Introduced in 1972 and produced in just 4,950 examples until 1978, this Zenith “Surf” is what collectors affectionately call the “TV screen” or “Big Blue”
Back then, Zenith leaned into the look, advertising its oversized pushers as a modern upgrade, using the design as part of their own corporate identity. Beneath that funky exterior beats the high-frequency El Primero 3019PHC, because while the case steals the spotlight, the movement quietly secures its place in horological history.
In short: A limited-production 70s icon with real pedigree, and proof that having a TV on your wrist was always a good idea!
Please read the condition report carefully to help you assess the overall condition of the watch.
MODEL / REFERENCE: Zenith El Primero Chronograph Surf AKA “Big Blue” reference 01.0200.415, from circa 1970s. Inventory code: 60401-1.
DIAL + HANDS: The beautifully preserved blue dial features a classic three-register chronograph layout, with running seconds at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute counter at 3, and a 12-hour totalizer at 6. The date window is positioned at 4 o’clock, blending seamlessly into the design. The silver subdial surrounds add contrast and depth, while the applied hour markers at the quarters enhance legibility. The dial remains in very good condition with minimal signs of age, retaining its original finish and crisp printing all the way to the tachymeter scale on the rehaut. The original luminous hands are intact and complement the overall aesthetic perfectly.
CRYSTAL: The mineral crystal is in very good condition, showing various light scratches consistent with age.
CASE: The stainless steel “TV” shaped case measures approximately 42mm across and 44mm lug-to-lug. Its bold geometry and brushed surfaces remain well preserved, with sharp lines and no signs of excessive polishing. It displays some light scratches throughout, suggesting good care over the years.
CASEBACK: The screw-down case back is in good overall condition, with visible engravings and light surface wear consistent with use. The inner side remains clean and properly stamped.
MOVEMENT: Powered by the in-house automatic El Primero Cal. 3019PHC, this high-frequency chronograph movement features a three-register layout and a quickset date function. It has been checked for performance, runs well, and the chronograph functions operate as expected.
CROWN + PUSHERS: The signed crown is in good condition and operates smoothly for winding and time-setting. The chronograph “rocker” pushers function crisply, starting, stopping, and resetting the chronograph hands precisely.
BRACELET: Original integrated NSA stainless steel bracelet with signed folding clasp. The bracelet is in very good condition with minimal wear and virtually no stretch. It completes the watch’s cohesive 70s aesthetic.
ACCESSORIES: Saffiano Leather Watch Roll.
WARRANTY: We guarantee the authenticity of the watch and provide a 12-month warranty covering its proper function. All guarantees are subject to our General Terms and Conditions.
Please feel free to ask any questions, we’ll be glad to assist. Personal or virtual viewing is available by appointment.
3,900 CHF
We guarantee the authenticy and the function of the watch
In case the watch should not be as described and pictured, you have the right to return it to us and we will issue a full refund
We provide safe transaction and shipping
I personally help collectors source specific vintage and rare watches.
Send me your request and I’ll get in touch with you directly.
Our business is built on your trust. We guarantee all our timepiece are authentic and as described / pictured or you will receive a full refund.
We guarantee the functionality of our watches. Please refer to the guarantee period stated in each product description. All guarantees are subject to the General Terms and Conditions (GTC)
Excluded from the warranty for defects are the accuracy, waterproof / water resistance, wear of the wristband and general wear and tear, scratches on the wristband or case, and damage to the glass / crystal.
CHRONOSCOPE is not liable for defects to the products caused by improper handling by the buyer or any third parties, as well as for general wear and tear.
The warranty for defects is null and void if the customer or a third-party attempt to repair the products themselves, unless prior specific written agreements have been made with CHRONOSCOPE
The compensation for the violation of contractual obligations by CHRONOSCOPE is limited to the amount paid by the buyer.
Due to the nature of vintage timepieces, all watches are sold as is. We will accurately describe the current condition and working order of all watches we sell to the best of our ability. Given that vintage watches are antique collector items, we do not provide any guarantee on movement accuracy, water-proofing or any other mechanical guarantee unless it is mentioned in the product description.
We check all watches when listing the watch for sales, and again before shipping. In rare cases, shipping can cause the movement problems. Therfore, please check all functions of the watch upon receipt. Should you find any issues, please notifiy us by email without dealy.
In the unlikely case you should not be satisfied with the watch you receive, contact us and we will work towards finding a solution.
We always looking for interesting vintage and contemporary watches and offer fair values. Please send us some pictures & a discription of what you have, and we will be glad to come back to you with an offer.
If you buy a watch from us, we can also offer a trade-in option.
Swiss Vintage Chronographs, for example Omega, Longines, Breitling, Heuer, Leonidas, Angelus, Excelsior Park, Zenith, Wakmann, Wittnauer but also other lesser known Swiss brands.
Swiss Vintage Watches: for example dives watches of various brands, but also dress watches in steel or gold
Contemporary Swiss Watches such as Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Zenith etc.
Quartz watches only from Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piquet, IWC Vacheron Constatin and other High-End Swiss brands
Digital watches, only from Omega, Girard Perregaux and a few other High-End Swiss Brands
Ladies watches
Pocket watches
Japanese watches (not that they are not good, but i dont have much knowledge there)
Quartz & watches
We need pictures and a brief description of the watches that you intend to sell
Your price expectation, if you already have any
Send us your information by email to sourcing_chronoscope@gmail.com
We guarantee the authenticy and the function of the watch *
* pleaese refer to the warranty and returns policy, as well as to the General Terms and Conditions.
In case the watch should not be as described and pictured, you have the right to return it to us and we will issue a full refund *
* pleaese refer to the warranty and returns policy, as well as to the General Terms and Conditions.
We provide safe transaction and shipping.
Wir garantieren die Echtheit und die Funktion der Uhr *
Sollte die Uhr nicht wie beschrieben und abgebildet sein, haben Sie das Recht, sie an uns zurückzusenden und wir erstatten Ihnen den vollen Betrag zurück *.
Wir bieten sichere Transaktion und Versand begrenzt auf den Betrag vom Käufer bezahlt.
* Bitte beachten Sie die Garantie- und Rückgabebedingungen sowie die Allgemeinen Geschäftsbedingungen.