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Greetings and welcome to the world of Zenith. Today I'll be your guide to the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero 38 millimeter slate gray sun ray dial. You can see this and the entire collection of Zenith fine time pieces on our website, govbergwatches.com. It's important to note that this is an automatic winding time piece and it's energized by the action of the wrist in conjunction with the case back winding rotor. However, you can manually wind the watch should it run down by taking the crown in it's first position flush to the case and turning it clockwise 20 to 30 turns. Now, you'll know that the watch has begun to run, even if the chronograph is disengaged, because the constant seconds dial at 9 o'clock will advance and continue to advance. At this point you can set the date, set the time, put the watch on the wrist and it will continue to automatically rewind itself, but should you wish to manually wind it to its maximum rated power reserve of approximately 50 hours, simply continue turning the crown in the clockwise direction. The bridal style mainspring is designed to slip to relieve excess tension, so you cannot accidentally overwind the watch. Rather, listen for a faint click or snick. That is the innocuous sound of the bridal style main spring slipping. That's how you know the watch is completely wound.
Now, at this point you can set the time and you can set the date against an online reference such as an atomic clock. It's important to note that the crown features a small kerf underneath that allows easier access to withdrawal it for set of setting. The El Primero is somewhat different than conventional calipers in that the flush position winds, which is germane to most watch movements, but the intermediate position sets the time and the outermost crown position, the third drown position, sets the date. In the intermediate position turn the crown to advance the time to match your reference. Then, withdrawal the crown all the way to activate the quick change mechanism for the date, should the watch run down or encounter an irregular length month.
The Zenith Chronomaster is a chronograph which can be started with the pusher at 2, stopped with the pusher at 2, and reset with the pusher at 4. Always operate the chronograph in that sequence, as attempting to start the watch and then reset it without first stopping it can severely damage the movement, requiring immediate repair. So, start, stop and reset, in that order. It's important to note that chronographs with a lateral clutch, and you can see the lateral clutch just beneath my thumb, should not be run continuously.
With respect to handling and care, there are three principle threats to your watch, water, magnetism and shock. Now, this watch is water-resistant to a robust 100 meters, which is sufficient for most aquatic activities, short of professional diving. However, it's important to note that leather, a natural porous material, should never be exposed to water or moisture as this can result in rapid degradation of the strap. Instead, ensure the watch is on textile or a rubber strap prior to water exposure.
The third and final threat, however, shock, can cause more permanent defects on your time piece. Minimally, concussion and shock can alter the timing precision of a watch. Maximally they can cause enough damage to stop the time piece. It's important to disuse the watch during ATV or mountain bike riding, as well as firearms marksmanship, tennis, batting or golf, as all of these concussive activities pose a threat to a fine mechanical movement.
Finally, every fine time piece requires a comprehensive overhaul, and in Zenith's case, the company recommends a complete overhaul every three to five years. Now, this should be performed exclusively at an authorized service center that has the trained personnel, original factory replacement parts, and specialized tools to protect the value of your watch as both an investment as an instrument, and of course as an article of beauty. A comprehensive overhaul will include replacement of worn straps, cosmetic restoration of the case, restoration of water resistance, and restoration of your movement's chronometric performance. Ultimately, only authorized service centers are able to back all work and parts invested with the Zenith original factor service warranty. Visit our website at govbergwatches.com and text, call or email our experts who will be happy to walk you through every phase of the ownership service and care of this, or any Zenith fine time piece.