Posts filed under Zenith

Insider: Pre-Baselworld 2014 Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Grande Date in 18K Rose Gold and Stainless Steel. Live Pictures and Pricing.

This new Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Grande Date in 18K rose gold and stainless steel ref. 51.2160.4047/01.C713 was presented to us recently and it is one of the novelties that will be shown by this manufacture at Baselworld 2014 at the end of March. The Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Grande Date collection is fitted with a large and solid case measuring 45 mm in diameter, 15.60 mm in thickness and with a dial that features an opening where the legendary beating heart of the El Primero automatic movement with column-wheel chronograph can be appreciated.

This new watch will be available with a brown alligator strap or a full two-tone bracelet. This new model features a stainless steel case with an 18K rose gold bezel, crown and pushers. The chocolate brown dial features a 'big date' aperture at 2, a 30-minute chronograph register at 3, a three-arm small seconds hand at 9 and a sun/moon indicator —night and day— at 6 o'clock. The dial is one of the most beautiful brown dials we have ever seen and its color gets accentuated by the rose gold-plated faceted applied markers and rose gold-plated faceted hands with superluminova inlays. The beauty of the dial can be fully appreciated without any undesired reflections thanks to the domed anti-reflective double-coated sapphire crystal fitted on the watch.

The watch is fitted with a display case back that allows for full view of the impressive Zenith El Primero 4047 automatic calibre. The movement is composed of 332 parts and 32 jewels and it provides a power reserve of 50 hours while beating at a frequency of 36,000 vph. The finishing on the movement is extremely well done and the skeletonized rotor features the iconic Zenith star on bas-relief. 

On the wrist the watch wears true to its size and very comfortably. The wrist presence is unparalleled and for those that don't fancy the brown dial, there is also a silver sunray dial available on this new two-tone model.

Sticker Price $17,800 USD. For more info on Zenith click here.

News: Pre-Baselworld 2014 Zenith Presents the Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 GMT 1903. A Limited Edition of 1,903 Pieces.

In their bicycle shop in Dayton Ohio, Wilbur and Orville Wright dreamed of wideopen spaces and freedom. These natural-born inventors conceived a first glider that they launched on the Kitty Hawk dunes in North Carolina. At the same time, they built a wind tunnel to study various technical aspects such as the profile of the wings. Constantly perfecting their prototypes, they installed a stabiliser at the front of a second glider, and then a steering rudder at the back of a third that could thus be controlled: a world first in the field of aeronautics! After hundreds of trials, the two brothers decided to move a step forwards by equipping their glider with an engine. Lying face down on the lower wing of the twin-propeller aircraft named “Flyer”, Orville Wright achieved the first powered, heavier-than-air controlled flight in history, on Kitty Hawk beach. The young man covered a distance of 40 metres at a height of 60 centimeters off the ground. The date was December 17th 1903. Representing a major milestone in aviation history the year 1903 now gives its name to a timepiece created by Zenith as a tribute to the Wright brothers: Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 GMT 1903.

Zenith was one of the first watch manufacturers to create flight instruments to equip various aircraft and spaceships manned by the aviation pioneers. Known for their precision and exceptional ability to withstand vibrations, magnetic fields and variations in temperature, the Zenith altimeters, watches, onboard and wristworn chronographs became extremely popular with pilots, who were thus accompanied in their feats by the brand with the guiding star. In just over a century, Louis Blériot, Léon Morane, or more recently Felix Baumgartner, accomplished their destiny and put their name in the history books with a Zenith instrument on their wrist or on their cockpit controls.

Drawing upon these historical roots, the piece features a case made of black DLC-coated titanium that is therefore ultra-light despite its 48mm diameter. The ratcheted crown typical of historical aviator watches ensures a perfect grip even with pilot’s gloves. The five-time sandblasted black dial reproduces the generous original Arabic numerals ensuring perfect readability day or night. The luminous glow of these delightfully vintage figures stems from a first “old radium” treatment covered with a more classic superluminova treatment. The effect is fascinating and the resulting appearance truly unique, since this ingenious combination creates a creamy shade enlivened by tiny retro accents that cannot be identically reproduced from one watch to the next. Each dial thus becomes unique and further heightens the exclusive character of the 1903-piece limited edition, of which the individual number appears on a special plate screwed to the case band, like an aircraft rivet.

