How the legendary ZENITH El Primero chronograph survived when the quartz-crisis hit Switzerland.

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How the legendary ZENITH El Primero chronograph survived when the quartz-crisis hit Switzerland.

Рет қаралды 24,076

Күн бұрын

#ZenithWatches #zenithelprimero #charlesvermot
The Zenith El Primero calibre was presented 50 years ago. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
But only a few years later the very first automatic chronographs calibre measuring the 1/10th of a second should disappear again...
This is a very, very emotional video telling you the story why the legendary Zenith El Primero calibre survived when the quartz crisis hit Switzerland. The American owner of Zenith at the the time gave order to destroy all the tooling and components to manufacture the legendary El Primero calibre. But there was one guy at Zenith who said NO! NEVER!
Charles Vermot and his brother started hiding everything in the attic of the manufacturing building... Take some time and see this absolutely emotional video and discover this amazing story. A story that could have been written for a Hollywood block buster...
Camera and Edit by Jorge Oswald
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Пікірлер: 143

@rarts2000 5 жыл бұрын

I've heard the story many times but is the first time I see the actual place great video, Alexander keeps it up.

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

Rafael Rodriguez Rafael I am happy I could show the attic!

@HenryPerez_royal_hp 5 жыл бұрын

Zenith el primero is one of my dream watches 😍 Love it 😍

@dankhaw2960 2 жыл бұрын

This video is worth saving to playlist for any watch and in particular Zenith owners.

@WatchAdvisor 2 жыл бұрын

What a wonderful feedback! Thank you so much!

@PhilipWing 5 жыл бұрын

I was fortunate enough to visit Zenith in Le Locle last December, and was able to go up to the attic as well as explore the entire manufacture and see how things are done. Having learned about Mr.Vermot and what he did, and standing inside that attic where he hid all these tools (which was freezing cold in December!) I can say it was one of the most emotionally enticing experiences I've had in regards to appreciating horology.

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

Philip A Winged Lucky you! This is something you must have seen once...

@PhilipWing 5 жыл бұрын

Everyone living/visiting Switzerland should do it! It's a tour you can book through their homepage. As a watch lover absolutely worth it!

@mylesjulius7351 3 жыл бұрын

@Jesse Kendrick Instablaster :)

@robertp5123 11 ай бұрын

Wow, Alexander. This was an amazing episode! An incredible story and historical how Charles Vermot saved Zenith…..El Primero. Love the story. Thank you for bringing this to us ……Watch enthusiasts.

@WatchAdvisor 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing our passion and your kind feedback! I am happy to read this…

@bobbydazzler1780 5 жыл бұрын

Would love to own a Zenith one day and an El Primero movement would be a joy to own.

@donjuan150 5 жыл бұрын

Seeing the actual attic and hearing this amazing story! Thank you! Your interviews are top notch!

@WatchAdvisor 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the feedback! I hope Zenith gets back on track soon... COVID-19 actually more or less stopped the entire Swiss Watch Industry...

@poh92 5 жыл бұрын

The person who hid all those machines is a hero

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

poh92 Yes, he is! He was very courageous and wise... Amazing what he did!

@cfrincon 4 жыл бұрын

A great story with a happy ending. What a vision of this man in saving all the tooling for this beautiful movement.

@WatchAdvisor 4 жыл бұрын

Could be a Hollywood blockbuster ... :-))

@TallnBald 2 жыл бұрын

The Zenith El Primero 410 (Charles Vermot) is my grail piece which I continue to strive for. The story behind it, along with the movement itself, makes it all the better!

@WatchAdvisor 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing our passion!

@rowanraath 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing, thank you so much for bringing us this story. I collected my very first El Primero yesterday and really loving it.

@WatchAdvisor 2 жыл бұрын

Bravo! Congratulations! Which one did you choose?

@rowanraath 2 жыл бұрын

@@WatchAdvisor I have one of the more classic versions, the champagne dial with tri-colour sub-dials in the 42mm size with the date window at 6 o'clock. I seem to always prefer the most classic versions of each brand. Originally bought the Jean-Louis Etienne limited edition which is a 10th second movement (champagne dial with 3 charcoal sub-dials), but strangely enough there was an issue with the quick-set date function so I decided to rather exchange it.

@WatchAdvisor 2 жыл бұрын

@@rowanraath You buy what you like! There is nothing tom explain here... Well done! May your Zenith always show you HAPPY seconds, minutes and hours!

@dperreno 2 жыл бұрын

@@rowanraath I just bought the same one on a rubber strap. I love it!

