In 1969, just a few months before humankind’s first steps on the moon, Zenith presented El Primero, the world’s first integrated automatic chronograph movement. That same year, one of the world’s best known rock bands reached the height of its fame. To celebrate this pivotal date, Zenith is launching a new second version of the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tribute to The Rolling Stones. Zenith naturally wished to celebrate its friendship with the rock’n’roll legends The Rolling Stones by crafting a modern watchmaking legend. This new version of the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 'Tribute to the Rolling Stones', is being issued in a 1,000-piece limited edition. As a truly worthy heir to the model that revolutionised the watch industry more than 40 years ago, the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 'Tribute to The Rolling Stones' limited edition reprises its codes while introducing a very dark, contemporary, rock-style look.
Posts filed under Zenith
Insider: Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20 Extra Special 'Bronze'. Hands-On with One of Our Favorite Bronze Watches Out There.
The new Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special 'Bronze' ref. 29.2430.679/21.C753 is the successor to the Pilot Type 20 Extra Special ref. 03.2430.3000/21.C738 launched last year. This new watch opposed to its predecessor, features a case made of bronze, a metal that is now highly coveted in the watch industry and which became extremely popular after the launch of the Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 'Bronzo' PAM 382 and its successor the PAM 507. Today, numerous watches are now available in bronze all the way from C-list 'wannabes' like the Helson or the Armida, to the exceptional IWC Aquatimer 'Expedition Charles Darwin' featured here. The new Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special ref. 29.2430.679/21.C753 is fitted with a robust 45 mm case that is just very unique an destined to develop a gorgeous patina as it gets worn by its owner.
Insider: Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20 Annual Calendar. A Vintage Inspired Massive Chronograph and Annual Calendar.
More than a century ago during the summer of 1909, air pilots were challenged to fly across the English Channel in a competition set by the British newspaper The Daily Mail. On July 25, 1909 Louis Blériot achieved a major first by crossing the English Channel by air, while wearing a Zenith watch on his wrist. At 4:15 am, the wind had dropped at Calais, France and it seemed like a propitious time to accomplish the challenge flying 40 kilometers from Calais, France to Dover, England. With his Zenith on his wrist, he took off aboard the Blériot XI, a frail ‘bird’ featuring a wooden frame and parchment-like wings and crossed the channel in merely 37 minutes.
Insider: Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow. Hands-On Review of a Very Nice Column-Wheel Chronograph Under $10K USD.
This time, we bring you our in-depth hands-on review with a very large number of live pictures we took under natural light and our recommendation on why you should get this exceptional chronograph from our friends from Le Locle. The Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow ref. 03.2061.405/21.M2060 just like most of the timepieces in the Stratos Flyback collection, is fitted with a robust and very solid case measuring 45 mm in diameter that features a highly polished case with alternating satin brushed finished lugs. A heir to the Zenith military chronograph legacy, the new El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow pays tribute to the 1997 Zenith Rainbow watch, but in our opinion, with a much nicer design that will take the test of time way better.
Insider: Introducing the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Night Vision. Equipped with a Ceramicised Aluminum Case.
The new Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Night Vision is one of those watches that not only brings out the best in the DNA of a legendary brand, but it also features exceptional material advancements when it comes to its case construction. This new Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Night Vision ref. 24.2160.4068/21.R573 from our friends from Le Locle, is fitted with a beautiful 45 mm ceramicised aluminum case, that evokes the virtues of the ancient alchemists by constructing this watch's case from the transformation of aluminum into ceramic. Powered by the legendary automatic El Primero calibre 4068, the dial side reveals the silicon escape wheel as well as the balance wheel. Fitted with a black dial with gray border with black nickel plated faceted markers with black superluminova, the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Night Vision is simply beautiful and extremely sporty. Is the type of watch that you would want to see on the wrists of a special ops commando.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Edition. Live Pictures and Pricing.
After partnering with Audemars Piguet for several years and after the release of two Royal Oak Offshore limited editions, the legendary Paris-Biarritz race Tour Auto Optic 2000 is now partnering with Zenith. They will finally come together on the starting line of the 24th Tour Auto. Zenith will be the official timekeeper of the competition, and three connoisseurs of mechanical beauty and speed will set off, along with their co-drivers, under its banner. On their wrists, the new Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Edition, a sporty model specially designed for the event in a limited edition of 500 pieces. This new watch, crystallizes the spirit of its partnership with the Tour Auto. Haute Horlogerie and collector's cars are linked by fastidious expertise, as well as a desire for perfection and elegance. The new Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Edition joins them forever by combining the revolutionary chronograph movements for which the Le Locle Manufacture has become famous, with a design whose finely nuanced colors and symbolic elements reveal a subtle automotive influence.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Zenith El Primero Chronograph Classic. Live Pictures and Pricing.
