Link to the Watchonista Article - Secrets of the El Primero: www.watchonista.com/articles/depth/depth-secrets-legendary-zenith-el-primero

You are the one KZfaqr that every time you post a video about a watch you bought it just really makes me want to own that watch. I can just hear your enthusiasm coming through about how special each purchase is to you. I’m still saving for an FXD, a watch that your video is a big part of what brought it to my eye and has stayed at the forefront of my consciousness for the last 2 years

Sounds like your heart was telling you something and you had the good sense to listen. Thats not only stunning on so many levels, but also a great deal.. Also very impressive match up with that Omega Nato...I didn't expect anything less from you Well done brother and thanks for sharing 🥃

Almost 2 years ago I was searching for a watch with a red white and blue color scheme. I stumbled upon the A384 Liberty Edition and I was smitten immediately. Google search after google search and I kept coming up empty. Only 150 were made. I sent emails all over the place and a few months later I received an email from a salesperson in NYC. He happened to have one NOS. I didn’t care that it was retail because I loved it. He was actually able to give me a nice discount so I also ordered the ladder bracelet. I too have struggled to find the perfect strap but I just love the watch. So glad you did this video. I so enjoy all of your videos. Keep up the amazing work. As a side note my German Shepherd also loved the watch because he ate the original strap. I was able to get a new one from Zenith. 😂

I was so obsessed with the design of this model so I bought 3. the a384 50th anniv, the cover girl and the liberty. people should pay attention to zenith, in the last 4, 5 years they have changed completely the image and made great watches with great design. i absolutely love my a384.

No youtuber has more appreciation for watch history than ID Guy. Killer video!

I've always loved that watch, its case shape, its case size. It is the embodiment of what a 1960s chronograph should be.

It has never even occurred to me to put a deployant on a NATO. It’s a good idea!

I love the watch but not a fan of the Nato strap. To me, the Nato looks bulky and takes away from the design angles of the case. A tapered strap, in my opinion, is the way to go.

it has been on my list for abt 2 yrs and as I clicked on this video i know its time to pull the trigger nice video hope you keep up the good work

Love the 384 it’s gorgeous, I own a 386 and couldn’t be happier. Zenith is just amazing

My next watch for sure. After getting the explorer 36mm this is the only luxury watch I still want. Thanks for the video

Here’s my first reply from a long term follower. Really enjoyed this video and all your previous ones mate. I feel your frustration on finding the one perfect strap too. I have the A3818 revival and have been struggling to find the right strap and finally settled on a teal crocodile strap, which is quirky and matches the azure dial in a strange way. I really enjoy your watch content from a designer’s perspective, do keep these videos coming!

I love that specific El Primero but on the ladder bracelet, it's on my wish list. Just and absolutely handsome timepiece. Wear in good health and enjoy!

The nato makes it even so much better, I think they are so underrated. Great video brother 🙏🏽

I had this watch and recently sold it, I fell in love with the movement and history but can't say the same for the looks and versatility.

What a watch! Congratulations on the acquisition!

We waited so long for this video. Enjoy my friend. 🎉

Dear Mr ID Guy, thread by thread by thread you seem to dissect the history and the watch. Beautiful piece there mate. Hats off to you. Congrats.

At last we get introduced! and well worth the wait. Congrats on the fantastic price first of all and I love that you concocted what looks to be a strap that brought it to life. That leather was a sad affair, and I love leather!. Continue wearing in great health my friend! 🥃

You are making very difficult NOT to get one of these! I always greatly respect your insights on these little machines we love so much.

Just watched the vid. Congratulations my man! It is a stunner. I love the tachymeter being under the crystal, the stunning brushed case, the original design. Its all there. Just an absolutely stunning watch....i like that you go with your own desires, and don't jump on the hype train. I'm so glad that this watch does not have the Daytona hype around it. Just like my Mark 16, we have both benefited from the Rolex hype, by having access to watches that to me are much more interesting than yet another golden crown

Zenith is such an interesting brand. They’re quirky and wonderful in their commitment to the designs of the past. Im curious if you’re at all interested in the bracelet for yours? It’s always fun to watch someone getting so much enjoyment out of finding something special. Great video 👍

A grail of mine too 😍 but I think I would prefer it on the ladder bracelet

I have the rainbow 🌈 flyback what an incredible model from an incredible brand.