The piece serves as an invitation to travel thanks to a second time-zone indicator powered by the Elite Calibre 693 movement. Finelyadorned with a Côtes de Genève motif even though it remains hidden from sight, it ticks off time at the rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a 50-hour power reserve. Beneath this elegant mechanical heart, the case-back, is adorned with a stamped insignia depicting Orville Wright about the “Flyer”, with his brother Wilbur running along Kitty Hawk beach to follow the feat being accomplished on December 17th 1903.

A sturdy wristband crafted in beige suede leather sets the finishing touch to this model. Its lining features a heat-embossed motif in which connoisseurs will note the inscription “Zenith Flying Instruments” as well as the brand’s historical logo, thus underlining the spirit of an era in which the skies were still waiting to be conquered.

Sticker Price TBC For more info on Zenith click here.

Technical Specifications of the Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 GMT 1903 ref. 96.2431.693/ 21.C740

MOVEMENT
Elite 693, automatic
Calibre: 11 ½ ‘‘‘ (Diameter: 25.6 mm)
Thickness: 3.94 mm
Components: 186
Jewels: 26
Frequency: 28,800 VpH – (4 Hz)
Power-reserve: min. 50 hours
Finishes: Oscillating weight with “Côtes de Genève” pattern

FUNCTIONS
Hours and minutes in the center
Small seconds at 9 o’clock
24-hour second time-zone indicator

CASE, DIAL & HANDS
Material: Titanium case with DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating
Diameter: 48 mm
Diameter opening: 40 mm
Thickness: 15.80 mm
Crystal: Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Case-back: Zenith Flying Instruments logo
Water-resistance: 10 ATM
Dial: Matte black
Hour-markers: SuperLuminova SLN Old Radium
Hands: Black ruthenium, satin-finished with
SuperLuminova SLN Old Radium

REFERENCE
96.2431.693/ 21.C740
Vintage-effect nubuck heat-embossed with “Zenith Flying Instruments” logo
Steel pin buckle with black DLC coating

News: Zenith Unveils the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage. Entirely Hand-Finished in a 10-Piece Limited Edition.

This year, the Manufacture is pursuing its tribute to the famous navigator Christopher Columbus by introducing this heir to marine chronometers in a splendid interpretation calling upon the finest artistic crafts such as enameling, engraving and micro-painting. It thereby expresses perfect mastery of these historical skills that have been adorning Zenith creations for almost 150 years. This exceptional entirely hand-finished model issued in a 10-piece limited edition is accompanied by three major horological discoveries: a patented gravity control system; a fusée and chain transmission mechanism; and an exceptional frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour.  

A pioneering spirit, a love of challenges and a thirst for exploration: the very same passion and the same quest for uncharted horizons guided Christopher Columbus and Georges Favre-Jacot —the former when he set sail across the vast expanse of ocean to open up a westward route towards the Indies; and the latter when he founded Zenith in 1865 by inventing the very first industrial watch manufacturing company or “Manufacture”. Almost a century and a half later, the brand with the guiding star is still faithful to this pursuit of precision and innovation, as is notably illustrated by over 300 patents. The Manufacture proved this determination in 1969 by creating the legendary El Primero automatic movement, which is still the world’s most accurate series-made chronograph. Moreover, fine watchmaking is not confined to the realm of mechanisms. Confirming its tradition of refined watch exteriors, notably embodied in a number of enameled pocket watches, Zenith once again delights collectors and connoisseurs of rare models by presenting the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage —a limited edition that stands out from the rest of the line by its magnificent décor. It represented a challenge not only for the artisans, but also for the watchmakers and engineers who had to rework the movement. They occasionally pushed the boundaries of feasibility in seeking to accommodate these ornamental elements within the same 45mm diameter case in rose gold and beneath the same domed sapphire crystal —while making no compromises on precision and reliability. The result is a vivid illustration of Zenith’s creative daring and of its ability to combine a dream mechanism with exceptional decorative touches stemming from the most prestigious artistic crafts.

Technical sophistication reigns supreme on the front. On the dial side, Zenith opted to give pride of place to the horological feats incorporated in the watch, while maintaining an open architecture providing a chance to admire its three original mechanisms in action: the barrel with its fusée and chain transmission —at 10.30 and 1.30—, gyroscopic gravity control system and the high-frequency regulating organ at 6 o’clock. Yet this technical, three-dimensional appearance does not preclude considerable aesthetic sophistication, as well as the use of the finest artistic crafts that Zenith is devoted to perpetuating. The three gold subdials (hours/minutes at 12 o’clock, small seconds at 9 o’clock, power reserve at 4 o’clock) are finely guilloché, enamelled in white and fitted with blued steel hands and screws echoing the grand watchmaking traditions. The plate has been entirely hollowed out by hand so as to leave only the Zenith logo and a flurry of stars standing out in relief; and the troughs thus created have been filled with midnight blue lacquer.

