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Zenith El Primero TV Screen Big Blue dating to early 1970’s This model was produced between 1972 and 1977 and depending on what you read, between 2000 and 5000 pieces were made. The first automatic chronograph made was the Zenith El Primero in 1965. It was so well made that it is still used today and is regarded by collectors and industry experts as the best automatic chronograph movement ever made due to it robustness and reliability. From 1969 to throughout the 1970’s watch design went stratospheric, where the old formalities and sensibilities were thrown out of the window and nothing was off limits. This era created some innovative and memorable designs such as this one, the TV Screen or Big Blue as its known to Zenith collectors set the tone for futuristic designs. Whilst may in this period were skimping on costs with cheap materials and movements, the Zenith TV case was no such thing. It’s a two-tier rounded rectangle, heavy built with a brilliant blue dial, and a flat mineral crystal. The dial takes on a three dimensional appearance with a raised rehaut ring around the outer edge with tachometric scale appearing “exploding” fashion and a bevelled edge date window with white sub dial surrounds, altogether making the dial appear recessed. The long square pushers were an important part of the design as round pushers would have thrown it off balance. To achieve this integrated look, the pushers are actuated by a rectangular bar that pivots under the crown. The bracelet is integrated, something innovative to this new era of design. This model came on two different bracelets. This is the earlier Chaterlain bracelet. Chaterlain were a small company that made bracelets for many manufacturers. It has solid, substantial and heavy links with a two piece clasp with two settings, to allow for micro adjustment. Chaterlain went out of business in the mid 1970’s. The remainder of El Primero TV Case watches used a much lighter and flimsy by comparison NSA bracelet

Reference : 01-0200-415
Case: TV Screen Shape, stainless steel
Case Back: Screw down
Movement 3019 PHC El Primero automatic movement
Date: First position time setting, second position date setting
Functions: 12 hour chronograph, date, tachymeter scale
Bracelet: Original solid link
Crown: Original Zenith
Dimensions: width is 42 mm, lug to lug 45 mm and 12 mm thick