SOLDOUT: Zenith Captain Chronograph 03.2110.400 42mm Brand New El Primero Box

WHY THIS WATCH

Zenith was born 150 years ago, in Le Locle, a small town tucked away between the Neuchâtel mountains in Switzerland. Over the century and a half since it's founding, Zenith has produced countless innovations in watchmaking. It's most famous innovation was the El Primero movement, which was one of the first automatic chronograph movements. The El Primero is still considered one of the finest chronograph movements made. 

This watch is loosely based on the Captain model, a top of the line dress watch first released in 1957. Early Pie-Pan Zenith Captains are truly beautiful pieces that are very sought after by vintage collectors. 

This watch is powered by the aforementioned El Primero movement, a top of a line chronograph movement that is still my favorite automatic movement. My favorite thing about the El Primero is the feedback you get when engaging the pushers. It's this crisp feeling, which somehow evokes the feeling you get peeling the sticker off on an Apple product for the first time (Weird, I know!). For this particular model, the date wheel was moved to the 6 position, which I think feels way more in place than the traditional position at 4:30. 

Honestly though, there are a ton of El Primeros out there, so I'll get into what makes this one stand out from the pack. In the flesh, the dial on this watch looks completely different than in the photographs. In the photos, the watch dial looks pretty flat and lifeless, but in real life, this dial feels warm and alive due to the Rose Gold indices and hands. The color on these indices is really something special and what makes this watch stand out, along with the fit which I'll get into in a minute. The sapphire crystal is slightly curved, accentuating the softness of the dial. 

This watch is 42mm in diameter. I never considered this watch an option for me as I have smaller wrists, but it really does fit perfectly on my wrist, and thats due to a few things. First at 12.3mm, the watch is thin for a chronograph. Second, the case architecture, including the downward sloping lugs, and flat pushers was designed for a more comfortable, dressy fit. Finally, I think it was a smart decision to make this a 22mm lug width case, as I feel a beefier strap gives you more support, and somehow makes the watch feel smaller than it is. This is a chronograph devoid of any clunkiness whatsoever.

Value is something that is a consistent theme for Zenith watches. At $8,300 USD retail, you're getting a thin, elegantly shaped and balanced chronograph, with stunning dial and a top of the line in house chronograph that can easily be dressed up or down with the change of a strap. Speaking of straps, I'll also mention the strap on this watch is phenomenal. It's a gator strap with a rubber lining on the inside, so you don't have to worry about sweat stains ruining your gator.  

THE LITTLE DETAILS

Watch is Like New - was purchased New in 2021 and was only tried on, but never worn. It comes with the Outer Box, Inner Box and Manuals. No warranty card. Comes on the original OEM Zenith Gator strap lined with Rubber on the inside, alongside a tang OEM zenith buckle. 

Available for Pickup in our Showroom in Mclean, Virginia 

Want to see this watch in person? We are located in Mclean Virginia off of Chain Bridge Road. We are by appointment only (no walk ins), so please shoot us an email to schedule a time and get the address.