With a case size of 38mm x 45mm at a 16.2mm thickness, this piece is bulkier than the current variations of the El Primero line but still has the EP style with the similar case shape and pushers. Only a couple of millimeters thicker than the El Primero, Zenith was able to incorporate the full calendar at 2 o’clock, 10 o’clock, and 4:30, and a moon phase, located at 6 o’clock. These references come in Stainless Steel, with the dial on the first edition (A7817) with silver accents and the second edition, with gold accents.

From 1972-1975, approximately 800 of these pieces were manufactured by Zenith, the first 300 marked as the A7817 reference and the remaining 500 as 01.0040.418.

Despite the limited number of these watches produced, the rarity of this watch is not as unique as the number suggests. From 1969-1983, Zenith was a part of MZM, a holding company who also owned two other watch brands, Movado and Mondia. These companies often shared movements, components, and designs under MZM, and this was apparent during the production of the Espada line.

Zenith was undergoing a trademark battle during this time, so MZM decided to brand some of their models with the Movado name in the States. Thus, the Movado Astronic had emerged, with differences even more minute than the A7817 vs the 01.0040.418 edition of this watch. Even with the same (and rare) Zenith 3019 PHF movement, the Astronic is the exact same watch, down to the former Zenith star logo on both casebacks in their first editions (Zenith A7817 and Movado 01.0010.436).

As pictured below, the Zenith Espada is on the left and the Movado Astronic is on the right.

The Zenith star on the casebacks of both the Espada and the Astronic first edition references are the same.

The piece I prefer is the A7817 iteration of the Espada, with the silver dial accents that make the face of the watch appear less cluttered and lets the colors on the hands stand out. This reference also has the old Zenith star on the back of the case, a detail that was ignored in the production of the 01.0040.418.

Additionally, there are other references that still reference elements of this watch today. The Zenith Defy line also draws inspiration from the Espada Sub Sea Moonphase bezel with its 14-sided polygon shape. This made way for the 12-sided bezel on the more modern Defy references, maintaining the brand identity while also aligning itself with the integrated sports watch trend.

This is the 90th Anniversary reference, 27mm x 36mm, 90 made in total. Caliper 021MC, the thinnest watch for 21 years after its release in ’94.

At 38mm, this reference is the third caliper ever created by F.P. Journe and was the first automatic movement for the brand. Made with a brass movement before the brand transitioned to the rose gold calibers. Produced in 2001.

One of the first references of the El Primero line, this 38mm piece at 13mm uses the rare 3019 PHC movement. This watch uses a manual wind and is characterized by its unique case shape and beautiful metallic blue.

This reference was the first waterproof chronograph in the Patek Philippe catalog. Produced in 1949 and released to the public a year later, this 34.5mm vintage piece has tall, round pushers that gave the watch its name.