@toddblake5003 5 жыл бұрын

Wonderful story. Thank You for this production!

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

Todd Blake Thank you Todd for the positive feedback!

@pegasusltc328 5 жыл бұрын

Charles Vermot is the Oskar Schindler of the Swiss Watch industry. Magnificent story. 👏👍

@pilotstyle123 5 жыл бұрын

Zenith should honor the guy who saved the parts with a special edition.

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

pilotstyle123 I think they did already, but I am not sure.

@silversurfer6756 5 жыл бұрын

There are a few. Here's one: EL PRIMERO - 03.2085.4021/51.C700. Excelsior!

@Ray-pj1eh 2 жыл бұрын

What an amazing story and beautifully told Alexander. Thank you for bringing us this story and behind the scenes footage.

@WatchAdvisor 2 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome! I am happy to read this… let me know if you have any questions…

@MortezaAlavizadeh 5 жыл бұрын

Man oh man! What a story! I'm totally blown away. Thanks a billion, Alexander. Such immense joy to watch this video. The passion for watchmaking is what kept the El Primero alive, it's the stuff of legends :)

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

Morteza Alavizadeh I am so happy you liked it!!!

@luisbenitez3428 5 жыл бұрын

Wow what an amazing story thank you so much for sharing it Beautiful video

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

Luis Benitez In fact amazing! Like a thriller... Thank you for your positive feedback and your comment!

@patricktutek7933 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing story on many levels.

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

Patrick Tutek Yesss Patrick, yesssss!!!

@fille3851 5 жыл бұрын

Great Story! Thanks for your research. Zenith is a great brand with a fantastic tradition! Looking forward to see the new releases in Baselworld. For info : I invented my own sport which is measured in 1/8 th of a second. It ‘s called ‘bring the champagne home’. Measurement starts now.

@josephknecht4272 5 жыл бұрын

Fascinating story! My already extremely high regard for El Primero has been amplified by your wonderful video! Thank you!

@threehander 5 жыл бұрын

I think there is a perception among buyers that there will be more service needed with these movements. If they can change that perception, it will be greatly beneficial for the company.

@farshadghafourpour4796 5 жыл бұрын

Another great video, that attic is amazing. I love how the shelves are bending under the heavy weight of all the tools. Sadly I don’t own a Zenith watch but I do have the movement in my Steel Rolex Daytona from 1998.

@smr32061 5 жыл бұрын

Great video Alexander! Thank you for sharing this wonderful story and history of Zenith. Beautiful watches.

@nepsis33 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing story, I have to admit I was unaware of it before! I have a lot more respect for Zenith now.

@lucachinellato5936 5 жыл бұрын

GRAZIE... a wonderful service... THE BEST

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

Luca, I am happy that you like the video. Mille grazie for "THE BEST"

@astrogen1960 5 жыл бұрын

Good job, Mr. Linz! I love this watch and appreciate your going there and getting it's background from Zenith.

@bastiaanvanzon6931 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing history, very authentic, I just became a Zenith fan

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

Bastiaan van Zon Wonderful! That’s really wonderful!! In fact Zenith is a brand you have to fall on love with once you discovered its history. Thanks for your feedback!

@bastiaanvanzon6931 5 жыл бұрын

@@WatchAdvisor Today I bought my El Primero Open Heart 😀 so happy

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

Bastiaan van Zon Very cool! Congratulations! May your new Zenith always show you happy seconds, minutes and hours...

@ingoklein7216 4 жыл бұрын

Herzlichsten Dank für dieses Video. Charles Vermot ist ein stiller Held. Seine Geschichte sollte in einem Kinofilm erzählt werden.

@WatchAdvisor 4 жыл бұрын

Ingo Klein Ja, man sollte/dürfte/könnte diese Geschichte in einen tollen Kinofilm verwandeln... Danke für Dein Feedback!

@milchpuder 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing.

@petercsicsics2663 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great content Alexander!

@stephaniestar 2 жыл бұрын

love this video and the details you showed us here. absolutely fantastic journey. I enjoyed it so much :))) thanks once again!

@WatchAdvisor 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing our passion and for your kind feedback!

