Zenith was founded in 1865 in Le Locle, Switzerland, by Georges Favre-Jacot—who was just 22 years old at the time. His vision was revolutionary: he sought to unite all aspects of watchmaking under one roof, creating one of the very first true manufacture-style factories. This integrated approach enabled Zenith to maintain exceptional precision and quality control, forming the foundation of the brand’s enduring reputation.

From its earliest days, Zenith focused on precision timekeeping, earning countless observatory chronometry prizes throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Accuracy, durability, and innovation quickly became hallmarks of the brand.

In 1969, Zenith made history with the introduction of the El Primero—the world’s first fully integrated automatic chronograph movement. Beating at a high frequency, it remains one of the greatest mechanical chronograph calibers ever made and was even used by other prestigious manufacturers, including Rolex in the Daytona.

The Zenith El Primero Chronograph we’re offering here is the legendary “Covergirl,” named for its appearance on the cover of Zenith: Swiss Watch Manufacture Since 1865 by Manfred Rössler.

The reference A3818 shares the tonneau-shaped case of the celebrated A384 and A385 but stands apart with its striking sunburst blue dial and exotic chapter ring—an eye-catching combination that truly leaps off the wrist.

Powered by the iconic Calibre 3019 El Primero, this example is one of the rarest and most desirable Zenith executions of the 1970s.

The dial features a vivid blue soleil finish, a telemeter inner scale, crisp white printed text with oversized serifs, recessed sub-dials, a date window at 5 o’clock, and the signature red paddle-style chronograph hand.

This “Covergirl” also retains its original and rare Gay Frères ladder bracelet with ZKM-marked end links, all in fine condition. The watch has been fully serviced by our watchmaker and is running perfectly.

Meet Your Next Wrist-Sized Covergirl , get in touch !

Specifications:

Zenith reference A3818 “covergirl “ chronograph
Steel 38mm case
Serial 905dxxx dating to 1970s
Blue soleil finished dial
Original Gay Frères Ladder bracelet
Zenith El Primero automatic movement
Fully serviced by our watchmaker
One-year mechanical warranty

Zenith El-Primero Covergirl Chronograph ref. A3818

Zenith El-Primero Covergirl Chronograph ref. A3818

Before/after