The counterweight of the gravity control system has also been enhanced with a sophisticated and poetic touch by a hand-crafted micro-painted depiction of the Southern hemisphere.

The back is an open travel invitation. The back of the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage springs a big surprise with a vividly colored and lively evocation of the famous navigator’s many adventures. This authentic miniature painting was created by the finest specialists in various artistic crafts using a sophisticated system of gold appliques fixed directly on the movement. In the foreground, on either side of the mechanism reminiscent of the gimbal suspension typical of marine chronometers, one may admire the finely engraved portrait of Christopher Columbus along with a sextant, the astronomical instrument serving to calculate longitude. The background bears a reproduction of the Santa Maria, the flagship with which Columbus sailed on his first voyage in 1492. The tiny manually cut-out and micro-engraved décor depicts the vessel in abundantly rich detail, particularly in terms of the ropes and rigging.

The various sails, crafted in enamel on a cloisonné base using an engraved champlevé technique, are adorned with the famous red cross – replaced on one of them by Zenith’s famous guiding star in a nod to connoisseurs. Behind the sailboat, the going-train bridge has been chosen to represent the ocean with a background engraved with tiny waves and then coated with a layer of translucent lacquer.

In the background, the barrel bridge opens up the horizon with a micro-painted décor depicting a sky divided into day and night. In a subtle detail, the watchmakers of the Manufacture have arranged the movement structure in such a way as to reveal a small gilded gear train evoking sunrise or sunset. Integrating this décor called for a wealth of ingenuity, including finding points to which the applique elements could be fixed, while reducing the movement thickness and the spaces between the calibre and the ornamentation to an absolute minimum —less than a tenth of a millimeter beneath the sails. Entirely hand-finished by artisans gifted with great dexterity, the fabulous adornment of the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage makes each watch a unique work of art and a true collector’s watch.

The quest for precision at the very heart of the movement. While Christopher Columbus pushed back the frontiers of the known world, this model named after him pushes the boundaries of time measurement by combining three mechanisms guaranteeing enhanced precision: a regulating organ with a high oscillating frequency —36,000 vibrations per hour— for dividing time into tenths of a second; a fusée and chain transmission system compensating for the inevitable variations in the force of a barrel while it is unwinding; and a patented gravity control module serving to neutralize the effects of gravity on the rate of a watch. In other words, it successfully solves the problems relating to actually wearing the watch —gravity— and to the length of time it can run independently —a drop in torque—, while simultaneously ensuring remarkable precision in time measurement —linked to the oscillation speed of the balance. These feats are achieved by an exceptional movement comprising 939 parts, including 354 for the calibre itself that in turn houses the 173 elements of the gravity control module; while the fusée and chain system comprises 585 parts. Fusée and chain transmission ensuring constant force. As a mechanical watch gradually winds down, the movement loses amplitude —corresponding to the balance-wheel’s angle of oscillation— and thus becomes less accurate. The fusée and chain transmission system serves on the contrary to keep the driving force perfectly stable throughout the full power reserve – with the helicoidal shape of the fusée compensating for the progress reduction in the force of the barrel. The majority of 16th, 17th and 18th century pocket watches were equipped with a fusée, but today very few watch manufacturers are capable of transposing and fitting this mechanism within the confines of a wristwatch. With the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage, stemming from two full years of development, Zenith has now entered this highly exclusive club. Transmission between the barrel and fusée is handled by an 18cm long chain comprising 585 parts. This highly complex construction features alternating double and intermediate links. Once assembled, it is capable of withstanding a traction force of more than 3 kilos. 

