This theme auction features a unique collection of Zenith watches. All watches come from a private collector who has acquired the watches over the past decades. The auction includes several of the coveted ”El Primero”, a model that has its origins since Zenith launched one of the world’s first automatic chronographs in 1969. This new chronograph was introduced under the name cal 3019 El Primero, where ”El Primero” can be translated as ”the first”. The movement of ”El Primero” was later used by Rolex when they introduced their first self-winding chronograph, Cosmograph Daytona in the 80s. ”El Primero” is still considered to be one of the most prominent automatic chronographs.
Zenith is one of the oldest Swiss watch manufacturers, founded in 1895 by Georges Favre-Jacot and has been producing wristwatches since the early 20th century. When Louis Bleriot became the first to fly across the English Channel in 1909, he wore a pilot watch from Zenith on his wrist. The watch was adapted with an oversized crown that could also be handled with gloves. In the auction, two of these rare pilot watches from the early 20th century are represented.
Another rare model is the art-deco-inspired Zenith ”Cabral”, made in a limited edition of only 75 pieces. The model is an anniversary watch for the 500th anniversary of the arrival of the Portuguese Pedro Álvares Cabral to Brazil, 50 of these watches were delivered to Brazil and 25 to Portugal.
