Zenith El Primero G7813 Defy 18k Yellow Gold

This impressive 1970s chronograph is the Zenith EL Primero G7813 in solid 18k yellow gold. Manufactured in 1971, the reference G7813 is one of the rarest Zenith watches of the 20th century.

The 70s stand for daring and futuristic design concepts including this El Primero chronograph with its striking tonneau case shape. Due to its masculine case, the watch is also called "Defy" coming from the French word "defier" (to defy).

In addition to the well-known stainless steel variations such as the reference A781, A782 or A783, there was also this luxurious reference G7813 with a solid 18K carat yellow gold case. It is known from collectors' circles that this reference was produced in a very small number of around 100 watches. After 50 years, only few examples have survived and even less then that are in good condition.

This brings us to the Zenith El Primero G7813 chronograph offered here. Not only is this watch in excellent overall condition, it comes with original matching numbers papers and original vintage Zenith box. The rarity of this vintage watch is obvious.

Inside the original Zenith guarantee booklet you will find the seller's stamp of Mossa Gioellieri S.R.L in Bari and the date of sale 13.7.1972. The case number of the watch is stamped on the front. Other pages contain instructions for use of the chronograph in Italian. The original accessories also include the red round vintage Zenith box.

The watch is powered by the legendary El Primero caliber 3019 PHC, which was presented in 1969 as the first automatic chronograph movement. Due to the quartz crisis in the 1970s, production was stopped in 1976. But twelve years later, Rolex used this chronograph movement for the new edition of the "Daytona", Rolex's most coveted watch.

The champagne dial with three overlapping sub-dials also contributes to the striking appearance of the watch: the typical design feature of the Zenith El Primero Chronograph. The gold fluted hour markers have subtle black inlays. The tritium hands also show black accents. The chronograph seconds hand is red. The date window is positioned between 4 and 5 o'clock. The winding crown is screwed and signed with the Zenith logo (NATO star).

Condition report
Dial: flawless, original tritium lume in hands and markers, signed "T SWISS T".

Case: almost unworn, unpolished, two dents at 5 and 7 o'clock are probably signs of storage, as the watch shows no signs of wear, deep gold hallmarks, clearly visible serial number on the screwed back.

Movement: Zenith El Primero caliber 3019 PHC, timing machine +/-6 s/d.

Strap: black leather strap with original Zenith clasp.

Accessories: rare original Zenith box in excellent condition, original papers from 1972.

Summing-Up
The G7813 is an extremely rare Zenith reference. The excellent condition of this example makes it even more rare and exclusive. And the icing on the cake is the original accessories consisting of a rare original box and original stamped papers: A vintage watch to admire, even better to own.

Serial number: 181Exxx

Int.Exe.: 1257040