Want to sell a similar watch? Create a listing now

Zenith El Primero A384

Used () | Year of production 1972 | No original box | No original papers
£9,250
+ £45 insured shipping within:
Wire transfer
Buyer Protection

Thanks to our Buyer Protection, your purchase is fully covered. If something goes wrong, we're there to help. .

Shipping and Seller Information

Item is in stock
Anticipated delivery in 2 - 6 days
Professional dealer
5.0 ( )

More About This Listing

Basic Info

Listing code IWUAZ2
Brand Zenith
Model El Primero
Reference number A384
Dealer product code 10334
Movement Automatic
Case material Steel
Bracelet material Steel
Year of production 1972 (Approximation)
Condition

The item shows visible and tangible signs of wear like scratches, scuffs, or small dents.

Scope of delivery
No original box, no original papers
Gender Men's watch/Unisex
Location United Kingdom, Waltham St Lawrence
Price £9,250
Availability Item is in stock

Caliber

Movement Automatic
Caliber/movement 3019PHC
Power reserve 50 h
Number of jewels 31

Case

Case material Steel
Case diameter 37 mm
Water resistance Not water resistant
Bezel material Steel
Crystal Plexiglass
Dial White
Dial numerals No numerals

Bracelet/strap

Bracelet material Steel
Bracelet color Steel
Lug width 20 mm
Clasp Buckle
Clasp material Steel

Functions

Chronograph, Date

Other

Small seconds, Luminous hands

Description

The Zenith A384 is a vintage timepiece from the renowned “El Primero” collection of chronograph watches by Zenith. Due to its historical relevance and unique appearance, it is highly sought-after by collectors and aficionados alike. Zenith announced the impending release of the first completely integrated, high-frequency, automatic chronograph movement at a press conference on January 10, 1969.

The movement, formerly known by its codename of 3019 PHC, was renamed "El Primero," which is Spanish for "the first." Despite the announcement at a press conference held on January 10, 1969, the Zenith El Primero didn't go on sale until September of that same year, allowing other rivals to launch their automatic movements at the Basel Fair a few months earlier. In our opinion, deciding who won the race is not especially crucial, as all three movements that claim that particular crown had functioning prototypes in the field much, much earlier. So, who knows?

The iconic El Primero automatic chronograph movement is what makes these watches so collectable, oh, and its fabulous design too. One of the earliest automatic chronograph movements ever made powers the Zenith El Primero A384. It is renowned for its high-frequency escapement (36,000 vibrations per hour (take that Rolex!)), which enables precise timing and highly accurate measurement of elapsed time, down to 1/10th of a second! We have fully serviced the movement, and it is ticking away as it is designed to do.

In contrast to the more typical round cases of the time, the El Primero A384 has an unusual and diminutive tonneau-shaped case. Only made for a short time and purportedly, only 2600 produced, it looks great on both men’s and women’s wrists because it has a “golden” diameter of 37mm. Our example is in a comfortably worn state; the edges of the case are crisp and look unpolished. There are micro-scratches pretty much all over the case and case back, but nothing untoward on a watch of this age. As I say, comfortably worn.

One of the most recognisable features of the El Primero A384 is its colourful and bold “Panda” dial design. The dial on this El Primero has taken on a lovely cream-toned hue, with the 5-minute marker's lume showing foxing. The hands perfectly match the dial, showing similar ageing. It is perfect “for its age," as they say. The sub-dials display the chronograph functions, 30-minute counter, 12-hour counter, and running seconds, and there is a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock. The well-balanced dial, is encompassed by a black with silver-printed tachymeter, which pulls it all together very nicely indeed. The crystal is similarly in fine fettle.

So, there you have it: a stunning El Primero A384, presented on a brand new "Strap Taylor” Moss Green Suede Strap, ready for its next custodian. Will that be you?
We work hard to ensure you are pleased with your purchase, both before and after the sale. Contact us to request any additional information.

Dispatch:

We aim to dispatch items within 1-2 days receipt of payment.

The delivery method can vary depending on the value of the watch. All watches are sent fully insured usually using UPS.

All watches sold without an original box will still be dispatched with a high quality presentation box.

Warranty

All timepieces purchased from us come with a guarantee of authenticity and our 12-month time-keeping warranty. Please note that accidental damage or damage to the item resulting from third-party repairs, improper handling, or liquid damage will void our warranty. We do not guarantee any of our watches to be waterproof.

Security on Chrono24 for This Listing

Learn more about security on Chrono24

Easy returns

Dissatisfied with your purchase? No worries! Chrono24's secure Escrow Service makes returning your order a breeze. If the watch arrives and is suspicious, defective, or not as the seller described, you have 14 days to initiate a return.

How returns work:

  1. 1.  Inform Chrono24's support team

  2. 2.  Ship the watch back to the dealer insured for its full value

  3. 3.  Receive a refund for the purchase price

You may also be interested in these watches

Over 800,000 satisfied watch buyers worldwide

Chrono24 dealers receive great ratings: 4.8 out of 5

Chrono24's Commitment to Authenticity

Seller

Professional dealer | On Chrono24 since 2017
Waltham St Lawrence, United Kingdom
English
108 watches sold
27 active listings
Waltham St Lawrence, United Kingdom
English

Badges

Assessments are based on seller performance over the last 90 days.
Trusted Seller

Fulfills all regulatory and internal criteria

Punctuality

Ships 100% of their items on time or earlier

Response Time

Replies within 14 hours

Sales

1 item sold

Reviews (86)
5.0
5.0 Shipping
5.0 Item description
5.0 Communication
86 buyers recommend this seller
5 stars

5 stars

4 stars

4 stars

3 stars

3 stars

2 stars (0)

2 stars

1 star (0)

1 star

We only publish verified reviews about successful purchases, returns, and communication between the buyer and seller.

Do you have any questions?

More questions and answers