Zenith El Primero El Primero Chronomaster Full Open 42 Stainless Steel / Alligator

Reference 03.2081.400/78.C813

Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Full Open 42 Stainless Steel / Alligator

About this watch

The Zenith - 03.2081.400/78.C813 El Primero Chronomaster Full Open 42 is a masterpiece that combines centuries of expertise and innovation with precision and craftsmanship. Its stainless steel case, measuring 42.00 mm in diameter and 12.75 mm in height, exudes refined elegance while showcasing the intricate workings of the El Primero movement through an open case back. The skeleton dial is a visual feast for the eyes, featuring stick and dot indexes and modern-style hands that maintain a clean aesthetic. At its core lies the Zenith caliber El Primero 400B movement, renowned for its precision and boasting a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. This automatic movement offers a power reserve of 50 hours, allowing it to run smoothly without frequent winding. The chronograph feature is where this watch truly shines, with a column wheel mechanism providing smooth and reliable timing capabilities. Paired with an alligator leather strap that complements the polished stainless steel perfectly, this timepiece is not only luxurious but also practical, boasting a water resistance of 100 meters.

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Key Features

Stainless Steel Case
Sapphire Crystal Glass
Automatic Movement (Zenith caliber El Primero 400B)
Chronograph Feature with Column Wheel Mechanism
Water Resistance: 100 Meters
Alligator Leather Strap
50-Hour Power Reserve

Specifications

Brand

Zenith

Family

El Primero

Model

El Primero Chronomaster Full Open 42 Stainless Steel / Alligator

Reference

03.2081.400/78.C813

Movement Features

Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds
Date
Chronograph, Column wheel

Case

Stainless Steel 42mm

Dial Color

Skeleton

Crystal

Sapphire

Water Resistance

100

Current Listings

Zenith El Primero “Open Heart” - Increadible Value

Zenith - 03.0520.4021 · $2,950

This is a Zenith El Primero “Open Heart” with a rare white dial variant, featuring the iconic high-beat chronograph movement and an open-heart design.

Condition: Very Good
Case Size: ~42mm diameter
Movement Frequency: 36,000 vph (high-beat)
Crystal Type: Sapphire crystal

Posted at

Mar 18, 2026, 1:50 PM

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Zenith El Primero New Vintage 1969 Limited Edition 40th Anniversary 96 1969 469/ 77 C683 ♦️Lightly Used 2014♦️

Zenith - 96 1969 469/ 77 C683 · $6,137

The seller is listing a Zenith El Primero New Vintage 1969 Limited Edition 40th Anniversary watch, which was produced in Q3 2014. This limited edition model comes with a full set of box and papers.

Condition: Lightly Used
Year Of Manufacture: 1969
Limited Edition: True (40th Anniversary)
Box And Papers: Yes (full set)

Posted at

Mar 18, 2026, 5:56 AM

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Zenith El Primero ref. 01.0200.415 Big Blue circa 1973

Zenith - 01.0200.415 · $5,450

The Zenith El Primero is a legendary high-frequency automatic chronograph movement first introduced in 1969, beating at 5 Hz and measuring elapsed time with precision. It features an oversized TV-shaped case with a vibrant brushed yachting metallic blue dial, often referred to as the 'Big Blue'. This watch has a unique 1970s aesthetic and is highly sought after by collectors.

Condition: Excellent shape for its age, light signs of polish, private service in 2026
Case size: 42mm
Lug to lug length: 44h
Thickness: 14.3 cc

Posted at

Mar 17, 2026, 4:53 PM

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Zenith El Primero Port Royal V

Zenith - 01/02.0450.400 · $2,650

The Zenith Port Royal V El Primero features symmetry, clarity, and attention to detail throughout its design, making it a visually stunning watch.

Condition: Excellent cosmetically
Case diameter: 40mm
Lug width: 20mm
Lug to lug: 47mm

Posted at

Mar 17, 2026, 11:43 AM

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Zenith 1969/1970 El Primero A385

Zenith - A385 · $7,500

Up for sale is a magnificent El Primero A385 from 1969-1970, limited to approximately 2,400 pieces. It is powered by Zenith’s automatic El Primero movement, Caliber 3019 PHC/400.

Condition: Excellent
Movement: El Primero Caliber 3019PHC
Power reserve: 50 hours
Case diameter: 37mm

Posted at

Mar 16, 2026, 5:11 PM

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BIG PRICE DROP! Zenith El Primero Flyback 18K Gold Grand Chronomaster XT Collector Set!

Zenith - 35.1250.4009 · $12,950

The Zenith El Primero Flyback 18K Gold Grand Chronomaster XT Collector Set is a dress watch with an incredible dial and one of the most mesmerizing dials. It features a clean, classic look with a Swiss army knife of functions and has a 43MM 18K solid yellow gold case.

Condition: Mint
Case diameter: 43mm
Material: 18K solid yellow gold
Movement type: El Primero automatic chronograph cal 4009

Posted at

Mar 15, 2026, 9:45 PM

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