Wrist Game Or Crying Shame: Zenith Epervier El Primero
I greet you with the warmest of welcomes here on Wrist Game or Crying Shame. This week, I’m bringing you the Zenith Epervier El Primero and the opportunity to enter high grade horology for a song. But first…
Last week, I showed you a white gold Speedmaster Moonphase from right around the turn of the century. You folks thought enough of it to carry it to a 70% Wrist Game win. The real story, though, is about one of our readers. Klaus Zimmermann filed a written complaint about yet another Speedmaster article. I responded and gave him full license to choose a more suitable watch for this week’s article. Sadly, Klaus did not return with a suggestion. Therefore, I have been left to my own devices this week. Klaus, you have one more week until the offer expires. For now, though, I am going cheap and cheerful with this week’s Zenith Epervier El Primero.
Cheap things…
In life, they say — whoever they are — that there’s no such thing as a cheap (insert European luxury brand here). Case in point are vehicles from the famed marque in Maranello, Italy. Of course, I am talking about Ferrari. Specifically, when we look at older Ferraris, these cars are well known for engine out fixes for just about anything and five-figure bills as accompaniments. Therefore, when a seemingly inexpensive model arises, it’s typically because it’s just short of a nasty service.
The pain only increases when a less desirable model presents itself, such as the 400 (don’t fight me on this, ironic goofballs and Gerard — this was a rare instance where all the German coupes of the day were and still are better looking). The 400 is very much a Ferrari and that means it has the heart of a lion. More so, said feline will tear your heart and soul out with its merciless service bills just like a more attractive prancing horse. With more than a bit of table setting, we come to the Zenith Epervier El Primero.
The Zenith Epervier El Primero
Epervier is most certainly French for “sparrow hawk.” Perhaps that word strikes a mix of fear and awe into the hearts of the Gallic, but I’d guess it would have been a treat to listen to in both the UK and the USA. Just imagine the discomfort! The Epervier is most definitely from the late 1980s/early 1990s and was actually the name of a collection. The lineup was filled with options including a three-hander, a GMT, a moonphase chronograph, and today’s normal chronograph with date. A variety of dial colors along with all steel, gold, and everyone’s favorite red-headed stepchild (bi-color) were available. These 38mm watches are nice looking, but are they special? Not really! And now, dear reader, I hope that you’ve come to the point where you are asking why I’ve chosen such a watch.
I chose this particular Zenith Epervier El Primero for one reason and one reason only. A quick search on Chrono24 for “El Primero” found loads of options, but this was the cheapest available Zenith-branded model available. There are cheaper options from Ebel (I actually like those more), but I wanted a Zenith. After all, it’s LVMH week and I even discussed the new Chronomaster Sport and the Revival A385 yesterday. Those are some seriously pricey options that top out at nearly €10K!
An El Primero at 85% off
So let’s say that you’re a movement geek and you’re ok with a decent if somewhat anonymous-looking watch. Folks, the Zenith Epervier El Primero just might be for you! Our candidate comes with a rich gold rotating bezel, crown, pump pushers, dial details, and buckle. The crisp white dial looks good and there’s even a tachymeter if you’re looking to boast. Most importantly, though, this watch features the Zenith El Primero caliber 400. Does that sound familiar?
Caliber 400 is the exact same movement found in yesterday’s €8,200 Chronomaster Revival A385. The neat thing about the Zenith Epervier El Primero is that it only costs €1,599. Sure, this watch isn’t as sexy as that retro release, but €6,600 in your wallet sure is! Plus, I actually think that this Epervier is pretty decent looking and the Italian seller (who owns the watch and pics) tells us that it is one of only 855. It could use a new strap because that original one is a tad scary looking, but the whole thing is nowhere nearly as ugly as its cheap fancy car equivalent (the Ferrari 400). But…
Servicing an El Primero is still servicing an El Primero
This Zenith Epervier El Primero will likely need a service. The seller tells us that the lower pusher is a bit cantankerous and suggests a bit of a lube job. That could be akin to saying that dusty old Ferrari 400 just needs a touch of TLC. Regardless, of what it will need, just know that a low-value El Primero costs the same to fix as a valuable one. All that being said, I do think an El Primero is well worth owning. It’s a legendary movement and when that 36,000vph is running at full song, it’s a peach. I realize that today’s episode is more about the possibility of picking up a serious movement at an incredibly low price, but how does that sit with our readers? Time to find out…
