Zenith El Primero G381

El Primero, Reference G381 | A yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with date | Circa 1975 Zenith

Dial: silvered, brown 'tropical' Calibre: cal. 3019 automatic, 31 jewels Case: 18k yellow gold, screw-down case back Case number: 4’85D’948 Closure: gilt metal Zenith buckle Size: 37.5 mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Box: no Papers: no Accessories: none The G381 was born alongside the A386 in the earliest days of the El Primero as several brands raced to be the first to bring their automatic chronograph to the market, and today it is a cult item in the ranks of Zenith and vintage chronograph collectors. Much rarer than the steel A386, the yellow gold G381 also featured a black-on-white panda dial. This sporty gold chronograph was an undoubtedly special creation from Zenith that offered the El Primero technology in a format that was distinctive to its steel-cased sibling, the A386. The G381 was originally produced in fewer than 700 examples, making it one of the most sought after vintage Zenith El Primeros. Fifty years later, the G381 has become a highly collectible footnote in the history of the El Primero and an enduring example of Zenith’s ability to create watches with a special mix of style, elegance, and everyday versatility.