How the legendary ZENITH El Primero chronograph survived when the quartz-crisis hit Switzerland.

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#ZenithWatches #zenithelprimero #charlesvermot
The Zenith El Primero calibre was presented 50 years ago. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
But only a few years later the very first automatic chronographs calibre measuring the 1/10th of a second should disappear again...
This is a very, very emotional video telling you the story why the legendary Zenith El Primero calibre survived when the quartz crisis hit Switzerland. The American owner of Zenith at the the time gave order to destroy all the tooling and components to manufacture the legendary El Primero calibre. But there was one guy at Zenith who said NO! NEVER!
Charles Vermot and his brother started hiding everything in the attic of the manufacturing building... Take some time and see this absolutely emotional video and discover this amazing story. A story that could have been written for a Hollywood block buster...
Camera and Edit by Jorge Oswald
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Опубликовано:

1 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 143

@rarts2000 5 лет назад

I've heard the story many times but is the first time I see the actual place great video, Alexander keeps it up.

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

Rafael Rodriguez Rafael I am happy I could show the attic!

@HenryPerez_royal_hp 5 лет назад

Zenith el primero is one of my dream watches 😍 Love it 😍

@poh92 5 лет назад

The person who hid all those machines is a hero

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

poh92 Yes, he is! He was very courageous and wise... Amazing what he did!

@PhilipWing 5 лет назад

I was fortunate enough to visit Zenith in Le Locle last December, and was able to go up to the attic as well as explore the entire manufacture and see how things are done. Having learned about Mr.Vermot and what he did, and standing inside that attic where he hid all these tools (which was freezing cold in December!) I can say it was one of the most emotionally enticing experiences I've had in regards to appreciating horology.

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

Philip A Winged Lucky you! This is something you must have seen once...

@PhilipWing 5 лет назад

Everyone living/visiting Switzerland should do it! It's a tour you can book through their homepage. As a watch lover absolutely worth it!

@mylesjulius7351 3 года назад

@Jesse Kendrick Instablaster :)

@bobbydazzler1780 5 лет назад

Would love to own a Zenith one day and an El Primero movement would be a joy to own.

@threehander 5 лет назад

I think there is a perception among buyers that there will be more service needed with these movements. If they can change that perception, it will be greatly beneficial for the company.

@donjuan150 5 лет назад

Seeing the actual attic and hearing this amazing story! Thank you! Your interviews are top notch!

@WatchAdvisor 4 года назад

Thank you for the feedback! I hope Zenith gets back on track soon... COVID-19 actually more or less stopped the entire Swiss Watch Industry...

@pilotstyle123 5 лет назад

Zenith should honor the guy who saved the parts with a special edition.

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

pilotstyle123 I think they did already, but I am not sure.

@silversurfer6756 5 лет назад

There are a few. Here's one: EL PRIMERO - 03.2085.4021/51.C700. Excelsior!

@dankhaw2960 3 года назад

This video is worth saving to playlist for any watch and in particular Zenith owners.

@WatchAdvisor 3 года назад

What a wonderful feedback! Thank you so much!

@robertp5123 Год назад

Wow, Alexander. This was an amazing episode! An incredible story and historical how Charles Vermot saved Zenith…..El Primero. Love the story. Thank you for bringing this to us ……Watch enthusiasts.

@WatchAdvisor Год назад

Thanks for sharing our passion and your kind feedback! I am happy to read this…

@toddblake5003 5 лет назад

Wonderful story. Thank You for this production!

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

Todd Blake Thank you Todd for the positive feedback!

@TallnBald 2 года назад

The Zenith El Primero 410 (Charles Vermot) is my grail piece which I continue to strive for. The story behind it, along with the movement itself, makes it all the better!

@WatchAdvisor 2 года назад

Thanks for sharing our passion!

@rowanraath 2 года назад

Amazing, thank you so much for bringing us this story. I collected my very first El Primero yesterday and really loving it.

@WatchAdvisor 2 года назад

Bravo! Congratulations! Which one did you choose?

@rowanraath 2 года назад

@@WatchAdvisor I have one of the more classic versions, the champagne dial with tri-colour sub-dials in the 42mm size with the date window at 6 o'clock. I seem to always prefer the most classic versions of each brand. Originally bought the Jean-Louis Etienne limited edition which is a 10th second movement (champagne dial with 3 charcoal sub-dials), but strangely enough there was an issue with the quick-set date function so I decided to rather exchange it.

