Overview
While the El Primero has mostly been made in its original 38mm size throughout the years, Zenith released a standard issue tri-color version in a larger, more contemporary 42mm case in 2013. Versions with a blue dial and a gray dial soon followed, each featuring a different take on the iconic tri-color design. These larger watches all featured a more spacious dial and a less controversial date window placed at 6 o’clock instead of the traditional 4:30 position. For those with larger wrists—and larger tastes—the 42mm Primero was a godsend and continues to be sought after, especially now that the size has been discontinued from Zenith’s catalog.
Specifications
Brand:
Zenith
Model:
Chronomaster El Primero
Reference:
03.2040.400/26.C496
Year:
2010s
Case Number:
353 702
Case Material:
Stainless steel
Diameter:
42 mm
Lug Width:
21 mm
Thickness:
12.8 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
Dial:
Grey
Lume:
Super-LumiNova
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Automatic
Caliber:
El Primero 400B
Bracelet/Strap:
Zenith black alligator strap with deployant buckle
Max Wrist Size:
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
UNWORN: Case is pristine with no signs of use. Original stickers may still be present. Dial, hands, and lume have no imperfections and may show natural, even aging.
MINT: Case has only a few superficial hairlines. Lugs are thick, full, and sharp with superb finishing. Dial, hands, and lume may have micro imperfections visible only with a loupe.
EXCELLENT: Case has very light scratches or nicks. Lugs are thick, full, and well-defined. Dial and hands may have imperfections visible upon close inspection. Lume is fully intact and may show slight discoloration.
VERY GOOD: Case may have a few moderate scratches or nicks. Lugs are thick and full but may have softened edges. Dial and hands may have light stains or marks. Lume may have cracks or discoloration.
GOOD: Case has many scratches and nicks. Lugs may show signs of moderate polishing with worn edges. Dial and hands may have noticeable stains or marks. Lume may be damaged or show significant discoloration.
Case: The case is very clean and shows minimal signs of wear with only a few small hairlines throughout. The watch appears to have been polished at some point, but the lugs remain thick with the original brushed finish still showing. The case back shows minimal wear as well with sharp, fully legible engravings. The bezel is practically flawless with no nicks or scratches present.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The dial and hands are mint with no imperfections and fully functioning Super-LumiNova. The front and rear sapphire crystals are squeaky clean and scratch-free.
Bracelet/Strap: The Zenith alligator strap is in unworn condition with no imperfections. The original protective stickers are still present on the depoyant clasp.
Movement
Functions: All functions including the crown-winding, time-setting, date-changing, and chronograph start/stop/reset are working as expected.
Service History: Unknown.