This year is a big year for Zenith manufacture celebrating 150 years. Along with other novelties from Baselworld 2015 that we have presented you here, we now bring you another watch released this last week, may we introduce the Zenith El Primero Chronograph Classic. The new Zenith El Primero Chronograph Classic features a pebble shaped case with a diameter of 42 mm and a quite slim profile at 12 mm thick. This new case —featuring a highly polished finish— comes with the nicest pronounced lugs— we've never seen before on any other Zenith El Primero— and with a very clean and timeless design that even includes a domed sapphire crystal. The watch is available in 18K rose gold in a limited edition of 150 pieces and in stainless steel as a regular production watch. The new Zenith El Primero Chronograph Classic is fueled by very strong Zenith DNA in its purest and most classic form.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the New Zenith El Primero Sport. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Reporting live from Baselworld 2015, we bring you the exciting news about a new Zenith El Primero Chronograph. We are talking about the new Zenith El Primero Sport, a new chronograph in its iconic collection interpreted through three classically sophisticated variations, this timepiece is a worthy heir to the grand tradition of sports chronographs. Its 45 mm diameter stainless steel case houses the famous El Primero 400 B automatic chronograph calibre beating at a rate of 36,000 vph. The iconic El Primero collection welcomes a new range of sophisticated chronographs embodying the grand tradition of sports chronographs. Presented in three initial versions, the new El Primero Sport model asserts a resolutely masculine personality accentuated by the generous size of its steel case and the eminently sporty nature of its functions. Its distinctive character reflects the very essence of sports watches and naturally makes it part of a proud lineage of timeless models.
Insider: Zenith Academy George Favre-Jacot. A Manual Wound Timepiece with High-Frequency and Constant Force.
To mark its 150th anniversary, Zenith presents another amazing horological creation, we are talking about the Academy Georges Favre-Jacot which offers a magnificent compendium of the multiple watchmaking skills exercised within the Manufacture. More than a mere tribute, this Haute Horlogerie model testifies to a profound respect for the spirit of the founder without whom nothing would have ever have taken shape. On the technical side, the Academy Georges Favre-Jacot houses a high-frequency manual El Primero 4810 movement. Occupying the entire lower right-hand side of the dial, the power reserve display between 4 and 5 o’clock topped by the inscriptions 'Force constante' and 'High frequency', gives an immediate indication of the movement’s high quality. To its left, the small seconds subdial between 7 and 8 o’clock bears the logo of the Manufacture with the guiding star.
News: Presenting the Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Tribute to Felix Baumgartner. Jumping from an Altitude of 38,969.4 meters is worth celebrating.
Consistently cultivating a distinctive and special relationship with challenges, the brand with the guiding star has always accompanied human adventure at its most daring and creative. Witness this new Academy Christophe Colomb, which pays tributes to one of the great early 21st century explorers of human nature, a champion of surpassing personal limits. An experienced parachutist and base jumper, he achieved three feats in 2012 by jumping from a stratospheric capsule. A personality echoing the creative daring and the enterprising spirit of Zenith, expressed through one of the greatest horological discoveries of recent years equipping this spectacular model: the Gravity Control module.
News: Presenting the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Annual Calendar Tribute to Russell Westbrook.
While the Zenith Pilot Type 20 requires no introduction, the Pilot Type 20 Annual Calendar Tribute to Russell Westbrook —designed in collaboration with the young basketball player— deserves a closer look. As its name implies, it is equipped with an annual calendar —an elegantly discreet complication that might almost go unnoticed if it were not mentioned on the dial. The annual calendar differs from the perpetual calendar in that it does not take into account the additional day that is added to the month of February in leap years —every four years.
This is a complication that calculates odd and even months and also factors in the 31st day of August. In a nutshell, it is a useful function that avoids the wearer having to adjust his watch every month. Visually speaking, the day of the week and the month are displayed on the blue dial at 3 o’clock in a rectangular aperture. Just above it are the name of Zenith’s new ambassador, Russell Westbrook, together with his silhouette in action on the court and his signature.
