A franken/hybrid/phantasy Zenith El Primero A386 project

[grillbrill]

I've started this thread, even though I'm not sure I will be able to finish this project. Recently I've been obsessed with the Zenith El Primero A386 chronograph. Although usually I can make a compromise regarding gen and rep watches, the existing rep of this watch distracts and no go for me. So I've decided to have a franken/hybrid/phantasy A386 chronograph built from available and affordable parts like a 3019 PHC movement, a service dial and hands. I've already ordered the movement and I've already had an agreement with another seller about purchasing his gen service dial and hands once I've received the movement in working condition. Unfortunately I don't live in Switzerland or in Italy so I don't have a connection with those sellers who might sell a separate gen A386 case. In addition, I'm not sure I could pay out a gen (even modern) case. I wonder if an RWI member can help me out in the following:

Anyone who knows

someone / a dealer / a factory
- selling a gen A386 case or
- being capable of making a CNC copy of the A386 case or
- selling a 40mm Red Star Seagull 1963 chronograph case;

other potentially compatible affordable gen/rep chronograph cases (width without crown 38-40mm, hight with crystal 13-14mm)

please contact me.

I keep you updated on the progress of my project.

 

[grillbrill]

The project's physically started, I received the service dial and the modern tachy ring. I also had a chance to grab an original A386 tachy for peanuts on eBay but unfortunately I missed out.

 

[TBK]

Can't help you out with any of the parts. But I hope you will keep this thread alive, as this is very interesting

Good luck!

 

[grillbrill]

Finally I didn't receive the 3019 PHC movement but I could buy a 400 instead which is practically the same. The rotor stamping of 400 is of course different but let this be my biggest problem with this watch. (Incidentally, I like this rotor design more than that of the original A386 because the "El primero" text of the service dial and the rotor is very similar.)

 

[RiffRalf]

My favourite watch. Good luck with the project

 

[grillbrill]

My favourite watch. Good luck with the project

Thank you. The service hands and the crown are in their way to me .

 

[grillbrill]

Service hands received.

 

[grillbrill]

At last my dream's come true. I could manage to source a modern brand new 38mm Zenith Chronomaster case (03.2150.400) with a movement holder ring at an affordable price. So my project's produced a full gen watch. I had a good fortune to be able to find a talented watchmaker who could do the following work:

Movement service:

Replacing missing bridge screws:

Replacing missing movement casing screws and clamps:

Lathing extended pusher bars:

Exchanging and sizing the winding stem

Restoring and tube shortening the hands:

And finally here is the completed watch:

:woohoo:

 

[grok]

At last my dream's come true. I could manage to source a modern brand new 38mm Zenith Chronomaster case (03.2150.400) with a movement holder ring at an affordable price. So my project's produced a full gen watch. I had a good fortune to be able to find a talented watchmaker who could do the following work:

Movement service:

Replacing missing bridge screws:

Replacing missing movement casing screws and clamps:

Lathing extended pusher bars:

Exchanging and sizing the winding stem

Restoring and tube shortening the hands:

And finally here is the completed watch:

:woohoo:

Excellent!!! enjoy it in good health.
All in all how much did it cost, if you don't mind disclosing?

Sent from my M2007J3SY using Tapatalk

 

[grillbrill]

Excellent!!! enjoy it in good health.
All in all how much did it cost, if you don't mind disclosing?

The breakdown of all costs in USD (including shipping fees):

movement - 1,150
dial + hand set - 1,010
tachymeter ring - 48
case - 910
winding stem - 20
watchmaker work - 250
----------------------------------

Total: 3,388 USD

 

[grok]

Thanks.

Beautiful watch, and the way you made it makes it even more special

Sent from my M2007J3SY using Tapatalk

 

[Riverwind85]

Amazing project!!! Thanks for sharing

 

[RiffRalf]

Awesome!!
If I could buy this watch from Zenith with the old style dial and no star on the red second hand I would have done so already!
(I read on the zenith forum at WUS that Zenith are bringing a A386 revival in the Summer, keeping my fingers crossed!)

 

[elconquistador]

The breakdown of all costs in USD (including shipping fees):

movement - 1,150
dial + hand set - 1,010
tachymeter ring - 48
case - 910
winding stem - 20
watchmaker work - 250
----------------------------------

Total: 3,388 USD

Amazing!

 

[Avar28]

If i had the funds, I’d pay you to make me one. Great job!!!

 

[grillbrill]

If i had the funds, I’d pay you to make me one. Great job!!!

Thank you. The hardest thing is to source a 38 mm case. Whenever you want to launch a similar project, start with sourcing a case. The other watch parts are much easier to obtain.

 

[C Master]

Superb project, sincere congrats. That is an incredible Genstein.

 

[eBoy]

@grillbrill If you ever get bored of it, we need to have a talk.

 

[Mapearso]

wow. just wow. great build!!

 

[i*windows]

Fantastic,the a386 is my favorite watch, but the cost is to much for me. But I would pay 4k to do what you have done,