@WatchAdvisor 2 года назад

@@rowanraath You buy what you like! There is nothing tom explain here... Well done! May your Zenith always show you HAPPY seconds, minutes and hours!

@dperreno 2 года назад

@@rowanraath I just bought the same one on a rubber strap. I love it!

@cfrincon 4 года назад

A great story with a happy ending. What a vision of this man in saving all the tooling for this beautiful movement.

@WatchAdvisor 4 года назад

Could be a Hollywood blockbuster ... :-))

@fille3851 5 лет назад

Great Story! Thanks for your research. Zenith is a great brand with a fantastic tradition! Looking forward to see the new releases in Baselworld. For info : I invented my own sport which is measured in 1/8 th of a second. It ‘s called ‘bring the champagne home’. Measurement starts now.

@pegasusltc328 5 лет назад

Charles Vermot is the Oskar Schindler of the Swiss Watch industry. Magnificent story. 👏👍

@farshadghafourpour4796 5 лет назад

Another great video, that attic is amazing. I love how the shelves are bending under the heavy weight of all the tools. Sadly I don’t own a Zenith watch but I do have the movement in my Steel Rolex Daytona from 1998.

@WatchGeek 5 лет назад

I don't understand how your channel doesn't have more subscribers? Even though my channel has more than double the number of subs, it looks amateurish compared to the quality content you produce!! This video definitely pushed me even closer to the idea of getting the El Primero 😁

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

First of all let me THANK YOU for your positive feedback and sharing your thoughts with us. Well, we only started in January 2018... since then we have a healthy growth. Especially the interaction between me and my viewers is perfectly in line and absolutely plausible. The engagement of my community is growing in the same speed as the channel is... I don’t want to become “king” of digits, but providing the best content to the very best audience out there. So welcome on board my friend! I’m happy to infect you with that El Primero virus. Keep me updated and ask me whatever you want, if you have any questions...

@WatchGeek 5 лет назад

@@WatchAdvisor thanks for replying 😊 Zenith has always been a dream for me, one that was always out of reach, but after YEARS of flipping watches and saving I can finally afford one and most likely will be getting one. I was advised and thought about getting a used Rolex explorer for the same price, as a better "investment" piece, but can't help the feeling the Rolex is not worth the current market prices, while with Zenith I feel like I am getting a great deal. But even if I ignore the "value" I simply always found the 38mm "tricolore" one of the most stunning watches ever made, and with the "fixed" subdials, where the minutes are readable again, they solved the one complaint I had 😊 I do hope to get the watch before the end of the year!! I wish you all the best with your excellent channel 👍

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

Watch Geek Please always buy what your heart tells you to buy and NEVER buy an investment. Buy emotional and not rational. You will look dozens of times a day on your wrist to read the time and you wristwatch will become part of your life, filled with lots of emotions... So do you want something to become so emotional you don’t really like and want? I would say NO! A Zenith El Primero chronograph is such a wonderful watch and as you described the watch, I wouldn’t know what to add here. Have you ever visited Zenith? If not, you should... I very much like your approach and I tell you enjoy every second before you get your Zenith since the greatest pleasure lies in the anticipation!

@WatchGeek 5 лет назад

@@WatchAdvisor haha so true about the anticipation!! I never visited them, but since you have, can you ask them why they raised the thickness of the newer version with the correct subdials from 12,7 to 13,8mm? The thin case is one of the selling points in the world of overly chunky watches and although I still find the 13,8mm acceptable for an automatic Chronograph, I would still prefer to have the option of getting the new dial layout with the older pre-2018 thin case! All the best

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

Watch Geek Do you want to visit Zenith? If you do and you think about let me know, I can help you set up your visit...

@MortezaAlavizadeh 5 лет назад

Man oh man! What a story! I'm totally blown away. Thanks a billion, Alexander. Such immense joy to watch this video. The passion for watchmaking is what kept the El Primero alive, it's the stuff of legends :)

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

Morteza Alavizadeh I am so happy you liked it!!!

@phmwu7368 3 года назад

1969 Zenith El Primero cal 3019 PHC ( Power, Hour-totalizer, Calendar) was also used in the Movado HS360 automatic chronographs named DataChron, later abbreviated to Datron

@phmwu7368 8 месяцев назад

1970-1971 reverse Panda dial Movado Datachron HS360 automatic chronograph was a stunning & very legible toolwatch (Commander Gerald Carr used a HS360 onboard NASA space station Skylab in 1973-1974, together with William Pogue's Seiko 6139-6005 the very first automatic chronographs used in space). #MoonwatchUniverse

@patricktutek7933 5 лет назад

Amazing story on many levels.