Beautiful watch and strap pairing. Hope to add a Zenith to my collection one day. You are correct that these timepieces are under the radar for now.

Switching up straps and bracelets when possible is another hidden joy in watch collecting. Love your content!!

I appreciate a hands on essay and original photography over using other's photos or recycling manufacture promotional material. You sound like a proud owner and looks sharp.

El primero del primero!!!....My friend, I must say: it is a really serious collection you are building up. Congrats!

I got the original from the 60´s with the 4 point star at the back of the watch , acrilic glass etc. still functional. Awesome video i love this kind of special watches. Brillant work ID GUYS i ll start floowing

Really enjoyed your story telling here, a great tribute to a watch with an amazing history. It's quirky design really allows for experimentation with different colored straps, a true 'strapmonster' in every sense of the word.

Ive been wearing mine with red nubuck strap along with its original buckle. It suits very perfect

You have some if not the best content on KZfaq! I would love to see an ownership review on the BB54 and pros/cons and what you would change if any. Keep up the great work and can’t wait to see another great video!

You are absolutely correct….. Zenith is not an appreciated brand. I really do not understand why. The story and heritage is what makes me love this brand. I plan to acquire an El Primero soon. It will be my first. I look at the dial whether it’s a black or white one and I think it’s a stunning timepiece.

Congrats my friend. Always great to hear when a fellow watch enthusiast obtains his or her grail. Enjoy it 🍻

Not all decisions are made logically or within reason. Sometimes "when you know, you know". That has to be the one. Congrats on finding your chosen one. Beautiful watch.

Another brilliant review. Man, this is a grail of mine, too. Actively working to make it happen. It may take a bit longer to save up. But, it will happen. Congrats on a super fine pickup. This video will help maintain my focus to achieve a similar goal.

I have been sprooking the El Primero for years. I bought my first in an unwanted solid 18k gold Ebel 1911 for a song. Now the prices are up and the watch is hard to find. You example is stunning. And I highly recommend the movement.

I’ve never been into chronographs but after seeing and hearing about this Zenith, I can sense that changing!😂 That is one stunning piece and the fact that it seemingly goes unnoticed makes it all the more charming. Well done 🥃

Glad to see you are giving some love to that A384 👍great addition to anybody's collection congrats

Beautiful Zenith. Every time I see an El Primero, I think back to easier times, but turned sicker times. I had to sell my blue Stratos flyback at a loss because cash flow was needed to pay medical bills. Amazing how hard it can be to obtain these timepieces, yet how easy things can change and you see those timepieces fly out the window to sharks. Oh well. Times are strange, but I'm still in the El Primero game cased in a gold toned Movado. She keeps excellent time with the only minus being the chrono seconds hand resting on the Movado's date at the top. That is one awesome Zenith you have there my friend.

Zenith is one of my favorite manufacturers! The A384 is a watch I have my eyes on. I'm a fan of the iconic tricolor sub-dials, but the case and dial of the A384 appeal to me in a certain type of way. I'm a big fan of their more "quirky" models too, and I would love to get a hold of an Espada or a Rainbow Flyback with the "mango" dial.

Aahh! That's a beauty, congratulations 👍😊

Wow, that watch is a stunner on the red & white NATO. Brilliant add to your collection. Great review!

Congrats! I can relate to the agony of finding just the right strap for a watch. I have a compulsive need to make each watch my own, which doesn't seem to end at the point of purchase. I've sold a couple watches in the past because I just couldn't find the right pairing. Again, congratulations on such a fine watch!

