One of the worlds most stunning investment watches is the, El Primero, Sport Chronograph Watch. The Manufacturer, Zenith Watches, was established back in 1865 by Georges Favre-Jacot. Georges was able to gather together a group of independant craftsmen into a bright new factory to produce some of the worlds best watches.
Whats special about the company is its history of producing very high quality movements for many other watch manufacturers, as well as for its own watches. The current factory is still on the same spot, in Le Locle, a small town between Basel and Geneve in Switzerland.
Recently, the ownership of the company has changed a number of times but the tradition of producing high quality unique mechanical, Swiss Watches, has continued. Over a century of watchmaking they have won over 1400 watchmaking awards, being over 90% of those awarded, for technical excellence. Their, sport chronograph watch, range has been supplied to various aviation and military customers as well as a number of expeditions over the many years of their production.
In the late 60's one of their most famous models, the "El Primero" was produced. As a mechanical watch, this achieved an engineering milestone, by being able to truly measure a time span of an incredible 1/10th of a second.
It takes 9 months work to make this watch, it requires 20 watchmakers, 5,500 operations and uses 18 different metals in the classic version. No wonder the production of this famous movement nearly came to an end in the mid 70's. When its then owner, proposed closing production of mechanical watches altogether, in favour of quartz watches, which could be produced much easier. Employees of the company at that time, secreted away the tooling and machinery to ensure production could start again, when a new owner took over. It is only because of the passion of the employees, that the, El Primero, can still be produced today. The cost to retool and re equip the factory would have been prohibitive.
Recently the the Zenith Watch Company installed an "open window" in the face of this model to "show off" the quality of its components. No doubt, to remind viewers that this is a true mechanical watch, of considerable internal beauty and engineering excellence. Considering its price is at the top end of the spectrum, its probably a good idea to show buyers what they pay for.
Though no hard figures are available for the output from this boutique supplier, rumoured estimates of around 30,000 watches are produced by this factory each year, making it a substantial producer in the luxury watch market. What an addition to any enthusiasts collection. A highly precise mechanical instrument that future generations may lack the skill and tools to produce. Get one while you can!