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

Patrick Tutek Yesss Patrick, yesssss!!!

@danny.norato 5 лет назад

Great video, but to be really accurate It was Seiko who came with the first automatic Chrono in the world! They were being release in Japan for sale by February 1969 (caliber 6139). Zenith however built the one that was in production for the longest time, even after revamping production decades later these chronographs were still amazing, so old that ROLEX used them in their Daytonas (aegler the caliber maker for ROLEX - has never been really good at it).

@nepsis33 5 лет назад

Amazing story, I have to admit I was unaware of it before! I have a lot more respect for Zenith now.

@Ray-pj1eh 2 года назад

What an amazing story and beautifully told Alexander. Thank you for bringing us this story and behind the scenes footage.

@WatchAdvisor 2 года назад

You are very welcome! I am happy to read this… let me know if you have any questions…

@luisbenitez3428 5 лет назад

Wow what an amazing story thank you so much for sharing it Beautiful video

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

Luis Benitez In fact amazing! Like a thriller... Thank you for your positive feedback and your comment!

@smr32061 5 лет назад

Great video Alexander! Thank you for sharing this wonderful story and history of Zenith. Beautiful watches.

@bastiaanvanzon6931 5 лет назад

Amazing history, very authentic, I just became a Zenith fan

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

Bastiaan van Zon Wonderful! That’s really wonderful!! In fact Zenith is a brand you have to fall on love with once you discovered its history. Thanks for your feedback!

@bastiaanvanzon6931 5 лет назад

@@WatchAdvisor Today I bought my El Primero Open Heart 😀 so happy

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

Bastiaan van Zon Very cool! Congratulations! May your new Zenith always show you happy seconds, minutes and hours...

@josephknecht4272 5 лет назад

Fascinating story! My already extremely high regard for El Primero has been amplified by your wonderful video! Thank you!

@astrogen1960 5 лет назад

Good job, Mr. Linz! I love this watch and appreciate your going there and getting it's background from Zenith.

@reneemm5107 4 года назад

Gread Vid! The one dislike probably came from the guy who told Charles Vermot 2 destroy all the "El Primero" - stuff. Really great content.

@WatchAdvisor 4 года назад

Thanks for the positive feedback! Charles Vermot dared, he was a courageous man which deserves our absolute respect. I wish many more of his character would have existed in these difficult days...

@redram5150 3 года назад

6:55 Look at how bowed those shelves are from the weight of those tools. Impressive

@WatchAdvisor 3 года назад

This specific tooling is heavy and precious! All movement manufacturers have plenty of those, store them carefully and the value is breathtaking ...

@milchpuder 5 лет назад

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing.

@stephaniestar 2 года назад

love this video and the details you showed us here. absolutely fantastic journey. I enjoyed it so much :))) thanks once again!

@WatchAdvisor 2 года назад

Thanks for sharing our passion and for your kind feedback!

@thewatchloungechris 5 лет назад

I love my El Primero Chronomaster it was a long time grail achieved .

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

Simply a stunning watch a stunning calibre and a real shame that what the brand Zenith is doing is not been appreciated by more watch lovers around the world...

@thewatchloungechris 5 лет назад

@@WatchAdvisor I feel like it's a true watch enthusiasts watch, just to give you my collecting taste, I have that one, a doxa, a sinn104, omega smpc 300 seamaster and a jlc sector dial otw soon.

@tpcam78 5 лет назад

WatchAdvisor LVMH don’t promote the brand where I live (Australia). We have TAG boutiques everywhere but it is difficult to find a Zenith anywhere. Only a few independent jewellers sell them. Most people have not heard of the brand here. Except for watch nerds like me of course.

@thewatchloungechris 5 лет назад

That sucks I know an AD in the USA that ships world wide.

@tpcam78 5 лет назад

The Watch Lounge Thanks. Not ready to get one now but I’ll do it in the next few years. It’s a grail watch for me too.

@robinhort6454 5 лет назад

I got the one in rosegold and it's one of my favorite...

@thawasly 5 лет назад

Thank you for the great video! But is it modular (3:38) or integrated?

@lucachinellato5936 5 лет назад

GRAZIE... a wonderful service... THE BEST

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

Luca, I am happy that you like the video. Mille grazie for "THE BEST"

@petercsicsics2663 5 лет назад

Thanks for the great content Alexander!