News: Presenting the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Rolling Stones Limited Edition.
Zenith, creator of the El Primero movement in 1969, is teaming up with the famous British rock stars the Rolling Stones, with the launch of a new El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Limited Edition watch. The announcement was made on June 1st, by Jean-Claude Biver, Director of the LVMH Group Watch Division and Tom Bennett, Chief Executive Officer for Bravado, Universal Music Group’s global music merchandising division. The watch will be the first in a series of limited edition watches by Zenith. This 250-piece limited edition is a smart blend of DNA from Zenith and the Rolling Stones. Hence the two chronograph counters, 30-minute at 3 o’clock and 12-hour at 6 o’clock, are bedecked in the same colors as the original El Primero model of 1969, namely midnight blue for the former and slate grey for the latter. The 12-hour chronograph is also overlaid with the famed Rolling Stones logo, the iconic red tongue and lip design.
News: Presenting the New Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow. Live Pictures and Pricing.
During Baselworld 2014, Zenith presented to the press a significant number of novelties that included the Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow. However, this new watch was finally officially released two days ago. With our readers in mind, we took some pictures of this new watch during our meeting with Zenith in Baselworld that finally we are able to publish for your viewing pleasure. Nothing like looking at live pictures of new watches. Following the design of the Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Striking 10th Tribute to Felix Baumgartner, this time the El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow is presented with a black dial with white Arabic numerals, colorful accents —yellow, green, blue and fluorescent pinkish— on its 30-minute chrono register at 3 o'clock, red numerals for the first 20 minutes of its graduated rotating bezel and a bright fluorescent pinkish seconds hand that rounds out the design equation.
Insider: Zenith Captain Power Reserve. Classical Elegance, Rich Heritage and a Very Nice Price Tag.
The new Zenith Captain Power Reserve ref. 03.2122.685/01.C498 in stainless steel is a watch that comes with exceptional understated elegance, rich heritage and a very nice price tag. This elegant timepiece presented at Baselworld 2014, features a classic round highly-polished —with satin-brushed lugs— stainless steel case measuring 40 mm in diameter and 9.25 mm in thickness. The Zenith Captain Power Reserve features a black alligator strap and is available with a silver or black dial. Its shape and finish are as traditional and classic as it gets, making this watch one of our favorite watches under $7K USD.
This classic and elegant new watch, features a simple, yet well balanced dial that Zenith refers to as a silver velvet-finished dial —typically known as a sunburst dial— with rhodium faceted applied markers, a power reserve indicator between 1 and 3 o'clock, subsidiary seconds at 9, a date aperture at 6 o'clock and dauphine hands. To make this watch even more appealing, Zenith added a slightly domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides that allows for excellent readability and unparalleled protection from unwanted glare or reflections that allow the wearer to fully enjoy the beauty of the dial. The seconds hand as well as the power reserve hand are blued to provide optimal contrast against the silver background. Perhaps the biggest downside with this watch as with most elegant and classical timepieces, is the lack of luminescent material on the markers or hands.
The new Zenith Captain Power Reserve is powered by the automatic Zenith calibre Elite 685 with a relatively small diameter —for such as large case size— measuring only 11.5 lignes —25.60 mm. This reliable and accurate calibre is composed of 179 parts, 38 jewels, skeletonized rotor featuring the iconic Zenith star and Côtes de Genève. When fully wound, this solid calibre provides a nice and long lasting power reserve of 50 hours. The calibre is fully visible through the case back and a nice treat for the eyes.
Fitted with a nice but somewhat stiff black alligator strap that for sure will require a long break-in period, the watch wears slightly bigger than its actual size because of the very thin bezel on its case design. The strap is fitted with a pin buckle but Zenith offers an optional triple folding clasp. If you are on a budget and you like elegant watches with strong pedigree and great craftsmanship, the Zenith Captain Power Reserve is a great option and a watch that delivers flawlessly on the price-value equation. For those willing to pay a little bit more, the watch is also available in 18K rose gold or 18K white gold.
Sticker Price $6,500 USD Stainless Steel, Gold References $14,100 USD. For more info on Zenith click here.
News: Aldo Magada From Breitling Appointed President & CEO of Zenith. Only Time Will Tell What His Impact Will Be.
