A Collectors Dream: The Zenith El Primero Revival 'Lupin The Third' 2nd Edition
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Time to read 7 min
Introduction
The Zenith El Primero Revival 'Lupin The Third' 2nd Edition Watch isn't just another limited-edition collaboration timepiece. It's a wonderful recreation of a watch seen in the original Lupin the Third manga, and includes some beautiful details that truly pay homage to the legendary Japanese anime character, Lupin III.
This watch is a must-have for watch collectors and fans of the series alike, as it perfectly captures the essence of the character's style and adventurous spirit.
Table of Contents
Introduction Unboxing The Zenith El Primero Revival 'Lupin The Third' 2nd Edition What is Lupin the Third? The History of Zenith and Lupin III Zenith's Creative Liberties with the Revival The Beating heart of the Revival The Specs Did we nearly lose the El Primero? Summary Frequently Asked Questions
Unboxing The Zenith El Primero Revival 'Lupin The Third' 2nd Edition
What is Lupin the Third?
Lupin the Third, also known as Lupin III began life in 1967 as a Manga series created by Monkey Punch, the pen name of manga artist Kazuhiko Katō. The series follows the endeavors of master thief Lupin III, grandson of gentleman thief Arséne Lupin as he travels the world in search of the ultimate score. Accompanied by his partners in crime: Daisuke Jigen, a sharpshooter; Goemon Ishikawa XIII, a master swordsman; and Fujiko Mine, a femme fatale.
Since it's creation the series is has grown beyond it's humble roots into a megalith in the world of Anime and Manga. With an Anime TV series spanning over fifty years, three live action movies and eleven Anime Movies, with leading figures Hayao Miyazaki and Takashi Yamazaki, leaders in the Japanese film industry, joining to become some of the many directors and screenwriters.
The History of Zenith and Lupin III
Zenith's horological tribute to an iconic anime character
But why did Zenith, a luxury swiss watch maker do a collaboration with a Japanese Anime character?
To answer that, we need to go all the way back to the very first episode of the Lupin the Third Anime series, where the character Daisuke Jigen, Lupin's right hand man and the collector of the watches throughout the series, is seen wearing a Zenith Chronomaster A384, the Zenith A384 was released two years previously in 1969, however, when the episode aired in 1971, the watch he wore didn't actual exist in the colours seen on Daisuke's wrist.
The black dial with gold hands colourway seen in the episode was beautifully recreated in 2019, when Zenith launched the first edition of the Zenith Chronomaster A384 Revival Lupin the Third.
But what about the White Panda Dial?
A year after the release of the first watch, 2020 saw the release of the 2nd edition Zenith X Lupin III featuring a panda dial with white tachymeter, setting it apart from the real-life A384. This was the watch seen in the last episode of that first series of Lupin III, again on the wrist of Daisuke Jigen.
The Zenith El Primero Revival 'Lupin the Third' 2nd Edition
"You're gonna get us killed, you know!"
Our Favourite Collaboration Watches
Zenith's Creative Liberties with the Revival
Was the watch seen in the anime exactly what we got?
Not exactly, but Zenith was very close.
The biggest difference between the two watches is seen in the bracelet, in the Anime Daisuke Jigen's Zenith is seen on a more traditional link bracelet, whereas Zenith chose a ladder bracelet paying homage to their own Zenith El Primero from the 1960's.
Other than the bracelet, Zenith have managed to recreate the watch wonderfully, the white tachymetre, square lollipop chronograph hand and black date wheel all perfectly replicates the watch.
Zenith obviously had complete creative control with the area of the watch unseen in the show; the caseback! With free rein on that front Zenith chose a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback to show off the exquisite Zenith El Primero 400 movement as well as depicting Daisuke Jigen himself.
"It's time for a round of Big Bang Boomerang."
The Beating heart of the Revival
Daisuke Jigen's Zenith wouldn't be anything without the El Primero 400 Movement.
Inside the Zenith Lupin the Third 2nd Edition is possibly the most famous watch movement in the world. Released in 1969, the El Primero was released, making it the first ever self-winding mechanical chronograph, a feat that gives it the name; "El Primero" meaning "The First".