@sadaka201 5 лет назад

Sehr schöne Gegend... Mein Papa kommt aus La-Chaux-de-Fonds

@jonthewatch3640 4 года назад

Thank you so much for this phenomenal story... it gave me goosebumps watching it!

@WatchAdvisor 4 года назад

In fact this story creates goosebumps! Every time again when I think about Charles Vermot doing what he has done... Thanks for your feedback! If you wish to visit yourself you can, if you need any assistance to do so, please let me know ...

@aaronucsd 4 года назад

I'm new to Zenith. Why I see some of the main three center display, the middle some I see is in front of the left and right and I think the new ones it is behind?

@WatchAdvisor 4 года назад

That’s part of the iconic El Primero chronograph design and was applied at the time to improve readability from the sub-dials. By making them bigger they would also overlap...

@ingoklein7216 4 года назад

Herzlichsten Dank für dieses Video. Charles Vermot ist ein stiller Held. Seine Geschichte sollte in einem Kinofilm erzählt werden.

@WatchAdvisor 4 года назад

Ingo Klein Ja, man sollte/dürfte/könnte diese Geschichte in einen tollen Kinofilm verwandeln... Danke für Dein Feedback!

@jimt7292 5 лет назад

awesome!

@sudartosudarto9576 3 года назад

Really great video watches across Your Channel all brand

@WatchAdvisor 3 года назад

Thank you, my pleasure!

@koochie88 3 года назад

Great video - explaining the history, the emotional journey Zenith have made to be where they are today in 2021! The new Chronomaster Sport has just been announced and i am looking forward for when I can hold my own one in my hands (White Dial). Knowing the history and how Charles Vermot saved the tools/plans etc draws me even closer to this watch company. I will love to visit the premises once we can all start travelling again. Greeting from Rick in The Netherlands!

@WatchAdvisor 3 года назад

Thank you and thanks for sharing your thoughts! Let me know if you have questions and/or need help... Once COVID is gone we will organize a from digital to analog event together with zenith and visit the manufacture in Le Locle...

@msherlock1607 5 лет назад

Bravo Alexander 👌🏻

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

matthew S Thank you!

@freddyrequena4021 5 лет назад

Excellent. Thank you!

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

Freddy Requena My pleasure!

@HDSportsterdubai 3 года назад

Just came across your channel and watched the video. Loved it! I would love to visit Zenith when I get the chance. Need this pandemic rubbish to subside before I can hop a few conuntries and be there in Switzerland from Netherlands.

@WatchAdvisor 3 года назад

Welcome to WatchAdvisor! Feel free to ask me if you have questions and/or need help concerning your plans ...

@johnhjic2 5 лет назад

What a story, Just for me your best and most interesting video to date.

@AriefLatif 5 лет назад

A great heritage preserved in wonderful brand. This has further increased our appreciation of Zenith time pieces and the great people behind it. Thank you for sharing this with us.

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

You are very welcome!

@geoffbradley6283 5 лет назад

Hi what is the cheapest zenith watch to buy and were can i buy one

@thesaintfam5426 4 года назад

Great video, thanks for sharing with us the Zenith story. I should definitely book some time to visit Le Locle. Happy owner of two El Primero one being the A386 50th anniversary, I guess it’s a must! Thanks one more time for your great content. Keep it up!

@WatchAdvisor 4 года назад

This is a one of a kind experience! Let me know if you need assistance and/or if you have any questions...

@thesaintfam5426 4 года назад

WatchAdvisor thanks a lot for your kind message. I’ll definitely contact you next time I am in Europe.

@brunoschoelkopf9174 5 лет назад

This is very good content, unique!

@ICYMIKE 5 лет назад

Phenomenal history lesson, thank you.

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

ICY MIKE I couldn’t agree more! Each time I think about what happened and how that movement in the end was saved I get goosebumps... That’s a story you could easily make a movie out of ... Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

@ICYMIKE 5 лет назад

@@WatchAdvisor This video has moved the El Primero Chrono to my next piece. It's a heritage, story, and passion I'd love to have in my collection. You can look at your wrist and realize one man took it upon himself to save the tools to make the ultimate tool watch.

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

This is amazing! Wow! What shall I write... I am proud and touched that I was able to bring you such a story on your screen... In fact these are the stories I like to tell. It's all about emotions and storytelling. I will forward a screenshot of our conversation to Julian Tornare, the CEO of Zenith. He is a good friend of mine and he must read and see what happened here. Keep me posted what will be next and let me know if can help you find the right Zenith... Cheers!

