Swiss watch manufacturer Zenith has a century and a half behind it and is resolutely taking its place in the third millennium with a new 100th of a second chronograph movement, housed in a powerful 44 mm titanium case. The series-made chronograph in 1969 enters a whole new era, thanks to sophisticated engineering featuring a double-chain structure based on twin regulators made from a patented new material. Defy El Primero 21, the signature of an authentic Swiss Manufacture and the promise of new innovations to come. Discover the Defy El Primero 21 and get an exclusive preview of the other new launches in 2017 collection presented at Baselworld.
1- DEFY EL PRIMERO 21:
The brand holds a record-breaking 2,333 chronometry prizes, the major difference being that this new generation has been developed with industrialization in mind right from the outset. A 32 mm diameter compared with 30 mm for its ancestor; 7.9 mm thick rather than the original 6.50 mm; 203 components as opposed to 278 in 1969.
2- CHRONOMASTER EL PRIMERO GRANDE DATE FULL OPEN:
Through the clarity of the sapphire dial revealing an open-hearted mechanism, this new Chronomaster El Primero flaunts its palpitating pace for all to see. Artfully staged within an imposing 45 mm-steel case, its high-frequency skeletonised mechanism reveals its style in a spirit of transparency.
With its powerful build framing a clear view of its mechanism, the new Chronomaster El Primero Grande Date Full Open unveils the heart of performance and precision in the inimitable Zenith style. This self-winding skeleton-worked chronograph, equipped with a column wheel and a silicon escapement, is highlighted by a dial carved in sapphire. This modern architecture with its striking red accents is designed to be admired from both sides.
3- CHRONOMASTER HERITAGE 146
Presenting the new vintage series: the Heritage 146 chronograph inspired by a 1960s watch and now equipped with an El Primero movement. It features a retro look, a tropical brown or blue dial, a 38 mm-diameter steel case and a column-wheel El Primero movement chronometer. Subtly reinterpreting an historical model, the Heritage 146 is a unique offering combining the best of the Manufacture’s past: design, history and true rarity.
4- ELITE LADY MOONPHASE 33MM
In 2017, the Elite collection welcomes a new model housed within a case that is smaller than previously: the Elite Ultra Thin Lady Moonphase 33 mm, a combination of technical excellence and timeless distinction. Available in rose gold or steel versions, this slim, feminine timepiece will delight the hearts of women who love fine mechanisms but do not wish to sacrifice the innate elegance of glamour expressed in a refined and understated manner.
5- PILOT TYPE 20 EXTRA SPECIAL 40 MM
With its format suited to every wrist, the new Pilot Type 20 Extra Special 40 mm rounds out an emblematic range from Zenith, thus far composed of large-size watches. Its more ‘democratic’ dimensions continue to house the same original attributes: an in-house movement, a broad fluted crown and large luminescent Arabic numerals swept over by finely crafted hands. The new Pilot hails from an all-conquering lineage!
6- PILOT TYPE 20 EXTRA SPECIAL CHRONOGRAPH
Framing an oversized luminescent display guaranteeing peerless readability, the substantial 45 mm-diameter case – featuring a large screwed-in crown and ratcheted pushpieces facilitating adjustment with gloved hands – is made of bronze: a highly resistant anti-magnetic alloy that acquires a natural patina giving it a unique vintage touch.
7- CHRONOMASTER EL PRIMERO RANGE ROVER VELAR:
Released during the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show, Zenith and Land Rover celebrated their creative relationship by presenting the new Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition. The timepiece features a new elegant brushed grey dial with copper-toned details, and a new black rubber strap coated with black-toned perforated calfskin, inspired by ideas from both brands’ product design and engineering departments.