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Zenith El Primero Range Rover 24.2040.400/27.R797 Functions & Care

1,562 views · Published 10 February 2017 · 6:10 · Indexed 23 October 2026

Channel: Govberg Jewelers · 2017 · Howto & Style

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Greetings, I'm Tim of Govberg and welcome to the world of Zenith. Today I'll be your guide to the proper usage, care, and maintenance of your Zenith El Primero Range Rover.

It's important to note that this automatic winding watch can nevertheless be manually wound should it run down, by taking the crown in the first position flush to the case, and turning it in a clockwise direction. Now 20-30 turns should be sufficient to start the balance. You'll note the advance of the constant second hand at nine o'clock, or if you want to refer to the case back, the oscillation of the balance wheel itself.

At this point you can buckle the watch on your wrist and the natural course of kinetic action will turn the rotor and the watch will energize itself. If you wish to fully wind the approximately 50 hour power reserve to capacity, simply continue turning the crown in a clockwise direction. Due to the bridle style mainspring of this watch, you cannot accidentally overwind it. The bridle simply slips and relieves any excess strain.

It's also important to note that there are certain restrictions when setting the El Primero, as it works a little bit differently than conventional calibres. The first thing to note is that the quickset function of the date, you see the date window at six o'clock, is actuated in the outermost position, pulled two positions from flush with the case.

This time all the way out means you're actuating the date and here's why that matters. The date should never be quickset using the crown between the hours of 8p.m. and 4a.m. If the watch is between those hours and you accidentally pull the crown to extremity to set the time and you accidentally advance the date between 8 and 4 a.m., that's the period when the automatic jumper for the date is engaged and the quickset, coincident with the automatic date jumper, can significantly damage the movements.

Always take care during the 8p.m. to 4a.m. period to never engage the quickset for the date. Now here's the thing. The second position for the crown is the position where you actually set the time. One position out from flush to the case. The second position is used to set the time. Always set the time exclusively in a clockwise direction.

The chronograph is a central feature of the El Primero calibres and it should always be actuated in a set fashion. With the pusher at two o'clock, start and stop and then reset with the pusher at four. Never attempt to reset the watch while the chronograph is running, as this can significantly damage the movement and will significantly damage the movement. 

The largest register for the chronograph is 12 hours and that should be the thinking man's limit of continuous operation. If you want to gauge how long is appropriate to run the chronograph, run for no more than the 12 hours accommodated by the largest register of the chronograph itself. After that, stop, reset, and let it rest as it's not designed for continuous operation over a 24 hour period. With respect to water resistance there are certain precautions that should be taken. First and foremost, leather, as featured here in calf form, is a natural porous material that is never water resistant. 

Moreover, it's important to note that none of the functions of the crown either winding or setting, nor the start, stop, or set functions of the pushers should be actuated while the watch is submerged or when there is water on the case, as this will bypass the seals and intruse water to the interior of the watch, causing catastrophic cosmetic and mechanical damage.

Magnetism and shock also pose risks to your watch. Magnetism is significant because a traditional mechanical calibre such as the El Primero features a metallic hair spring. This is part of the heartbeat of the watch, the balance. If it is magnetized, it will cause erratic timing. Magnets are more prevalent than you may think in daily life, being used in the closure of purses, as well as wallets. Also refrigerator doors, high powered wiring looms in the home and office, subwoofers, speakers, and of course MRI equipment can all magnetize your hair spring. If you suspect this has happened, take the watch to an authorized retailer of Zenith where specialized equipment is available, to quickly and easily demagnetize your watch.

With respect to service, the manufacturer advises a full mechanical service of the El Primero calibre every three to five years. This should be done exclusively with an independent authorized dealer or a factory boutique, as these agencies have the sole access to the trained personnel, specialized equipment and tools, and of course original factory replacement parts that will maintain the integrity of your timepiece, both as an instrument and as an investment. Moreover, only these agencies are able to endow the work and parts invested with a factory service warranty backed by Zenith.

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