On May 2, 2014, LVMH announced the appointment of Aldo Magada as President and CEO of Zenith. Aldo will take over his new responsibilities on July 1st, 2014 replacing Jean-Frédéric Dufour who recently left Zenith to become the new CEO of Rolex S.A.
Jean-Claude Biver, President of the Watches Division of LVMH, is firmly convinced that Aldo’s significant experience in the watch-making industry, combined with his proven-track record in product development and strategy as well as his in-depth knowledge of manufactures will be instrumental to develop Zenith.
Aldo Magada is a Swiss citizen born in 1958. He grew up in Switzerland and graduated from the University of Lausanne in 1981 and from the University of La Jolla in San Diego, California in 1982. Aldo Magada started his career in sales at Vifor, a para-pharmaceutical company. In 1984, Aldo joined the watches industry at Swatch and then held positions with increasing responsibilities for Piaget and Omega where he was Product Director and Marketing Director alongside Jean-Claude Biver between 1994 and 1998.
In 2000, he became President of Gucci Time Pieces. Between 2002 and 2009, he led Technomarine, Reuge and Badollet, before founding a consulting firm, earning recognition and trust of numerous key players in the watches industry. Since 2010, he has been International Sales & Business Development Director at Breitling. During his nearly 30 years of experience mainly in the watchmaking industry, Aldo Magada has demonstrated his instrumental role in brand development and repositioning. As Jean-Claude Biver highlights, Aldo will ensure a continuous success for Zenith over the coming years.
Frankly, only time will tell what Aldo Magada's impact will be at Zenith as Jean-Frédéric Dufour leaves the brand at a very different place from when he took over in June of 2009. The Zenith brand image has been effectively repositioned and properly revived.
For more info on Zenith click here.
News: Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane 'Revolución'. Celebrating Three Iconic Latin American Revolutionaries.
Yesterday, we brought you the news regarding Jean-Frederic Dufour departing Zenith to join Rolex as the CEO. Today, we bring you these three new amazing Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane 'Revolución' Limited Edition timepieces that were just released by Zenith to celebrate three of the most iconic revolutionaries from Latin America.
These three new watches are only available in an exceptional three-piece limited edition that can be purchased individually or as a box-set with all three references included. Like all the watches in the line, the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane 'Revolución' stands out immediately from the rest of the Zenith collection. The open dial architecture gives pride of place to the movement, making it possible to see and admire the three original mechanisms: the barrel with fusée-chain transmission appearing between 10:30 and 1:30 on the dial, the gravity control gyroscopic module that shows an entirely hand-crafted micro-painting depiction of the Southern hemisphere and the high-frequency regulator at 6 o’clock.
The incredible technicality of this timepiece also stems from intensive aesthetic research calling upon the talents of the best craftsmen, whose skills Zenith is committing to maintaining. The three gold subdials —hours/minutes at 12, small seconds at 9 and power reserve at 4 o’clock— have been finely guilloché and then enameled, equipped with blued steel hands reflecting the finest watchmaking traditions and screwed to the plate with blued steel screws. The plate has been hollowed out to fit the shape of the dials and the gyroscopic module. On the remaining super-light structure, five stars including Zenith’s, have been carved in relief and coated in midnight blue varnish. In parallel, the decor of the gravity control system’s counterweight shows an entirely hand-crafted micro-painting depiction of the Southern hemisphere.
On the case-back, the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane 'Revolución' has three big surprises in store. As its name indicates, the timepiece is available in three versions paying tribute to three iconic revolutionaries from Latin America: Simón Bolívar, Ernesto “Che” Guevara and Emiliano Zapata. These are veritable miniature paintings produced by the best craftsmen with the help of a sophisticated system of gold appliques fixed directly onto the movement.
On the first model, fitted with a 950 Platinum case, there is a white gold portrait of the Venezuelan general and politician, Simón Bolívar —'Libertador' of the Americas— to the left of the counterweight of the gyroscopic module depicting the Southern hemisphere. Above him also in white gold, is his sword, and to the right of the counterweight are his pistols. In the background he is riding a white horse that one can see is prancing. Finely carved and painted by hand, these details are achieved with the utmost delicacy and under a microscope.