Throughout the power reserve, the mainspring transmits its energy to the fusée via a chain that wraps itself around the barrel. By adjusting the variations in tension, the fusée regulates the force that is passed on to the going train – and thence to the silicon escape-wheel fitted inside the gyroscopic carriage. While it takes more than 50 hours —the power-reserve duration— for the chain to wrap itself around the barrel, winding via the stem provides a fascinating sight. These few seconds enable the fusée and the barrel to turn in opposite directions so that the chain wraps itself back around the fusée. The shape of the fusée was dictated by the optimal force that the Zenith master-watchmakers wished to give the barrel. Its grooved conical contours as well as its dimensions are the result of lengthy and particularly complex complications performed for each of the seven construction stages. This fusée could doubtless never have been created without the full integration of all professions —notably including movement prototype making— cultivated in the Manufacture Zenith, nor without the use of sophisticated equipment. Such is indeed one of the core strengths of an integrated Manufacture. While fusée and chain transmission eliminates variations in isochronism —the equal duration of the oscillations—, the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage also cancels out another effect that is detrimental to the rate of a mechanical watch: the influence of gravity. Working on the principle that keeping the regulating organ in a horizontal position engenders the best possible balance-wheel amplitude and thus results in optimal timekeeping precision, Zenith devised and patented a revolutionary module enabling the “heart” of the movement and the escapement to remain constantly in this position. An avant-garde system brilliantly illustrating the creative daring of the Manufacture, the gravity control system is also a tribute to history, since it is inspired by the marine chronometers that Zenith used to produce, borrowing from these legendary instruments the principle of gimbal suspension introduced in the 16th century on marine compasses so that they would stay horizontal despite the pitching and rolling of the boat.

The gravity control system with its self-regulating gyroscopic mechanism serves to maintain the regulating organ in a permanently horizontal position whatever the angle of the wrist and thereby represents the ultimate evolution of the marine chronometer. The brand with the guiding star is the only watch manufacturer to master this system —duly rewarded in the “Best Complicated Watch” category at the 2011 Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix— that it invented after five years of intense development.

Such an exceptional model deserved to be presented to its best advantage. The Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage comes in a precious mahogany box featuring ox bone inlays and that can also serve as a humidor with a capacity of 80 cigars. In homage to Christopher Columbus, this box is adorned with a screen-printed motif on parchment-style papyrus reproducing Waldseemüller’s planisphere (1507), the first world map to mention the name “America”.

A magnificent ocean voyage and a splendid voyage to the heart of the infinitely small: with this limited edition combining fine watchmaking and artistic crafts, Zenith is setting out to conquer fascinating new horizons, inspired as ever by a blend of daring, authenticity and pleasure.

For more info on Zenith click here. 

Technical Data

El Primero 8805, hand-wound. A unique gyroscopic mechanism that maintains the regulating organ in a perfectly horizontal position.

Calibre: 16 ½’’’ (diameter: 37 mm)

Thickness: 5.85 mm

Parts: 354

Gyroscopic carriage composed of 173 parts

Chain made of 585 parts

Jewels: 53

Frequency: 36,000 vph (5 Hz)

Over 50-hour power reserve

 

FUNCTIONS

Off-centered hours and minutes at 12 o’clock

“Gravity Control” self-regulating module at 6 o’clock

Small seconds at 9 o’clock

Power-reserve indication at 3 o’clock

Fusée and chain transmission beneath the hours/minutes dial

Case, dial and hands

18-carat rose gold

Diameter: 45 mm

Thickness: 14.80 mm/21.80 mm
(with domed sapphire crystal)

Cambered sapphire crystal glare-proofed on both sides, domes protecting the Christophe Colomb module

Water resistance 3 ATM

Dial: 3 enameled gold dials

Hour-markers: black lacquered

Hands: blued steel

Reference 18.2211.8805/36.C713 —Brown alligator leather strap with rose gold triple folding clasp.

News: Zenith Presents El Primero Lightweight Limited Edition. An Avant-Garde Sports Model Available in Only 100 Pieces.

Zenith focuses firmly on lightness, daring and innovation in an exclusive version of its El Primero Striking 10th chronograph featuring high-tech materials. Issued in a 100-piece limited edition, the El Primero Lightweight model teams a titanium and silicon movement with an ultra-sporty carbon case. It signals the dawn of a new era in the fabulous history of the legendary El Primero calibre.

At the time of its launch in 1969, the El Primero calibre overturned existing conventions by asserting itself as the first-ever automatic chronograph to boast an integrated construction. Also impressing observers by beating at the exceptional frequency of 10 vibrations per hour (36,000 vibrations per hour), it is still the world’s most precise series-made chronograph calibre. Over the years, Zenith has steadily fine-tuned its legendary movement in order to optimize its precision, reliability and its performance.  