Ahhh, the A384. We both have a love affair with this Watch. As you know, like you I found a perfect example on the secondary market for the same price as you. These really are overlooked Watches. I too have paired mine with a white strap. A white Python skin quick release strap. I have bought a few straps for mine. Leather quick release racing straps and classic plain leather straps with red stitching to match the second hand. I love this range of Watches. Like you say, the A385, the Shadow, the Chronomaster Original. All retro styled and doing what Zenith do best movement wise. Congratulations again on your awesome pickup boet. Great video as always ✊

As always, another great video. I admire you for walking the path that "you" choose to walk. I have always appreciated the Zenith line of watches, and small amount of history that I know of. That is a smart looking watch and i have no doubt that it will serve you well to the end.

Love love love my Liberty edition. Such a profoundly under-rated watch.

Excellent vdo. Congrat for new watch.

I would put it on a Forstner Ladder bracelet.

I believe that you should work with Zenith to promote the Zenith brand and maybe even help design the right watch for us watch freaks. Zenith is good/great but I see so much more potential. I would take this watch at 40mm with the hands of the watch in a black outline for visibility. I'd take it in a split 1/10th second!

Beautiful. Great purchase! Zenith is way underrated on all fronts.

Wonderful critique! Congratulations on this amazing watch and wear it in good health! I am a closet Zenith fan as well… dreaming of the day I can pick up a Chronomaster Original and wear it regularly and using it for fun stuff like timing my daughters swim laps. ID Guy greatness here as always!

“A sense of freshness seeing the cold white and deep black” you would do excellent as a watch salesman

Loved the Lord of the Rings reference. JRR is my favorite

Congrat's for at last acquiring your El Primero it's beautiful.

Congratulations on the watch. Its a great one 🙌

You've already influenced me into getting the Longines Avigation Big Eye, and now this! This watch (the tri-color version) is definitely on my list! I currently have the Sugess homage version and it makes me desire the original a lot more!

Wearing my 54 while watching this. The 54 is my only watch and my second is going to be a hesalite speedy but my god this video and you comparing the two made me doubt myself. Thing is absolutely incredible

Own a tropical a384 - Absolutely love it. Nothing to envy to watches 10x the price

Bravo - beautiful piece

There is definately a 70's racquet ball vibe to that deployant NATO strap. Looks a bit like one of the sweatbands you might see at the squash club. Banging watch though.

My favorite is the lupin LE three did with the black and white split dial

I'm adding this beautiful time piece to my bucket list. 😍⌚🔥

Outstanding video, thank you. The Zenith of Zenith watch videos.

Dude I miss your enthusiasm. Been out of the game for too long. Love you brother

Excellent purchase and excellent review...as always. I am extremely envious. The Zenith Primero -03.A384.400/385.M385 is the one I have on my shopping list.

Well done. The El Primero is a brilliant watch. Thanks for sharing.

It's a gorgeous original design. Also the date text size is HUGE.

Like you I’ve loved this watch since 2019 it’s shape is unique as is the movement it’s been on my must buy list since I tried it on - hope it stays under the radar so I can pick one up within my budget 🥴👍

I love your watch taste , this is also my grail chronograph.

Congratulations! Late to the game on commenting, but I agree that it's a shame that Zenith is not more recognized by consumers. We need some celebrity endorsement or something to validate inherent beauty. That said, I'm kind of glad Newman and McQueen and Rindt chose other watches to wear. More delicious El Primeros for us!

Awesome watch. Congratulations, enjoy! It’s been on my radar for a while.

Amazing pairing with the strap! I looked at this version and at shadow. Also at brown fumee and though that if I were going to have it, the brown would be the one. But they felt very small... Congrats on the deal! For 50 off I'd probably get it regardless of what I said above. I own 3 Zeniths and hustling for the 4th one as we speak. Enjoy this amazing watch.

Loved the video, sir - bravo! It is strange that the El Primero hasn’t had its deserved props. I would imagine it comes down to the fact that Omega did their utmost to freeze every other Chronograph out of the market, and that perhaps even more famous than the El Primero is the El Primero movement. So it sort of has to compete with the other obvious brands, and itself. Either way, congrats to you on a wonderful addition to your collection!