On the back of the second model fitted with an 18K Pink Gold case, there is a white gold portrait of Ernesto Guevara, known as the “Che”, wearing his famous beret with a star. This Argentinian, who was one of the men behind the Cuban revolution, is standing proudly above the counterweight of the gyroscopic module, while, on both sides, his followers are depicted brandishing their guns. The characters are in gold and carved by hand, while the details of the Cuban flag, on the left, and the ocean with the island of Cuba, in the top right hand corner, were painted under a microscope.
The back of the third model fitted with an 18K Yellow Gold case, catches the eye with its reference to the Mexican Revolutionary art movement, with bright colors surrounding a white gold portrait of a 'calavera' horse and his rider astride the gyroscopic module. On the bottom right, a cactus sits opposite the white gold portrait of the iconic Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata on the left side of the gyroscopic module. To round out the design of this particular model, ancient Aztec iconography was added around the top right side corner. Here too, this exceptional work on the tiniest details was done under a microscope. Completely hand-finished by skilled craftsmen, these extraordinarily delicate adornments transform the three Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane 'Revolución' into authentic collector’s items.
To make this limited edition even more special, Zenith decided to fit them with a very special presentation box. The three timepieces composing the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane 'Revolución' edition are presented in a mahogany box adorned with corner trims and an ox-bone lock. The effigies of the three characters after which the models are named are silk screened onto a piece of papyrus embedded in the cover. Additionally, this exceptionally created box can be transformed into a very exclusive cigar humidor that can accommodate up to 200 cigars.
Sticker Price $419,000 USD for each reference. For more info on Zenith click here.
Technical Specifications Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane 'Revolución' Edition
Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Revolución Tribute to Simón Bolívar ref. 40.2213.8805/36.C714 950 Platinum case on Black alligator leather strap with 18-carat white gold triple-blade folding clasp.
Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Revolución Tribute to 'Che' Guevara ref. 18.2214.8805/36.C713 18K Pink Gold case on Brown alligator leather strap with 18K pink gold triple-blade folding clasp.
Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Revolución Tribute to Emiliano Zapata ref. 34.2210.8805/36.C713 18K Yellow Gold case on Brown alligator leather strap with 18K yellow gold triple-blade folding clasp.
Case: 950 platinum, 18K Pink Gold and 18K Yellow Gold respectively with a diameter of 45 mm and a thickness of 21.80 mm with a cambered sapphire crystal with glare-resistant treatment on both sides, protective domes for the gyroscopic module.
Dial: Enameled 'champlevé' gold dials with blued hands.
Movement: El Primero manual wound Calibre 8805 composed of 939 parts, 53 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 50 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 36,000 vph.
Water resistance: 30 meters.
Baselworld 2014: Zenith El Primero Lightweight. Live Pictures and Pricing.
This time we are presenting you the brand new just released at Baselworld 2014, Zenith El Primero Lightweight ref. 10.2260.400/69.R573. It is important that we clarify that this new watch is quite different to its predecessor the El Primero Lightweight Limited Edition to 100 pieces released at the end of September of 2013. The immediate tell-tale between both watches is the difference in the chronograph mechanism —12-hour chronograph vs. 60-minute chronograph with striking 10th on last year's model. Additionally, there are cosmetic differences that help differentiate one from the other such as the writing on the sapphire crystal —36,000 vph vs. 1/10 Of A Second—, the chronograph seconds hand in blue and lastly the blue accent surrounding the flange.
Zenith El Primero Lightweight Striking 10th. Limited Edition to 100 Pieces.
Known for their ability to combine technological innovation with creative daring, the engineers and watchmakers of the Zenith Manufacture were entrusted with the mission of developing a light watch with a sporty design, while making no compromises on precision, sturdiness and reliability —just as one optimizes an engine intended for competition.
The sizable feat began with the movement. Drawing upon its latest research on new materials, Zenith selected titanium —a light and sturdy material widely used in aeronautics— to build the movement bridges. The Manufacture also opted to use silicon, with the lever and escape wheel made from this high-tech, anti-magnetic material that is three and a half times lighter than classic alloys, harder than steel and a guarantee of excellent efficiency. El Primero 400B Titanium calibre is 25% less heavy than a classic El Primero calibre and is the lightest chronograph calibre on the market weighing 15.9 grams. The calibre is composed of 328 parts, 31 jewels, oscillating weight with “Côtes de Genève” pattern decorated with the Spindrift logo and it provides a power reserve of 50 hours.