Zenith is now taking a new turn by unveiling a sportier and even more avant-garde version of the El Primero Striking 10th. The watchwords are lightness, performance and originality. Through combining technological innovation with creative daring, the engineers and watchmakers of the Manufacture were tasked with the mission of reducing the weight of the watch to an absolute minimum, yet without making any compromises on its precision, its sturdiness and its reliability – just as an engine designed for competition is optimized while bearing all these factors in mind. The sizable feat began with the movement. Based on its latest research relating to new materials, Zenith chose titanium —a light and resistant metal widely used in aeronautics— to machine the main elements of the movements that are the heaviest parts of the watch when they are made in brass: namely the main plate and five bridges —barrel bridge, balance bridge, pallet bridge, pallet-wheel bridge and chronograph bridge. The Manufacture has also maintained the silicon double chronograph wheel, while adding a lever and an escape-wheel made from the same high-tech, light, anti-magnetic material that is harder than steel and guarantees excellent efficiency. The result is a one-quarter lighter engine weighing just 15.45 grams —compared with 21.10 grams for a similar classic movement.

In terms of the watch exterior, the designers reworked and subtly enlarged to 45mm the original 42mm case of the El Primero Striking 10th, while also seeking to make it as light as possible on the wrist. The choice of carbon with its fine black color and its checkered effect evoking the world of competitive racing fits the bill perfectly, while also reinforcing the technical and sporty look of the model. The inner structure of the case is made of ceramized aluminum, a cutting-edge material that is at once light, sturdy and hard —1800 Vickers, as against 160-200 for 316L steel. The two chronograph push pieces are in titanium. The openworked lugs accentuate the aerodynamic profile of the watch and ensure a perfect flow into the integrated black rubber and high-performance Nomex synthetic fiber strap equipped with a triple folding clasp providing optimal security and comfort.

The new El Primero Lightweight is also distinguished by its highly original dial featuring a dynamic reinterpretation of the collection’s design codes. Openworking the central part further enhanced the overall lightness-oriented effect while providing a clear view of the El Primero calibre —also visible through the transparent case back. The disc-type date display has been lightened and reworked with pierced numerals standing out on a small red disc at 6 o’clock. The faceted hands have been hollowed as much as possible and then highlighted by a luminescent coating.  The light grey, blue and anthracite colors recapture the three emblematic colors of the 1969 El Primero chronograph that have become iconic brand features. The red sweep seconds hand with its small Zenith star accurately measures feats to the nearest tenth of a second — just as on the dashboards of the greatest racing champions.

Sporty, contemporary and decidedly masculine by nature, the El Primero Lightweight model brings a distinctive touch to the Zenith collections, while powerfully confirming the innovative capacities and the creating daring cultivated by the Manufacture. With its avant-garde technology and its youthful, dynamic look, it shows that the El Primero calibre still has a bright future ahead of it and doubtless heralds new developments as the brand with the guiding star is gearing up to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2015.

For more info on Zenith click here.  

 

Posted on September 25, 2013 and filed under News, Zenith.

Insider: Zenith Captain Moonphase. A Classic Watch Faithful to the Manufacture's Legacy.

Zenith is one of the greatest names in the horological world that needs very little introduction. Established in 1865 by George Favre-Jacot, this manufacture quickly became an institution in Le Locle Switzerland. In 1900, Zenith presented its first  chronograph at the Universal Exhibition in Paris and was awarded the 'Grand Prix'. Seventeen years later, Zenith started manufacturing instruments for the U.S. Military forces and quickly became the leading brand for chronographs. For over 148 years, the values of the Zenith Manufacture have been precision, exclusivity and beauty underlined by its pioneer spirit and craftsmanship. From this obsession with precision, Zenith has received 2,333 Chronometry Prizes with more than 600 movement variations developed.

The Captain Moonphase ref. 03.2140.691/02.C498 is a watch that clearly embodies Zenith's fine watchmaking heritage and superb craftsmanship. This watch is available in stainless steel or rose gold and is fitted with a case measuring 40mm in diameter and 10.35mm in thickness. The watch case is very nicely finished with a combination of satin brushed and highly polished areas. The beveled lugs present beautiful and elegant 'chamfers' and the back of the watch features a display case back that allows for full view of the automatic calibre Elite 691.

The dial on the Captain Moonphase is a perfect example of why this manufacture is one of the top names in the horological world. The domed dial features a silver toned 'guilloché' center, faceted rhodium-plated applied markers and a minute track on the outermost part. The moon phase aperture is located at 6, the small seconds at 9 and a 'grande' date aperture between 1 and 2 o'clock. The traditional Zenith star is located at 12 right above the Zenith logo. The dial presents and array of textures that are a treat to the eyes and pure perfection. To complete the classic look of the dial, the watch is fitted with rhodium-plated 'dauphine' faceted hands that just like the markers, have no luminous material on them —this would've been a nice addition to this already fantastic timepiece.