@ICYMIKE 5 лет назад

@@WatchAdvisor Thank you for wanting to share this with the CEO of Zenith, they are doing something extremely right in an era of watches brands chasing eachother. I like passion, honesty and the relentless pursuit to be oneself and honor their history. Zenith is doing something very right, and you are helping map that historical importance with your own passionate lens. Thank you again, reach for the star(s). Cheers

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

I in fact shared it with Julien... It's good that he reads such messages... that encourages him and keeps him going... Zenith unfortunately is a very much underestimated brand. Julien is aware and therefore the brands most active communicator ...

@AamirTime 4 года назад

Wow...simply amazing to see and hear this story. The El Primero 21 is on my list....one day.

@WatchAdvisor 4 года назад

Thrilling even I would say... Is the perfect story for a movie ...

@thewristwatchexperience8153 5 лет назад

Great story for a great movement

@michaelorban7017 5 лет назад

Vielen Dank Herr Alexander für Ihre wunderbare Geschichte des Hauses Zenith. Ich habe ein Interview mit Charles Vermot gefunden. Sehr, sehr rührend! Hier: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-a9BldGDz4U0.html. Noch einmal Vielen Dank!

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

Danke für das Posten des Links und danke für das positive Feedback für unsere Geschichte!

@waelsor6169 4 года назад

lol this is a terraria sword🤔

@WatchAdvisor 4 года назад

??? Sorry, but what does this mean?

@chuckw4203 4 года назад

Wonderful story!

@WatchAdvisor 4 года назад

It is in fact! The El Primero stands out and will once be sought after...

@chuckw4203 4 года назад

WatchAdvisor 100% agree my friend!

@silversurfer6756 5 лет назад

Fantastic! Excelsior!

@cedarcanoe 5 лет назад

Thank you so much for the best hommage to the finest chronograph

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

Cedar Canoe I am happy you liked the video and the story! Stay tuned there is much more to come!!!

@topwatchvideos9220 5 лет назад

What a great story!

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

Please let everyone know who is interested in watches. Thanks!

@topwatchvideos9220 5 лет назад

Already did. :) topwatchvideos.com/baselworld-2019-why-the-zenith-el-primero-calibre-survived-when-the-quartz-crisis-hit-switzerland/

@RT8473 2 года назад

Glad i have one of the masterpiece, the tri-color !

@WatchAdvisor 2 года назад

Congratulations! Do you have a new or old one?

@je2847 5 лет назад

I need the defy 21...its beautifuul.

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

J E We can help you get it... Just in case... anyhow a good choice!

@WillSmith-jx3lh 2 года назад

Viva zenith watches

@WatchAdvisor 2 года назад

Yesssss 🙌🏻

@P0werCore 5 лет назад

Amazing 🤩

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

A story that could have been written for a Blockbuster movie ...

@P0werCore 5 лет назад

WatchAdvisor So true! Send this video to Netflix 🤗 I visited Baselworld today hoping to have a look at the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Silver which I’m very interested in but no chance. No appointment, no watches... shame but even Casio was following in the footsteps of Zenith, Rolex and so on. But hats off to Oris! Was allowed to try the watches on and had a coffee ☕️ Well done Oris 👍 I looked out for you today but no success, would of loved to have a quick chat. Thanks again for this great video.

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

@@P0werCore I have absolutely nothing to say about Oris and as you may have seen i did not publish anything and there will be nothing coming... You should have told me earlier and I would have organised this for you. Are you back tomorrow? Let me know and you see the Zenith ... If not and you will see the watch in Le Locle... Just let me know ...

@P0werCore 5 лет назад

WatchAdvisor Thank you ever so much Alexander, if only I knew. That’s really kind of you to do that for me but I’m back to work tomorrow but I do live in Switzerland, just hope there’re not all sold out while it’s a limited edition. The dial on this watch is mind blowing. Great work Zenith 🙏 Sorry to mention Oris on this video because it’s especially done for Zenith! Which is a fantastic company I love and respect. Forgot to mention the Baselworld. It was great! And I will definitely be going next year. It’s a must for all watch lovers.

@WatchAdvisor 5 лет назад

@@P0werCore You are free to mention whom you want... And I am free not to mention who I want ... Very easy!!! 🤣 Is Le Locle an option for you? Do you want to see the watch at the HQ of Zenith? Yes? Let me know!