The watch is available in a limited edition of 250 pieces and is distinguished by its 45 mm carbon and aluminum case with titanium pushers and crown that reveal the extreme nature of this ultra-sporty chronograph.
The openworked dial provides another bird’s eye view of this legendary movement, a dynamic reinterpretation of the collection’s classic design characteristics. The transparency of the central part makes it even lighter and provides a clear view of the skeleton-worked El Primero calibre. The disc-type date display is also both light and efficient thanks to cut-out stencil-style numerals standing out against a red dot at 6 o’clock.
The generously hollowed-out faceted hour-markers bear a luminescent coating, while the light grey, blue and anthracite counters pick up the three emblematic colors of the 1969 El Primero chronograph that have become one of the collection’s key signature features. The blue central sweep-seconds chronograph hand with its small Zenith star is accurate to the nearest tenth of a second.
On the wrist, the watch is light as a feather but with strong wrist presence. Any watchlifestyler that is a true connoisseur, can appreciate the years of research and development that went into this timepiece before becoming a reality. Next time you are base jumping off of the cliffs in Norway, make sure nothing weighs you down while you are gliding down in your gliding suit.
Sticker Price $19,000 USD. For more info on Zenith click here.
Baselworld 2014: Presenting Three New Zenith Watches. El Primero 410 Non-Limited Edition, El Primero Stratos Flyback and the Captain Winsor Annual Calendar Boutique Edition.
Today, we are featuring live pictures and pricing for three new Zenith watches presented at Baselworld 2014. These three new watches along with the new Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 GMT 1903 reviewed by us here. These three new timepieces span across different collections of the brand: the Zenith El Primero 410 —non-limited edition model with silver sunray dial, the limited edition model was reviewed by us here—, the Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback —this time with the same dial configuration as the Stratos Flyback Striking 10th Tribute to Felix Baumgartner— and lastly the new Zenith Captain Winsor Annual Calendar Boutique Edition in stainless steel with matte white dial.
Let's start by talking about the new Zenith El Primero 410 which is now available in a non-limited edition and with a beautiful very clean sunray silvered dial. This watch, just like the El Primero 410 Limited Edition, is not only a vintage inspired timepiece with a fully integrated automatic 12-hour chronograph, but it is also fitted with an annual calendar with moon-phases. The El Primero 410 is fitted with a 42 mm highly-polished stainless steel case with satin-brushed lugs and with a thickness of 12.75 mm —not bad for such a robust calibre. This watch features the traditional El Primero pump pushers and a beautiful and solid crown with the Zenith star on relief. The case band features two correctors at 8 o'clock to adjust the moon-phase indicator and the day of the week and the overall look of the watch is sporty, yet very elegant. The beating heart inside this watch —gives its name to the watch— is the automatic El Primero calibre 410 composed of 390 parts and 31 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 50 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 36,000 vph.
Sticker Price $10,600 USD.
The Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback is now presented with the same dial configuration as the Stratos Flyback Striking 10th Tribute to Felix Baumgartner and available with a stainless steel bracelet or a black rubber strap. The generous stainless steel case on this watch measures 45.5 mm in diameter but wears slightly smaller. Up until now, the El Primero Stratos Flyback was only available with a blue dial, a blue bezel and blue rubber strap. This watch is fitted with the automatic column-wheel chronograph movement El Primero calibre 405 B —instead of the 4057 B in the Tribute to Felix Baumgartner model— with flyback function. This automatic calibre is composed of 331 parts, 31 jewels and it provides a power reserve of 50 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 36,000 vph.
Sticker Price $9,200 USD on bracelet and $8,500 USD on rubber strap.
Lastly, let's talk about the new Boutique Edition Captain Winsor Annual Calendar in stainless steel with matte white dial. The Captain Winsor Annual Calendar Boutique Edition, offers one of the most fascinating complications with a dual aperture at 3 o'clock where the month and day of the week are displayed. This new Boutique Edition is a perfect addition to the Captain collection. Up until now, this watch was only available in 18K rose gold with matte white dial or in stainless steel with a smoked, silver-toned palladium dial with blue chrono hands. The new Zenith Captain Winsor Annual Calendar Boutique Edition features a nice highly-polished stainless steel case measuring 42 mm in diameter and one of the most well-balanced dials with a running seconds subsidiary register at 9, a 60-minute chronograph register and date aperture at 6, and a day/month aperture at 3 o'clock. The beating heart inside this watch is the automatic El Primero calibre 4054, composed of 341 components, 29 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 50 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 36,000 vph.