@phmwu7368 3 жыл бұрын

1969 Zenith El Primero cal 3019 PHC ( Power, Hour-totalizer, Calendar) was also used in the Movado HS360 automatic chronographs named DataChron, later abbreviated to Datron

@phmwu7368 7 ай бұрын

1970-1971 reverse Panda dial Movado Datachron HS360 automatic chronograph was a stunning & very legible toolwatch (Commander Gerald Carr used a HS360 onboard NASA space station Skylab in 1973-1974, together with William Pogue's Seiko 6139-6005 the very first automatic chronographs used in space). #MoonwatchUniverse

@AriefLatif 5 жыл бұрын

A great heritage preserved in wonderful brand. This has further increased our appreciation of Zenith time pieces and the great people behind it. Thank you for sharing this with us.

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome!

@reneemm5107 4 жыл бұрын

Gread Vid! The one dislike probably came from the guy who told Charles Vermot 2 destroy all the "El Primero" - stuff. Really great content.

@WatchAdvisor 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the positive feedback! Charles Vermot dared, he was a courageous man which deserves our absolute respect. I wish many more of his character would have existed in these difficult days...

@redram5150 3 жыл бұрын

6:55 Look at how bowed those shelves are from the weight of those tools. Impressive

@WatchAdvisor 3 жыл бұрын

This specific tooling is heavy and precious! All movement manufacturers have plenty of those, store them carefully and the value is breathtaking ...

@freddyrequena4021 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent. Thank you!

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

Freddy Requena My pleasure!

@jonthewatch3640 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this phenomenal story... it gave me goosebumps watching it!

@WatchAdvisor 4 жыл бұрын

In fact this story creates goosebumps! Every time again when I think about Charles Vermot doing what he has done... Thanks for your feedback! If you wish to visit yourself you can, if you need any assistance to do so, please let me know ...

@msherlock1607 5 жыл бұрын

Bravo Alexander 👌🏻

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

matthew S Thank you!

@thewatchloungechris 5 жыл бұрын

I love my El Primero Chronomaster it was a long time grail achieved .

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

Simply a stunning watch a stunning calibre and a real shame that what the brand Zenith is doing is not been appreciated by more watch lovers around the world...

@thewatchloungechris 5 жыл бұрын

@@WatchAdvisor I feel like it's a true watch enthusiasts watch, just to give you my collecting taste, I have that one, a doxa, a sinn104, omega smpc 300 seamaster and a jlc sector dial otw soon.

@tpcam78 5 жыл бұрын

WatchAdvisor LVMH don’t promote the brand where I live (Australia). We have TAG boutiques everywhere but it is difficult to find a Zenith anywhere. Only a few independent jewellers sell them. Most people have not heard of the brand here. Except for watch nerds like me of course.

@thewatchloungechris 5 жыл бұрын

That sucks I know an AD in the USA that ships world wide.

@tpcam78 5 жыл бұрын

The Watch Lounge Thanks. Not ready to get one now but I’ll do it in the next few years. It’s a grail watch for me too.

@ICYMIKE 5 жыл бұрын

Phenomenal history lesson, thank you.

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

ICY MIKE I couldn’t agree more! Each time I think about what happened and how that movement in the end was saved I get goosebumps... That’s a story you could easily make a movie out of ... Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

@ICYMIKE 5 жыл бұрын

@@WatchAdvisor This video has moved the El Primero Chrono to my next piece. It's a heritage, story, and passion I'd love to have in my collection. You can look at your wrist and realize one man took it upon himself to save the tools to make the ultimate tool watch.

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

This is amazing! Wow! What shall I write... I am proud and touched that I was able to bring you such a story on your screen... In fact these are the stories I like to tell. It's all about emotions and storytelling. I will forward a screenshot of our conversation to Julian Tornare, the CEO of Zenith. He is a good friend of mine and he must read and see what happened here. Keep me posted what will be next and let me know if can help you find the right Zenith... Cheers!

@ICYMIKE 5 жыл бұрын

@@WatchAdvisor Thank you for wanting to share this with the CEO of Zenith, they are doing something extremely right in an era of watches brands chasing eachother. I like passion, honesty and the relentless pursuit to be oneself and honor their history. Zenith is doing something very right, and you are helping map that historical importance with your own passionate lens. Thank you again, reach for the star(s). Cheers

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

I in fact shared it with Julien... It's good that he reads such messages... that encourages him and keeps him going... Zenith unfortunately is a very much underestimated brand. Julien is aware and therefore the brands most active communicator ...

@AamirTime 4 жыл бұрын

Wow...simply amazing to see and hear this story. The El Primero 21 is on my list....one day.

@WatchAdvisor 4 жыл бұрын

Thrilling even I would say... Is the perfect story for a movie ...

@cedarcanoe 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the best hommage to the finest chronograph

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

Cedar Canoe I am happy you liked the video and the story! Stay tuned there is much more to come!!!

