And as now we know with their find in 2018, Vermot had hidden prototype dials for the A386 as well, though no other records exist. Vermot instead hid everything needed to produce the El Primero in a walled-off section of the Zenith attic (technically the old Martel Watch Company building – the company was purchased by Zenith in 1959) in the hope that one day the company could bring the movement back into production. The company, however, does not know if these dials were intended for the A386 dial or for a different model.įor those not familiar, the story beings with Charles Vermot, who was instructed by Zenith management (this being the new American owner from Zenith Radio Corporation) to throw away El Primero tools and plans to focus on quartz movements during the crisis of the mid-1970s. These prototype dials were announced by Zenith, and have a tie to the history and renewal of the El Primero movement. While my stomach churns when I read the discussion of made-up “prototype” dials in forums, auction houses and watch publications, I’m adding this prototype discussion because it is, well, based in reality.
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