Reference
Zenith El Primero
Reference A386 · Stainless Steel
The lowest current ask for the Zenith El Primero (ref. A386) is $6,450 at Analog Shift, among 4 live listings we track. The auction record is $40,000 (Phillips Geneva, 2018). Updated July 4, 2026. View lowest ask →
Track Zenith A386
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About this reference
The Zenith El Primero A386 was produced between 1969 and approximately 1971, with an estimated total production of 2,500 units. Collectors prioritize this reference as the original housing for the Calibre 3019 PHC, one of the first integrated automatic chronograph movements operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour. The 38mm stainless steel case features a tri-color dial with overlapping sub-dials in silver, anthracite, and blue, a design distinct to this initial release. On the secondary market, prices typically range from $15,000 to over $25,000 depending on the presence of the original "ladder" bracelet manufactured by Gay Frères and the condition of the tritium lume. A notable production detail is the "Mk 1" dial variant, which lacks the "36000 VpH" text found on later iterations. In 2019, a unique platinum version created for Phillips auction house sold for 250,000 CHF, though steel examples remain the standard for vintage collectors.
Hammer prices over time
Each dot is a documented public auction sale; click to view the lot. Dashed line marks the current asking median across live listings.
Auction track record
6 documented sales since 2016. Top hammer $40,000 at Phillips Geneva in 2018. Median hammer: $8,694. Most recent: $8,694 in 2025.
Ranks #12 of 33 Zenith auction lots we track — see all Zenith records.
Live inventory matching this reference
Zenith
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero 1969 'Rolling Stones Edition'
Ref. 1969 · Stainless Steel
$8k
Zenith
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero 'Range Rover'
Ref. 40992442 · Stainless Steel
$7k
Zenith
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero 'Range Rover'
Ref. 40992438 · Stainless Steel
$6k
Zenith
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero 'Range Rover'
Ref. 40992437 · Stainless Steel
$6k
Zenith
1970s Zenith El Primero (Ref. A386)
Ref. ZEPA386-1 · Stainless Steel
$24k
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Zenith
Zenith El-Primero Covergirl Chronograph ref. A3818
Ref. W-3545 · Stainless Steel
$20k
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Zenith
1970s Zenith El Primero Automatic Chronograph 18K YG (Ref. G
Ref. ZEPG383PC · Stainless Steel
$18k
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Zenith
Zenith Chronomaster Sport El Primero Yoshida Limited Edition
Ref. 3101.3600 · Stainless Steel
$16k
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Zenith
Zenith DEFY Skyline C.X Ceramic Edition (Pre-owned)
Ref. — · High-Tech Ceramic
$15k
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Zenith
Zenith Chronomaster Sport El Primero Yoshida Limited Edition
Ref. 3101.3600 · Stainless Steel
$14k
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Zenith
Zenith DEFY Skyline C.X Ceramic Edition (Pre-owned)
Ref. — · High-Tech Ceramic
$14k
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Zenith
Zenith El Primero A384 with Gay Frères Ladder Bracelet
Ref. W-1802 · Stainless Steel
$13k
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Zenith
1970s Zenith El Primero Chronograph "Cover Girl" (Ref. A3818
Ref. ZEPA3818 · Stainless Steel
$13k
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Zenith
Zenith DEFY Skyline C.X for Collective (Sold Out)
Ref. — · Stainless Steel
$12k
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Zenith
Zenith El Primero G381 Revival 50th Anniversary Limited Edit
Ref. 400 · Stainless Steel
$12k
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Zenith
Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Patrick Mouratoglou Limited Editio
Ref. 9000.9004/ · Stainless Steel
$11k
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Zenith
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero A384 Revival Lupin the Third
Ref. 400 · Stainless Steel
$11k
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Zenith
Zenith El Primero C.01 (Pre-owned) - 07/50
Ref. — · Stainless Steel
$10k
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Zenith
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Revival A3818 Airweight Cover
Ref. 400 · Stainless Steel
$10k
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Zenith
Zenith El Primero Striking 10th | REF. 18.2040.4052 | Limite
Ref. 2040.4052 · 18k Rose Gold
$10k
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Zenith
Zenith El Primero G381 Revival 50th Anniversary Limited Edit
Ref. 400 · Stainless Steel
$9k
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Zenith
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero SJX Limited Edition 97.G383.4
Ref. 400/38 · Stainless Steel
$8k
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Zenith
Zenith El Primero C.01 (Pre-owned) - 01/50
Ref. — · Stainless Steel
$8k
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Zenith
Zenith El Primero C.01 (Pre-owned) - 35/50
Ref. — · Stainless Steel
$8k
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All documented hammer prices
For this reference (and close variants).
| Lot | Year | Hammer | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| A386 · El Primero | 2018 | $40,000 | Phillips Geneva |
| A386 · El Primero | 2019 | $22,500 | Phillips Geneva |
| A386 · El Primero | 2016 | $10,000 | Christie's New York |
| A386 · El Primero | 2025 | $8,694 | Christie's Geneva |
| A386 · El Primero | 2023 | $7,560 | Christie's Geneva |
| A386 MKII · El Primero | 2025 | $7,430 | Phillips Geneva |
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