Zenith El Primero TV Case Chronograph “big Bbue” Ref 01.0200.415, 1970s — view 1 of 6 — View 1 of 6 · Image: Bulang & Sons · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

View 1 of 6 · Image: Bulang & Sons · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Zenith El Primero TV Case Chronograph “big Bbue” Ref 01.0200.415, 1970s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.

Maker / attribution: Zenith (maker)
Date: 1970s
Historical period: Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Country of origin: Switzerland
Object type: Wristwatch
Dimensions: Case 42 mm
Dealer: Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen
Stock no.: W-2663
Credit line: Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-2663)
Catalogue title (original): Zenith El Primero TV Case Chronograph “big Bbue” Ref 01.0200.415 (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-2663), this is a wristwatch by Zenith, made in Switzerland, dated 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 42 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

Introduced in 1969, the Zenith El Primero movement is renowned for its accuracy and quality, with this "Big Blue" version launching in 1972 featuring a distinctive 42mm case resembling a 1970s TV screen. This watch includes unique features such as long pushers that double as crown guards and a tachymeter inspired by Indy car racing. If you’re looking for full-blown 70s vibes, this is the watch for you! The case is in great condition with strong lines. The blue dial is in great condition with the classic El Primero sub dial layout, in shapes that mirror the case, with a date in the bottom right corner and a darker tachymeter scale bezel on the outside of the dial. This watch is fitted with its original Zenith steel bracelet, with useful comfort adjustment on the clasp. The Zenith El Primero automatic movement has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. Sports chronos are such interesting and cool watches to collect. Please get in touch to discuss this rare and intriguing example. Specifications: - Zenith El Primero Chronograph 01.0200.415 - Steel 42mm steel case - Dates to 1970s - Blue dial - Original Zenith steel bracelet - Zenith El Primero automatic movement - Fully serviced by our watchmaker

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.

Read the period in the timeline More wristwatches from this period Earlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

Atlas type guide

Chronographs and split-seconds watches

A chronograph is a watch with an additional seconds hand that can be started, stopped and returned to zero independently of the timekeeping. Louis Moinet built an early example in 1816 and Nicolas Rieussec a recording 'chronographe' in 1821; Adolphe Nicole's heart-shaped reset cam (patented 1862) made the modern return-to-zero possible. Split-seconds (rattrapante) chronographs add a second hand that can be stopped for intermediate times; flyback chronographs restart instantly.

Chronographs were essential tools for doctors (pulsometer scales), artillery (telemeter), engineers and sport. In wristwatches, Valjoux, Venus, Lemania and later the automatic chronographs of 1969 (Zenith El Primero, the Chronomatic Calibre 11 group and Seiko 6139) are milestones.

What to look for

Push-pieces on the case band or a single button in the crown (monopusher).
Subsidiary registers for minutes and hours; tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer scales.
Column wheel versus cam control visible in the movement.
Calibre markings of specialist makers (Valjoux, Lemania, Venus, Landeron).

Dating clues

Pocket chronographs with heart cam reset: after 1862.
Wrist chronographs: from c. 1910; two-button designs from the 1930s.
Automatic chronographs: from 1969.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Mechanisms mentioned

Chronograph — Complication
Self-winding (automatic) mechanism — Component

Record completeness

Maker or attributionRecorded
DateRecorded
Place or countryRecorded
MaterialsNot in source
DimensionsRecorded
Narrative descriptionRecorded
Inscriptions / marksNot in source
ProvenanceNot in source
Several photographsRecorded

Editorial status: Documented — facts as published by the source; not independently verified by Atlas editors.

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Sources & image rights

Record source: Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (opens another website in a new tab).

Image rights: © Bulang & Sons — dealer photographs; permission required (opens another website in a new tab).

Images are hosted by the Atlas for study and credited to their owner. Rights holders may request correction, credit changes or removal, or grant permission, via the editorial office.

Cite this record

"Zenith El Primero TV Case Chronograph “big Bbue” Ref 01.0200.415, 1970s." Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen, W-2663. Catalogue record in The Horology Atlas, WatchMuseum.org, https://atlas.watchmuseum.org/museum/zenith-el-primero-tv-case-chronograph-big-bbue-ref-01-0200-415-e8d6f2.