its large dimensions, sits very comfortably on the wrist. Overall, the case has natural signs of wear, which gives the watch an honest look. The faceted lugs of the case have remained intact to this day. The case back bears the reference number 01-0190-415, that is still clearly visible. The base reference 6734 of the Zenith Pilot Chronograph can be seen inside the case cover. The winding crown is screwed and bears the Zenith logo.

The bezel of this pilot's chronograph can be rotated in both directions and has minute markers. The black Bakelite inlay in the bezel is immaculately preserved. At 12 o'clock there is a small crack above the luminous triangle. The bezel has 40 large notches, as the original bezel on this watch should have.

The watch is powered by the in-house automatic El Primero movement caliber 400. In our opinion, the watch was serviced in the late 1980s when the caliber 400 was installed. We checked the movement and it runs absolutely flawlessly in all functions.

This El Primero is accompanied by a rare Zenith stainless steel bracelet, which, like the watch, has been preserved in great condition.

Int.Exe.: 36901