The watch is fitted with a curved —slightly domed— sapphire crystal that is treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides allowing the owner to fully appreciate its dial regardless of the lighting conditions.

The beating heart inside this elegant and classic watch is the Zenith Elite 691 automatic calibre that is composed of 228 parts, 27 jewels and that provides a power reserve of at least 50 hours when fully wound. The movement is nicely finished with 'Côtes de Genève' on its rotor that happens to be skeletonized featuring the iconic Zenith star. The movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph and is one of the most precise and accurate movements we have reviewed lately —over a period of five days the watch only gained a total of eight seconds.

The time and date are set via the crown —featuring the Zenith star—, while the moon phase disc is advanced via a push-piece located at 8 o'clock. The watch includes a metallic stylus to adjust the moon phase. Unfortunately the tip of the stylus is not protected with rubber or plastic which results on potential scratching of the case while performing the adjustment. One thing we did notice, is that the push-piece clicks very smoothly and is not necessary to put too much pressure on it as compared to the push-pieces on other 'haute horlogerie' timepieces from other manufactures.

To round-up its elegant look, this watch is fitted with a chocolate brown —almost black looking under low light— alligator strap with protective rubber lining. The strap is secured with a stainless steel pin buckle. An optional triple-folding clasp is available upon request. The strap is extremely nice but it requires a break-in period as it's quite stiff when new. Even though the watch is rated waterproof to 50 meters, we wouldn't dare to get such nice strap wet.

The watch wears very comfortably and true to its size and is a perfect timepiece to be worn with a suit on those busy days when you have client meetings.

Sticker Price $7,600 USD. For more info on Zenith click here.  

Breaking News: The Zenith Boutique in Geneva was Burglarized.

The Zenith boutique on the Rue du Rhône was broken into last night between 5 and 6 am. Initial observations indicate that the burglars smashed through the front door using a ram-raid vehicle, before making off with the contents of the Boutique’s inside displays. The information gathered on site by police does not as yet enable them to provide any further details on the event as such, nor on the estimated value of the goods stolen. An investigation is in progress and every effort is being made to render the Zenith Boutique operational again as soon as possible.  The Boutique will therefore as planned be hosting its guests on August 29th for the traditional Geneva grape harvest celebrations.

For more info on Zenith click here.  

News: Zenith Presents the El Primero Stratos Flyback Tribute to Aviation. 50-Piece Limited Edition for Mexico, South America and the Caribbean.

Zenith presents the El Primero Stratos Flyback Tribute to Aviation a limited edition of 50-pieces exclusively available in Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. The Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Tribute to Aviation is fitted with the in-house automatic chronograph calibre El Primero 405B —like all El Primero movements, it beats at 36,000 vph allowing it to measure tenths of a second.

The new El Primero Stratos Flyback Tribute to Aviation is equipped with a flyback chrono mechanism that allows the user to restart the chronograph on the fly without the need to first stop it using the start/stop pusher.

This new model comes in Ti-Alum, a high-tech alloy specially developed for aeronautics and car racing and which is now being used into the horological world. Its magnetic permeability is 50 times lower than that of various grades of steel and its corrosion-resistance properties are unparalleled. The movement on this new chronograph provides a power-reserve of a minimum of 50 hours when fully wound and is composed of 331 parts 31 jewels.

Sticker Price $11,500 USD. For more information on Zenith click here. 

Baselworld: Zenith. 2,333 Chronometry Awards.

The Zenith pavilion is located right across from Hublot and next to TAG Heuer. This record breaking manufacture with 2,333 chronometry awards presented the largest and most beautiful display of historical pieces at Baselworld. With a historical timeline that extended well beyond 60 feet in length, Zenith presented everything from rare clocks to vintage iconic references such as El Primero Chronograph from 1969, Espada El Primero from 1975, a few Captain watches, a 1970 chronograph for the Italian Air Force, several vintage Pilot watches and other rarities. Additionally, on the right side of the pavilion, Zenith included a very unique dynamic display of all of their 2,333 chronometry awards for visitors to explore, arrange and rearrange.

Among the novelties for this year we find the Captain Grande Date Moonphase, Captain Winsor Annual Calendar Boutique Edition, Pilot Historical Type 20 GMT and Special, Pilot Big Date Special, El Primero Stratos Flyback Striking 10th, El Primero Chronomaster 1969 and the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane with gyroscopic 'Gravity Control' module. For more info click here.

Posted on April 30, 2013 and filed under Baselworld, Zenith.