@topwatchvideos9220 5 жыл бұрын

What a great story!

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

Please let everyone know who is interested in watches. Thanks!

@topwatchvideos9220 5 жыл бұрын

Already did. :) topwatchvideos.com/baselworld-2019-why-the-zenith-el-primero-calibre-survived-when-the-quartz-crisis-hit-switzerland/

@johnhjic2 5 жыл бұрын

What a story, Just for me your best and most interesting video to date.

@koochie88 3 жыл бұрын

Great video - explaining the history, the emotional journey Zenith have made to be where they are today in 2021! The new Chronomaster Sport has just been announced and i am looking forward for when I can hold my own one in my hands (White Dial). Knowing the history and how Charles Vermot saved the tools/plans etc draws me even closer to this watch company. I will love to visit the premises once we can all start travelling again. Greeting from Rick in The Netherlands!

@WatchAdvisor 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you and thanks for sharing your thoughts! Let me know if you have questions and/or need help... Once COVID is gone we will organize a from digital to analog event together with zenith and visit the manufacture in Le Locle...

@danny.norato 5 жыл бұрын

Great video, but to be really accurate It was Seiko who came with the first automatic Chrono in the world! They were being release in Japan for sale by February 1969 (caliber 6139). Zenith however built the one that was in production for the longest time, even after revamping production decades later these chronographs were still amazing, so old that ROLEX used them in their Daytonas (aegler the caliber maker for ROLEX - has never been really good at it).

@jimt7292 5 жыл бұрын

awesome!

@chuckw4203 4 жыл бұрын

Wonderful story!

@WatchAdvisor 4 жыл бұрын

It is in fact! The El Primero stands out and will once be sought after...

@chuckw4203 4 жыл бұрын

WatchAdvisor 100% agree my friend!

@thesaintfam5426 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks for sharing with us the Zenith story. I should definitely book some time to visit Le Locle. Happy owner of two El Primero one being the A386 50th anniversary, I guess it’s a must! Thanks one more time for your great content. Keep it up!

@WatchAdvisor 3 жыл бұрын

This is a one of a kind experience! Let me know if you need assistance and/or if you have any questions...

@thesaintfam5426 3 жыл бұрын

WatchAdvisor thanks a lot for your kind message. I’ll definitely contact you next time I am in Europe.

@robinhort6454 5 жыл бұрын

I got the one in rosegold and it's one of my favorite...

@WatchGeek 4 жыл бұрын

I don't understand how your channel doesn't have more subscribers? Even though my channel has more than double the number of subs, it looks amateurish compared to the quality content you produce!! This video definitely pushed me even closer to the idea of getting the El Primero 😁

@WatchAdvisor 4 жыл бұрын

First of all let me THANK YOU for your positive feedback and sharing your thoughts with us. Well, we only started in January 2018... since then we have a healthy growth. Especially the interaction between me and my viewers is perfectly in line and absolutely plausible. The engagement of my community is growing in the same speed as the channel is... I don’t want to become “king” of digits, but providing the best content to the very best audience out there. So welcome on board my friend! I’m happy to infect you with that El Primero virus. Keep me updated and ask me whatever you want, if you have any questions...

@WatchGeek 4 жыл бұрын

@@WatchAdvisor thanks for replying 😊 Zenith has always been a dream for me, one that was always out of reach, but after YEARS of flipping watches and saving I can finally afford one and most likely will be getting one. I was advised and thought about getting a used Rolex explorer for the same price, as a better "investment" piece, but can't help the feeling the Rolex is not worth the current market prices, while with Zenith I feel like I am getting a great deal. But even if I ignore the "value" I simply always found the 38mm "tricolore" one of the most stunning watches ever made, and with the "fixed" subdials, where the minutes are readable again, they solved the one complaint I had 😊 I do hope to get the watch before the end of the year!! I wish you all the best with your excellent channel 👍

@WatchAdvisor 4 жыл бұрын

Watch Geek Please always buy what your heart tells you to buy and NEVER buy an investment. Buy emotional and not rational. You will look dozens of times a day on your wrist to read the time and you wristwatch will become part of your life, filled with lots of emotions... So do you want something to become so emotional you don’t really like and want? I would say NO! A Zenith El Primero chronograph is such a wonderful watch and as you described the watch, I wouldn’t know what to add here. Have you ever visited Zenith? If not, you should... I very much like your approach and I tell you enjoy every second before you get your Zenith since the greatest pleasure lies in the anticipation!

