Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Triple Calendar Chronograph 01.0240.410/21

Anyone with an interest in Zenith, and in particular their chronographs, has likely heard of the story of Charles Vermot, the rogue employee of Zenith who disregarded instruction from his bosses to destroy tooling for the El Primero Chronograph and instead hid them in an attic in the manufacture. This tooling and design plans ultimately saved Zenith, and allowed for the El Primero to be put back in production, something all of us watch fans should be eternally grateful for as they've gone on to power some of the most significant watches ever made.

The El Primero Chronomaster 01.0240.410/21 is a bit of a hidden gem, known amongst collectors, but not so much the general public. Good for us, as it's one of our favourite El Primero powered Zenith's of the modern era. 

Utilising a beautifully stepped stainless steel case in 40mm, 13mm thick and 46.4mm lug-to-lug, it houses a glossy black dial with a tachymetre scale across it's outer edge. Inboard of this sits applied indices, surrounding a classic triple calendar layout with day of the week, month, moonphase and date window at 4. The pop of blue for the sky of the moonphase against the inky black dial looks absolutely amazing when you catch it in the light. Being a chronograph, you also have a 12 hour and 30 minute counter, and running seconds at 9. 

Powering it is the El Primero 410Z automatic chronograph movement with column wheel, lateral clutch, and 32 jewels to go along with its calendar complications. It's mounted to a Zenith 'gator strap with steel Zenith pin buckle.

This particular piece would date from circa-2001 and presents in excellent neo-vintage condition. The case is in amazing condition, with no large scratches/scuffs. The only real signs of wear are the remnants of some pin dents on the side of the case and a couple on the bezel under very close inspection. Rear of the lugs show some minor strap change marks, and case back shows some light scratches. Please see images for full condition details.

Strap is in near-new condition and has not yet been broken in. Buckle shows some minor marks.

Apparently serviced in 2023 by Zenith, but no paperwork for this so we cannot confirm. All calendar functions operating as they should, as is the chrongraph, and it's keeping COSC time, or very close to, measured dial-up on a timegrapher.

Comes with outer box, inner box, COSC certificate, hangtag, instruction manuals, blank warranty card, stamped registration card, and Zenith chronometre certificate. Inner cushion shows heavy flaking as is typical of this era.

A superb example with a very full kit.

Brand: Zenith

Reference: 01.0240.410/21

Circa: 2001

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case details: 40mm

Movement: El Primero 410 self winding chronograph

Dial: Black

Paraphernalia: Outer box, inner box, COSC certificate, hangtag, instruction manuals, blank warranty card, stamped registration card, and Zenith chronometre certificate. Inner cushion shows heavy flaking as is typical of this era

Grading: Excellent Neo-Vintage

Watch Vault utilises the TZ grading system. Please see below for details.