Technical Archive

Zenith
El Primero 18.2110.400/01.C498— lug 18mm

Zenith El Primero 18.2110.400/01.C498: 18mm strap. Alligator, box calf, shell cordovan and rubber, cut and stitched in Milano. Choose your leather.

El Primero Chronograph Gold

Artisanal Note

"This model requires a precise 18mm lug width to preserve the original sartorial balance."

Technical Specifications

Zenith 18.2110.400/01.C498
Lug Width
18 mm

The essential strap measurement.

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Reference

18.2110.400/01.C498

Movement

Zenith caliber El Primero 400B Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds | Date | Chronograph, Column wheel

The Heritage

The Zenith El Primero 18.2110.400/01.C498 in 18-karat rose gold represents the evolution of the legendary 1969 automatic chronograph calibrated at 36,000 alternations per hour. The El Primero 400B movement operates at 10 Hz with column wheel technology and natural escapement, delivering precise chronographic function without backstop. The 42 mm rose gold case with 18 mm lug width balances athletic proportions with refined wrist presence, while the dial showcases warm luminosity enhanced by subdials for running seconds, date, and chronograph function.

FAQ

What is the lug width of the Zenith El Primero 18.2110.400/01.C498?

The Zenith El Primero 18.2110.400/01.C498 features exactly 18 mm lugs, a dimension rooted in Zenith's 1970s tradition. To verify, remove the original strap and measure the distance between the inner edges of both lugs using a digital caliper.

What is the best strap for this Zenith chronograph?

Chocolate brown alligator enhances the dignity of rose gold without visual competition. Alternatively, aged burgundy cordovan reinterprets the original vintage aesthetic, while FKM rubber is ideal if you use the chronograph in sporting or professional contexts.

How do I change the strap on the Zenith El Primero 18.2110.400/01.C498?

Use a spring bar tool to gently push the springs from their seats beneath the case. Align the new lugs with the holes, reinsert the pins, and verify the fit by pulling gently. If uncertain, consult a certified watchmaker.

Can I use an aftermarket third-party strap on my Zenith?

Yes, provided it has exactly 18 mm lugs measured precisely between the inner edges. Verify that the finishes at the lug ends have no gaps or excessive tension. Milano Straps handcrafted straps are tested for compatibility with this reference.

How long does a leather strap last on a chronograph like the Zenith El Primero?

A quality vegetable-tanned or alligator leather strap, worn daily, lasts 2-4 years before replacement is needed. Durability depends on sun exposure, humidity, and cleaning frequency. Casati Milano guarantees 18 months on handcrafted construction.

The next step

The right strap isn’t chosen. It is built, together.

From the atelier appointment to delivery, every step is made for those who know that things done well take time. Rare leathers, one piece at a time, eighteen months of warranty.

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The atelier's website: casatimilano.com