The Omega Speedmaster and Zenith El Primero are arguably the two most important chronograph movements ever created. One went to the moon; the other was the world's first automatic chronograph. Both remain in production, refined but fundamentally unchanged. Which deserves your wrist?
Quick Comparison
| Specification | Speedmaster Pro | El Primero |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 42mm | 41mm |
| Thickness | 13.2mm | 12.6mm |
| Movement | Caliber 3861 | El Primero 400 |
| Power Reserve | 50 hours | 50 hours |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph (3Hz) | 36,000 vph (5Hz) |
| Water Resistance | 50m | 100m |
| Winding | Manual | Automatic |
| MSRP | ~$7,250 | ~$8,900 |
The Heritage Stories
Omega Speedmaster: Born in 1957 as a racing chronograph, the Speedmaster was selected by NASA in 1965 after surviving brutal qualification tests. In 1969, Buzz Aldrin wore one during the first moon landing. It remains the only watch qualified for NASA EVA missions. That's not marketing—that's history.
Zenith El Primero: Launched in 1969 (same year as the moon landing), the El Primero was the world's first automatic chronograph movement. Its 36,000 vph frequency enables 1/10th-second timing precision—still unmatched by most competitors. When Rolex needed an automatic chronograph for the Daytona, they turned to El Primero.
The Rolex Connection: From 1988 to 2000, Rolex Daytona models used modified El Primero movements. Zenith supplied Rolex because no one else could match El Primero's performance. That's remarkable validation.
Movement Philosophy
Speedmaster Caliber 3861: Manual-winding chronograph. The 3861 is the latest evolution of the legendary caliber 321's successor, now with Co-Axial escapement and Master Chronometer certification. Manual winding maintains connection to the original moon-landing caliber.
El Primero 400: Automatic-winding chronograph running at 36,000 vph (5Hz), enabling 1/10th-second timing. The column-wheel integrated chronograph is considered among the finest ever made. The high frequency creates the distinctive "singing" sound enthusiasts love.
Edge: El Primero for technical achievement; Speedmaster for heritage and ritual (manual winding).
Design
Speedmaster: Black dial, three subdials, tachymeter bezel, hesalite crystal (on Professional model). The design hasn't fundamentally changed since 1957. Instantly recognizable. Deliberately conservative evolution.
El Primero: Tri-color subdials (blue, light gray, anthracite) are the signature look. Open-worked versions expose the high-frequency movement. More visually dynamic than the Speedmaster, but less universally recognized.
Edge: Speedmaster for iconic simplicity; El Primero for visual interest.
Wearability
Speedmaster: At 42mm x 13.2mm, it wears larger than specs suggest due to long lugs. The hesalite crystal domes slightly, adding character but scratching easily. Leather strap or bracelet options.
El Primero: At 41mm x 12.6mm, slightly more compact. Sapphire crystal is more scratch-resistant. Generally considered slightly easier daily wear.
Edge: El Primero for pure wearability; Speedmaster's size is part of its charm.
Practical Use
Speedmaster: 50m water resistance (essentially splash-proof). Manual winding requires daily attention. The hesalite crystal can be polished to remove scratches yourself.
El Primero: 100m water resistance (light swimming safe). Automatic winding is more convenient. Sapphire crystal is harder to scratch but harder to polish if damaged.
Edge: El Primero for practical daily use; Speedmaster for purists who enjoy the ritual.
Value & Investment
Speedmaster: ~$7,250 MSRP. Strong brand recognition. Good resale value. The "Moonwatch" brand is bulletproof.
El Primero: ~$8,900 MSRP for the A386 Revival. Often available at grey market discounts. Excellent value for movement sophistication, but weaker resale than Speedmaster.
Edge: Speedmaster for brand recognition and resale; El Primero for movement value.
The Verdict
Choose the Speedmaster if: You value history and heritage, appreciate the moon landing connection, enjoy manual winding ritual, want maximum brand recognition, prefer conservative design.
Choose the El Primero if: You prioritize movement technology, want automatic convenience, appreciate high-frequency precision, prefer distinctive dial design, value technical achievement over brand story.
Both are genuine legends. The Speedmaster offers unmatched heritage; the El Primero offers unmatched movement sophistication. Neither choice is wrong.
Consider Also
• Speedmaster '57: Automatic Speedmaster with broader bezel
• Zenith Chronomaster Sport: Modern El Primero with 1/10th-second counter
• Rolex Daytona: The ultimate chronograph (if budget allows)