Zenith

Only a few days until the largest watch exhibition opens its doors - and I am already able to provide you with a preview on this year's novelties presented by Zenith.

Zenith plays on several levels here - complications, technology, history and craftsmanship - often finely interwoven. The company has kindly allowed me to invite you on a three-fold discovery highlighting the spirit and the diversity that forge Zenith’s unique wealth of character:

- (i) a walk into the future with the dynamic El Primero Lightweight; 

- (ii) to savour the reinvented icons embodied in the new El Primero Synopsis models; 

- (iii) to take the skies with the impressive Pilot Type 20 Grand Feu. 

Let's start our journey:

(i) El Primero Lightweight - a thoroughbred engine tuned to the max:

Zenith looks resolutely to the future in devel- oping this sporty avant-garde version of its legendary El Primero chronograph. The keynote of the specifications was the focus on shearing off any excess weight, along with ensuring performance and originality. These demands naturally called for the use of high-tech materials.

Known for their ability to combine technological innovation with creative daring, the engineers and watchmakers of the 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 optimises an engine intended for competition. The sizeable feat began with the movement. Drawing upon its latest research on new materials, Zenith selected titanium – a light and sturdy mate- rial 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. The carbon and aluminium case with titanium push pieces and crown reveal the extreme nature of this ultra-sporty chronograph.

Result: 25% lighter weight of the El Primero Lightweight.

Tech-oriented ultra-light and durable 45mm timepiece advancing the historically proven position of the El Primero movement with very sensible - almost classic - tuning measures (advances in engineering and materials):

- silicon escapement

- titanium movement bridges

- carbon and aluminium case with titanium pushpieces and crow

A round case (in steel or red gold) , a subtle dial design featuring perfect readability, together with pure lines throughout: such are the signature features of the new El Primero Synopsis by Zenith.

Bottom line:

???????? ??????? - the essence of the El Primero reduced to the max, and emphasised!

(ii) Pilot Type 20 Grand Feu - presenting craftsmanship on a large stage:

While the powerful lines and the distinctive design of Zenith aviator watches are naturally part of this Pilot Type 20 Grand Feu watch, the materials used reveal an outstanding timepiece.

The latest addition to the Pilot collection is indeed exceptional in many ways, starting with the now famous 60 mm-diameter case that has already made a huge impact on several models in the collection. It now finds a new expression here, entirely carved out of a block of sapphire. Only the lugs, bezel and crown are made of white gold. 

Meticulous workmanship is required to create a perfect case of this size in such a fragile and precious material. It is the first sapphire case in the history of the Manufacture Zenith and also the largest sapphire case in watchmaking history.

In addition, Zenith made best use of the substantial surface area the historical Cal. 5011K pocket watch movement offers and asked specialised artisans to adorn it – as well as the gold lugs and bezel – with intricate scrolled and garland-like motifs:

Bottom line:

More posts: Chronograph grand feu enamelCollection VilleretEl PrimeroEl Primero ChronographEl Primero LightweightPilotSynopsis

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