Pre-Owned Modovo Datron 'Blue Panda' El Primero Chronograph 40991041/AS07016

WHY WE LOVE IT

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Learning about — and then sharing knowledge about — the lesser known horological gems is what makes the Analog:Shift team tick.

While a cursory glance at this Movado Datron HS360 Chronograph may conjure thoughts of '70s cushion-case Heuers, further study of this unusual piece will leave no thought of envy for its contemporaries. Powered by the first hi-beat automatic chronograph movement ever made — the Calibre 3019 El Primero by Zenith — this Movado branded piece might just be the better (and far less expensive) option amongst other vintage El Primero watches.

The design and ergonomics are also highly impressive on this timepiece: With refined touches ranging from subtly recessed subsidiary registers to its 12:00 quick-set date and signed crown, this is a high-quality watch from a brand that no longer makes high-quality mechanical watches. (Movado — not Zenith!)

This particular Datron, a Reference HS360, dated to circa the early 1970s and features a 38mm stainless steel tonneau case with an acrylic crystal, dual barrel pushers, and a smooth polished bezel. Housed inside, it has a beautiful matte blue 'reverse panda' Tritium dial with applied indices, an outer silver tachymeter scale, a matching handset, a triple-register chronograph, and a convenient date window at 12:00. Last but not least, this piece is powered by the iconic Zenith El Primero Calibre 3019 automatic-winding hi-beat chronograph movement and comes paired to an excellent Ralstra® perforated leather rallye-style strap with a drilled steel pin buckle.

Funky, useful, and packing serious horological cachet, these have slipped under the radar of most collectors — and all the more so this rare reference, whose blue ‘panda’ dial doesn’t often turn up on the market.

We also have a particular fondness for this very reference, as one handed down to our Founder from his grandfather helped inspire the creation of Analog:Shift.

True story!

OVERALL CONDITION

The case is in fantastic condition overall showing normal wear consistent with age and use with no signs of polishing. Matte blue 'reverse panda' Tritium dial with applied indices shows even patination throughout and only light degradation with matching handset. Unsigned crown.