Zenith Chronograph El Primero 36000 vph
- the El Primero movement
- the very meticulous manufacture
- the readability
- some slight flaws of the El Primero, such as the little leap at the starting up, the steep assemble and the absence of stop seconds.
- the smallest wrist wished it had been 40mm instead of 42,5mm
| Brand | Zenith |
| Model name | Chronographe El Primero 36000 alternances |
| Reference | 03.2040.400/01C496 |
| Case material | Steel |
| Case diameter (without crown) | 42,5 mm |
| Case diameter (crown included) | 46 mm |
| Movement type | Automatic |
| Caliber | EP 400 B |
| Base Caliber | El Primero |
| Functions | Chronograph Date Hour Minute Second |
| Crystal | Dual-face crystal with anti-reflective coating |
| Power reserve | 50h |
| Transparent back | Yes |
| Lug width | 21 mm |
| Length from lug to lug | 47 mm |
| Case thickness | 12,75 mm |
| Strap material | Alligator |
| Clasp type | Pin buckle |
| Clasp material | Steel |
| Total weight | 88 grammes |
| Retail price USA at May 21st, 2010 | $5,800.00 |
| Comfort (/15) | 13 |
| Movement (/20) | 13 |
| Movement Optimisation / Garnishment (/5) | 3.5 |
| Ease of handling and adjustment (/5) | 5 |
| Movement control proceeded by the Manufacture / horlogical awards (/3) | 2 |
| Power reserve (/2) | 1 |
| Complications (/5) | 1.5 |
| Finishing (/20) | 16 |
| Dial finishing (/6) | 5 |
| Case finishing (/6) | 5 |
| Quality of garnishment / caseback engraving quality (/2) | 1 |
| Crystal quality (/4) | 4 |
| Clasp finishing (inner and extern) (/2) | 1 |
| Functionality (/20) | 15 |
| Diurnal legibility (/5) | 5 |
| Night legibility (/4) | 2 |
| Water resistance (/3) | 1 |
| Strap : ease of size adjustment + ease of substitution (/4) | 3 |
| Clasp : quality and safety (/4) | 4 |
| Additional items (/10) | 4 |
| Limited edition (/3) | 0 |
| Watch delivered with several straps (/2) | 0 |
| Quality of the watch box (/1) | 1 |
| Portability with shirtsleeves buttoned (/2) | 2 |
| Goodies included (/1) | 0 |
| Understandability of the brochure (/1) | 1 |
| Value for money (/15) | 14 |
| When to wear it ? | Swimming in the sea or singing in the rain! |
In Basel in 2009, Zenith presented the 69 New Vintage as a tribute to the 40 years of the automatic chronograph, the El Primero. One year later, it is a whole range, both classical and modern that has been presented, such as this EP 36000 VPH.
A chronograph that reveals the new collection
This watch reveals the new collection, more tightened and focused on classics models and leaning on values that turn this brand into a success.
The shape of the steel case or moreover the disposition of the intertwined sub-dials are inspired by the A386, released 40 years ago.
But this watch shows a real personality, both elegant and subtle thanks to some silver finishing, brushed, bright, or some grey-blue strokes nicely spread.
A both elegant and subtle watch
The silver is reserved to the satiny dial, giving changing impressions according on the lightning. The brushed aspect is used to circle the periphery of the dial and the sub-dials, emphasizing the scales and the tachometer.
Concerning the looks of the dial, it is enhanced with some painted elements, such as the blue second hand or the sectors of the sub dials.
The hands and the markers are designed on the same principles, alternating the bright rhodium plated parts, the luminova zones and the black painted areas.
Finally, the writings, the Zenith logo and the date make their way on the dial while strengthening its balance. And the whole is protected by a developed sapphire, rounded, beveled angled and anti-reflect treated on both faces.
The combination of all these elements allows an excellent readability thanks to the big opening of the dial and a very good contrast. Furthermore, its looks and proportions make this watch a very multitask watch.
The movement: Cal. El Primero 400B
On the other side of the watch, a sapphire bottom allows to glimpse on the caliber, the El Primero 400B.
If it has undergone only few changes since 40 years, it still keeps very interesting characteristics : 36000 vibrations per hours, making the trotteuse of the chronograph very fluid ; a power reserve of more than 50 hours ; a quick date leap as well as an oscillating weight, engraved and framed with the star of the brand.
The architecture of the movement enables to see, through the sapphire bottom, the interesting elements of this beautiful mechanism.
Such as the column wheel, the lateral gear, the balance or the nicely executed finishing.
Finally, let’s underline that the movement is certified chronometer by the COSC.
What to remember
Among other novelties such as the Striking Tenth or the Retrotimer, this 36000 VPH plays the role of wisdom and classism, avoiding dullness and déjà-vu.
It is a great success, both in its conception and its manufacture.
This model is also available on a rubber strap (retail price France = 5600 €) or on a steel strap (retail price France = 6400 €).