The Zenith El Primero Striking 10th Jean-Louis Etienne is defined by motion: its red central chronograph hand circles the dial in ten seconds, making the El Primero’s 36,000-vph frequency visible. This 42mm stainless-steel, 500-piece edition pairs a silver dial with overlapping dark counters and red accents, giving the tribute to polar explorer Jean-Louis Etienne a precise, purposeful identity.
Polished and brushed steel, faceted lugs and a substantial steel bracelet frame a dial built around elapsed time rather than ornament. The calibre 4052B’s direct 1/10-second display matters because the outer scale and fast central hand turn high-frequency engineering into something instantly readable—and unusually engaging to operate.
HODINKEE singles out the Striking 10th’s key departure from a conventional El Primero: the central hand completes a circuit every ten seconds and the familiar 12-hour register is sacrificed for the display. MONOCHROME connects its overlapping counters and dark outer track to the A386 design language, while noting that the 42mm case deliberately modernises those historic proportions.
This is for the collector who wants El Primero history expressed mechanically, not simply referenced. Its steel construction and animated chronograph suit regular wear, while the Jean-Louis Etienne designation and limited-edition caseback add a specific chapter to an already distinctive calibre. Press the pusher, and the reason to own it becomes visible.
Your Zenith El-primero Jean Louis Etienne Limited Edition Stainless Steel Automatic Watch is delivered with the following inclusions:
Every timepiece undergoes Luxepolis’ rigorous authentication, ownership verification, inspection and quality-control process before dispatch. Backed by over 12 years of expertise in authenticated luxury watches, it is delivered with the confidence, provenance and after-sales assurance discerning collectors expect.
Luxepolis brings over 12+ years of expertise in authenticated luxury watches. Every watch is professionally inspected by experienced watch professionals before dispatch. Presented in Excellent condition, this Zenith El-primero Jean Louis Etienne Limited Edition Stainless Steel Automatic Watch is backed by a 2-Year Service Warranty.
It is supplied with the Certificate of Authenticity, Buyback Assurance Certificate and Travel Leather Case, reflecting Luxepolis' commitment to authenticated provenance, meticulous preparation and confident ownership.
Every timepiece offered by Luxepolis undergoes a rigorous ownership and provenance review before being presented for sale. We verify the seller's identity, review available supporting ownership information where available, and seek to establish lawful and traceable ownership wherever reasonably possible as part of our responsible sourcing and buyer protection standards.
Seller transactions are conducted through registered banking channels and are supported by executed agreements, PAN verification, government-issued identification and ownership declarations. As an additional safeguard, Luxepolis screens watches against recognised independent stolen-watch registers and recovery databases. Where available and appropriate, checks may also be conducted through manufacturer-operated verification programmes.
Since no single global register records every luxury watch, database screening forms one important part of Luxepolis' broader ownership-verification process. Founded in 2014, Luxepolis is India's first, oldest and pioneering authenticated pre-owned luxury marketplace. Over the past 12+ years, we have authenticated and facilitated the sale of thousands of luxury timepieces, serving collectors across India with uncompromising standards of authentication, provenance and buyer protection.
Trust is the ultimate luxury. Every acquisition reflects Luxepolis' commitment to authentication, ownership verification, responsible sourcing and provenance due diligence, ensuring every timepiece is offered with the confidence, transparency and assurance discerning collectors expect.

Zenith is a Swiss horological icon whose legacy blends over 150 years of precision innovation with bold design. From pioneering in‑house vertical manufacture in 1865 to introducing the legendary El Primero chronograph in 1969, Zenith continues to define modern chronometry. At Luxepolis, discover pre‑owned certified Zenith watches that marry engineering excellence with collectible allure, now available in India.
Founded in 1865 by Georges‑Favre Jacot in Le Locle, Zenith was among the first to bring all manufacturing under one roof. In the 1950s, its Calibre 135 won five consecutive Neuchâtel Observatory chronometry prizes. The game‑changing El Primero, launched in January 1969, was the first fully integrated automatic high‑frequency chronograph (36,000 vph). In 2017, the Defy El Primero 21 measured time to 1/100th of a second, while in 2025 Zenith celebrated its 160th anniversary with a reimagined Calibre 135 enhancing power reserve and precision :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
HODINKEE: “The El Primero remains one of the most respected automatic chronograph movements in its price range today.”
Vogue Business: “Zenith’s heritage and pursuit of precision stand at the heart of its LVMH vision for innovation.”
GQ: “Neo‑vintage Zenith Daytonas—powered by El Primero—are among the most collectible chronographs today.” :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Water‑and‑Wonders 2025 coverage: “Defy El Primero 21 continues Zenith’s high‑frequency tradition with performance beyond timekeeping.” :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Business of Fashion: “Zenith’s Pilot collection reflects its pioneering legacy—only Zenith can legally use ‘Pilot’ on the dial.” :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
| Model | Ref. No. | Starting Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Chronomaster El Primero Original | Re‑edition 1969 | ₹ 5,00,000 (approx.) |
| Defy El Primero 21 | DEFY El Primero 21 | ₹ 7,50,000 (approx.) |
| Pilot Type 20 / Elite Moonphase | PILOT Type 20 / Elite Moonphase | ₹ 3,50,000 (approx.) |
Prices vary based on condition, edition, packaging, and import duties.
Yes—especially El Primero models, vintage Icons editions, and historically significant movements like Calibre 135.
Through reference and serial verification, movement testing, condition grading, and packaging checks by certified specialists.
Every listing details known servicing records and warranty coverage where available.
Original box, manuals, and warranty card are included when available and clearly listed.
HODINKEE: “The El Primero remains one of the most respected automatic chronograph movements in its price range today.”
Vogue Business: “Zenith’s heritage and pursuit of precision stand at the heart of its LVMH vision for innovation.”
GQ: “Neo‑vintage Zenith Daytonas—powered by El Primero—are among the most collectible chronographs today.”
Browse all Zenith at Luxepolis.com