ZENITH | EL PRIMERO, REF SP 1301STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH DATECIRCA 1970

Dial: silvered vignetteCalibre: cal. 3019 automatic, 31 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw-down backCase number: 7'07D'911Closure: stainless steel buckleDimensions: 37.5mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: none

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. The chronograph functioning and the date advancing. CASE: In very attractive condition with crisp edges. With scuffs and scratches consistent with age and use. There is a minor scratch to the case back from opening. The case back is crisp with very easy to read case number. DIAL: in good condition overall but is tarnished with age throughout. Slight darkspot to the 12 hour register to the right of the arbour. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The El Primero was one of the first three automatic chronograph movements introduced in 1969, together with the Heuer calibre 11 and Seiko's calibre 6139. Zenith was the first brand to announce its automatic chronograph movement, Seiko the first to release it and Heuer the first Swiss manufacturer to do so. The production of the El Primero movement was halted in 1972 during the quartz crisis. Still highly regarded in the industry, it was resurrected in 1986 since it was chosen by Rolex as the base calibre for their first automatic Daytona models.