Agree 100% The black strap doesn't work great but love you're nato strap! 🔥

The quality of Zenith movements back then in the 50’s and early 60’s : Zenith 135 Chronometre, 40T Chronometre, 133.8 automatic one of the best bumpers 120T and the first Zenith El Primero from 1969 !

Undoubtly a grail piece and fantastic vintage looks. 12 minutes of video is very little time to speak about this beauty. My congrats on your new watch. By the way you must have mentioned the history of the Zenith cronographs, locked for so many years.

IDGuy’s gun show 💪 is back! Wouldn’t want to mess with you! Great video.

great review of a watch ive looked at for a long time , a true leegend and the nato looks so cool congrats its a beauty

Thank you so much for your content. This watch is smashing!

I love the A384 and wish I could afford one…even at half-price. Congratulations on a superb choice, so much more beautiful, distinctive and stylish than some other revered chronographs IMHO, not least because of the case shape. I find it strange how Zenith flies under the watch radar, despite its quality and historical importance. I for one definitely join you in appreciating it. And without wishing to to be pedantic, the F1 car photo is James Hunt in his 1976 McLaren M26. Marlboro (Philip Morris) only started F1 sponsorship in 1972 with BRM and 1974 was its first year sponsoring McLaren. So, definitely 1970s rather than 1960s…but I get your strap point…😉

Awesome piece and combo! Your El Primero would also great on a Bund strap too.

Excellent presentation. Your appreciation of this El Primero pretty much mirrors my appreciation of that *other* near-forgotten automatic chronograph, Seikos 6139 (which, ahem, actually beat Zenith and "the other guys" in terms of actual series production). What actually made the EP stand out, as you point out, was how they managed such high specification in such a thin calibre. (My kinda-sorta-still grail is an EP Rainbow Flyback, which I wish I'd gone for broke and grabbed while prices were only mildly extortionate.) P.S. I put deployants on damn near every strap I can - they make too kuch sense not to, and the cool-factor is unassailable.

I love this watch but just can’t decide between this and the Smokey dial!!

That box is amazing presentation.

Great review, thank you. I love Zenith and have an original (mint) Defy.....I adore it. Keep up the excellent reviews. Thank you. Noel

congratulations, excellent choice

The Primero Primero with the "The Seamaster 300" a great duo of Horological History Enjoy buddy

My brother we need to talk ! 1 - are you a saffa ? 2 - did you get the ladder bracelet ? 3 - I was always worried about the hands blending into the dial , how does it work I’m reality ? 4 - what a legend. Love the content.

Enjoy the video, I own the Zenith A384 Liberty, 150 numbered watches fir the US market.

Great looking watch for sure. Your nato looks cool too, however I bet it will get dirty very quickly! I like the bracelet with the holes.

The comment I would agree with is "little watches" I had a look in my local AD which stocks them and pretty underwhelming was my take and difficult to read sub dials. Then again I didn't agree with your thoughts on the Longines Flyback so we all have different tastes.

Strap and watch are made for each other.

The Bracelet looks well suited to the Elprimero

great watches for sure i miss mine wish i never sold it had the el primero chrono 38mm blue dial classic . but at the time worker at walmart and obviously with all the physical work csnt knock these things around like you can a g shock

I would love to see the Chronomaster original 38 with a panda dial

Hey hey, nice one! Wear it well bru! Yep, love 'em. They're a total classic and I've so nearly pulled the trigger myself. A fantastic accompaniment to the Seamaster Trilogy. Perhaps black fabric would work well? Something between a sailcloth and a cordura? Like one of the woven fabrics? But not a NATO for me... Or a black leather racing?

I own the brown gradient dial version. The case shape is awesome the movement and pusher feel is 2nd to none . It is my only zenith but love every bit of it except the leather strap where I felt the color wasn’t helping the watch so I changed the strap big deal :)

Huge huge honest congratulations 🍾🥂 this Watch absolutely fantastic 👌 because of El primero I didn’t get moonwatch 😅 Zenith is really legend, and hope one day I will get shadow 👌😉