What makes the Zenith El Primero Movement so Famous?
Not only was it the first self-winding mechanical chronograph, but it is also found in some of the most highly sought after watches to many collectors, from the 1998 Rolex Daytona to Hublot's Big Bang (A fact we all know Daisuke Jigen would approve of from his line from the anime "It's time for a round of Big Bang Boomerang!". The El Primero can also be found also the base for TAG Heuer's Caliber 36 from their Carrera and Monaco series.
Zenith didn't stop with their 1969 release, they continued to tweak and redesign the movement until, in 2019, fifty years after the initial release, they released the A386 Revival, housing the new El Primero Calibre 400 movement.
The Specs
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Did we nearly lose the El Primero?
The Dark Days of the Zenith El Primero Movement
During the Quartz Crisis of the mid 1970's, the American Company that owned Zenith demanded the destruction of the El Primero mechanical movement, including it's plans, parts and tools. This would have spelled disaster for the El Primero if it weren't for a Zenith watchmaker, Charles Vermot, who, after disagreeing with the American company. Hid all the contraband behind a fake wall for 9 years.
The parts stayed hidden for nine years, until 1984 when Zenith and the rest of the world were glad to see the quartz crisis coming to an end. Rolex were on the hunt for a new movement for it's Daytona Chronograph and Zenith jumped at the chance and, using the now recovered parts, re-started production of the El Primero.
"You are wrong to believe that the automatic mechanical chronograph will die out completely."
Straps to Suit the Zenith El Primero
If the ladder bracelet isn't for you, don't worry as we have plenty of options for you to choose from. There are plenty of options available for the Zenith's 19mm lug width, and the pure black and white panda dial makes finding watch straps to and suit the dial a breeze. We've put together what we think would look great on the Zenith El Primero 'Lupin the Third' 2nd Edition, these straps are all available in 19mm so would suit any of the Zenith Revival collection too.
Summary
The Zenith El Primero Revival 'Lupin The Third' 2nd Edition Watch was limited to just 200 pieces, making it a highly collectible item. It is sure to appreciate in value over time, making it a great investment for watch enthusiasts.
With it's perfect blend of classic design and modern technology. This Zenith timepiece is a must-have for any Lupin III fan or watch collectors alike.
This Zenith and Lupin III collaboration is a unique creation, where the watch was designed from fiction rather than the other way around.
Find the Zenith El Primero Revival 'Lupin the Third' 2nd Edition available from watchobsession.co.uk along with a wide selection of pre-owned watches.
The Author: Will Parker
Will Parker is the Head of Media at WatchObsession and has been with the company since 2020. As our dedicated photographer, videographer, and content creator, he has changed more buckles, straps, and clasps than we can count, and his own personal watch collection grows every year, although his strap collection is growing faster.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will Zenith bring out more Lupin III Editions
Zenith has now released three Lupin the Third collaborations, the third was called the final edition, which, sounds like a definitive end to the series for me.
How do I wind my watch?
This Zenith is a self-winding movement, meaning you don't have to manually wind it using the crown, it will automatically wind itself with daily wear. It's 50 hour power reserve also means it doesn't need to be worn every day to stay wound.
To find out more on how to wind your watch, check out our blog post:
'How To Wind A Manual Watch'
What size watch strap do I need?
To determine which size watch strap you should get, you need to measure the strap length and lug width on your watch.
For more information read our Blog post: "What Size Watch Strap Should I Get?"
https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/blogs/watchobsession-blog/what-size-watch-strap-should-i-get
Will any strap fit my watch?
Whether a watch strap is universal is dependent on how the strap attaches to the watch. If the watch has a conventional lug arrangement which will hold a straight ended watch strap, you can attach almost all watch straps to that watch. However, some watches are designed so that you cannot fit a universal replacement watch strap to it.
For more information read our Blog post: "Are Watch Straps Universal?"
https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/blogs/watchobsession-blog/are-watch-straps-universal
