Lot 388

Zenith

DEFY Espada

An impressive vintage wristwatch with chronograph

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Only 1,105 examples of this Zenith DEFY Espada, reference 01.0040.418 were produced between 1972 and 1975. The watch is the epitome of "compact" – the model in its bulky stainless steel case was designed as a waterproof watch for divers. The watch was fitted with the novel calibre 3019 PHF (F = full calendar), which makes it one of those prestigious very first automatic chronographs.
This timepiece is in good condition with appropriate signs of wear. The 38 mm steel case has large chronograph pushers and the original signed screwed crown as well as concealed lugs. Likewise, the three-colour dial is in excellent condition, if charmingly aged – the luminous mass is slightly darkened. The watch also features a red paddle hand, which is a common feature in the Zenith El Primero watches of that time.
Inside sits the legendary El Primero 3019 high-beat calibre Zenith launched in 1969 as one of the first ever automatic chronograph movement, thus laying the foundation for the El Primero range of movements. The automatic movement beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour, allowing a measurement accurate to one tenth of a second and making the El Primero the most accurate serial production watch movement in the world to this day.