@WatchGeek 4 жыл бұрын

@@WatchAdvisor haha so true about the anticipation!! I never visited them, but since you have, can you ask them why they raised the thickness of the newer version with the correct subdials from 12,7 to 13,8mm? The thin case is one of the selling points in the world of overly chunky watches and although I still find the 13,8mm acceptable for an automatic Chronograph, I would still prefer to have the option of getting the new dial layout with the older pre-2018 thin case! All the best

@WatchAdvisor 4 жыл бұрын

Watch Geek Do you want to visit Zenith? If you do and you think about let me know, I can help you set up your visit...

@HDSportsterdubai 3 жыл бұрын

Just came across your channel and watched the video. Loved it! I would love to visit Zenith when I get the chance. Need this pandemic rubbish to subside before I can hop a few conuntries and be there in Switzerland from Netherlands.

@WatchAdvisor 3 жыл бұрын

Welcome to WatchAdvisor! Feel free to ask me if you have questions and/or need help concerning your plans ...

@thewristwatchexperience8153 5 жыл бұрын

Great story for a great movement

@silversurfer6756 5 жыл бұрын

Fantastic! Excelsior!

@sudartosudarto9576 3 жыл бұрын

Really great video watches across Your Channel all brand

@WatchAdvisor 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, my pleasure!

@brunoschoelkopf9174 5 жыл бұрын

This is very good content, unique!

@sadaka201 5 жыл бұрын

Sehr schöne Gegend... Mein Papa kommt aus La-Chaux-de-Fonds

@thawasly 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the great video! But is it modular (3:38) or integrated?

@RT8473 2 жыл бұрын

Glad i have one of the masterpiece, the tri-color !

@WatchAdvisor 2 жыл бұрын

Congratulations! Do you have a new or old one?

@P0werCore 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing 🤩

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

A story that could have been written for a Blockbuster movie ...

@P0werCore 5 жыл бұрын

WatchAdvisor So true! Send this video to Netflix 🤗 I visited Baselworld today hoping to have a look at the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Silver which I’m very interested in but no chance. No appointment, no watches... shame but even Casio was following in the footsteps of Zenith, Rolex and so on. But hats off to Oris! Was allowed to try the watches on and had a coffee ☕️ Well done Oris 👍 I looked out for you today but no success, would of loved to have a quick chat. Thanks again for this great video.

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

@@P0werCore I have absolutely nothing to say about Oris and as you may have seen i did not publish anything and there will be nothing coming... You should have told me earlier and I would have organised this for you. Are you back tomorrow? Let me know and you see the Zenith ... If not and you will see the watch in Le Locle... Just let me know ...

@P0werCore 5 жыл бұрын

WatchAdvisor Thank you ever so much Alexander, if only I knew. That’s really kind of you to do that for me but I’m back to work tomorrow but I do live in Switzerland, just hope there’re not all sold out while it’s a limited edition. The dial on this watch is mind blowing. Great work Zenith 🙏 Sorry to mention Oris on this video because it’s especially done for Zenith! Which is a fantastic company I love and respect. Forgot to mention the Baselworld. It was great! And I will definitely be going next year. It’s a must for all watch lovers.

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

@@P0werCore You are free to mention whom you want... And I am free not to mention who I want ... Very easy!!! 🤣 Is Le Locle an option for you? Do you want to see the watch at the HQ of Zenith? Yes? Let me know!

@je2847 5 жыл бұрын

I need the defy 21...its beautifuul.

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

J E We can help you get it... Just in case... anyhow a good choice!

@aaronucsd 4 жыл бұрын

I'm new to Zenith. Why I see some of the main three center display, the middle some I see is in front of the left and right and I think the new ones it is behind?

@WatchAdvisor 4 жыл бұрын

That’s part of the iconic El Primero chronograph design and was applied at the time to improve readability from the sub-dials. By making them bigger they would also overlap...

@geoffbradley6283 5 жыл бұрын

Hi what is the cheapest zenith watch to buy and were can i buy one

@WillSmith-jx3lh 2 жыл бұрын

Viva zenith watches

@WatchAdvisor 2 жыл бұрын

Yesssss 🙌🏻

@michaelorban7017 5 жыл бұрын

Vielen Dank Herr Alexander für Ihre wunderbare Geschichte des Hauses Zenith. Ich habe ein Interview mit Charles Vermot gefunden. Sehr, sehr rührend! Hier: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l59yn8d4qeCYhWQ.html. Noch einmal Vielen Dank!

@WatchAdvisor 5 жыл бұрын

Danke für das Posten des Links und danke für das positive Feedback für unsere Geschichte!