Sticker Price $10,400 USD. For more info on Zenith click here.
Baselworld 2014: Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 GMT 1903. Live Pictures and Pricing.
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 ref. 96.2431.693/ 21.C740. A few weeks ago, we were able to review this fascinating limited edition timepiece and get some live pictures for you.
This new watch presented at Baselworld 2014, features a case made of black DLC-coated titanium that is ultra-light despite its 48 mm 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. 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. Just like on all other Pilot Type 20 GMT watches, the second time zone independent hand with red tip is advanced as necessary by pushing a very convenient button with fluting that is located on the case band at 10 o'clock.
The piece serves as an invitation to travel thanks to a second time-zone indicator powered by the Elite Calibre 693 movement. Finely adorned 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 bund type —wristband style strap first worn by German pilots in the second world war and later turned into a timeless classic by Paul Newman— strap crafted in beige suede leather sets the finishing touch to this model. Its dark brown lining features a heat-embossed motif in which connoisseurs will note the inscription “Zenith Flying Instruments” as well as the brand’s historical logo with the Le Locle Swiss Made embossing.
On the wrist, the watch wears very comfortably and slightly smaller than its actual size. The light colored bund style strap fits the look of the watch perfectly and almost matching the color of the Arabic numerals on the dial like a match made in heaven. This vintage inspired watch with its blackened DLC coated titanium case will provide unparalleled wrist presence anywhere you go in a nice limited edition of only 1903 pieces.
Sticker Price $8,600 USD. 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
Baselworld 2014: Zenith Pilot Type 20 Grand Feu. Live Pictures of a Massive 60mm Timepiece.
Today, we were able to review one of the most unique and fascinating timepieces at Baselworld 2014 thus far. We are talking about the massive 60 mm sapphire case with white gold bezel Zenith Pilot Type 20 Grand Feu. This massive timepiece with a heritage rooted in the history of aviation is literally carved out of a sapphire and white gold bezel and lugs casing housing a legendary historical movement —El Primero 5011K— that is rounded out by the beautiful 'Grand Feu' enamel dial on it and the perfectly matching black calfskin leather strap with pin buckle. The beautiful white 'Grand Feu' enamel dial features black Arabic numerals, blued hands, a power reserve indicator at 3 and subsidiary seconds register at 9 o'clock.
The Zenith calibre El Primero 5011 K is a manual wound movement composed of 134 parts and 19 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 48 hours when fully wound. The highly decorated movement is fully visible via the display case back and the sapphire middle case. Perfectly grasping the nature of its exceptional mechanical pedigree implies a brief look back in time and more specifically to 1960, the year when the Manufacture produced a movement that would make its mark on history: Calibre 5011K. Beating every existing precision record in its category – Neuchâtel Observatory awarded it the title of the most precise chronometer ever presented – this mechanical movement that became a legend was to equip marine chronometers and pocket watches. A small number of original 5011K calibres, found in the archives of the Manufacture, have been updated and remarkably decorated to now find their place in several Pilot Type 20 models consistently issued in extremely limited editions. The new Pilot Type 20 Grand Feu is equipped with this historic original movement. The middle case and the transparent case-back afford ample views of this mechanical manual wound 5011K movement. Its 60 mm diameter provides scope for exceptional finishing. Entirely hand-engraved and chased by remarkable artisans, the sides and back of the movement —as well as the gold lugs and bezel— are adorned over their whole surface with intricate scrolled and garland-like motifs reflecting the spirit of traditional Fine Watchmaking. A miniature work of art displaying breathtaking finishes. Oscillating at a rate of 18,000 vibrations per hour, Calibre 5011K also features shock-absorbers on the balance-staff and on the escapement, fine adjustment as well as a self-compensating anti-magnetic Breguet overcoil balance-spring —a set of attributes contributing to its first-rate performances while detracting nothing from its resolutely vintage spirit.
This amazing timepiece is only available in a limited edition of 10 pieces and one needs to see this watch in person to really understand how big but beautiful is this watch. On the wrist, this watch is just massive and top heavy, definitely a piece that will get a ton of attention but really not practical at all for every day way. Definitely a watch reserved for a very 'special occasion'.
Sticker Price TBC. For more info on Zenith click here.
