Ornatus-Mundi
[Zenith]
7136
Zenith Coffee House Tales (xii): El Primero 36’000 VpH Volcano
In this new instalment of the traditional Zenith Coffeehouse Tales I would like to present to you another very tasteful specialty, the Zenith El Primero 36’000 VpH Volcano :
Part of the 36'000 VpH collection, this model comes in the traditional 42mm steel case with some very individual clothes:
First and foremost, there is the anthracite-coloured dial with its red gold accents (tachometer scale, indices, subdials and hands).
A closer look reveals that Zenith opened up the stage for a dramatic interplay of colours and of delicate finishing alike, with a soleil pattern for the main face and fine circular grainings for the subdials and scales.
Very aptly the red gold accentuation is carried on to outside through the solid 18 ct. gold crown and pushers. Note the groove in the case back facilitating the grip on the crown.
No surprises on the back, the well.known and trusted calibre El Primero 400b, composed of 326 nicely finished components:
Overall, the design is intended to 'capture all the complex nuances of liquid lava'...
First and foremost, there is the anthracite-coloured dial with its red gold accents (tachometer scale, indices, subdials and hands).
A closer look reveals that Zenith opened up the stage for a dramatic interplay of colours and of delicate finishing alike, with a soleil pattern for the main face and fine circular grainings for the subdials and scales.
Very aptly the red gold accentuation is carried on to outside through the solid 18 ct. gold crown and pushers. Note the groove in the case back facilitating the grip on the crown.
No surprises on the back, the well.known and trusted calibre El Primero 400b, composed of 326 nicely finished components:
Overall, the design is intended to 'capture all the complex nuances of liquid lava'...
... which is does with quite some success: It really depends on how you allow the sun to touch the watch. Powerful contrast...
... slowly blending over to the warmth of Cuban sun (or a well-matured single malt)...
... and finally revealing a strong character. Only now one can realise that the dial in fact is of anthracite colour.
A similar transformation happens on the wrist!
So, basically you are the master of the scene with this timepiece. A little twist with your arm, and you have a to ally different watch on your wrist.
In one or the other sense this is smart, making the Volcano an extremely versatile watch to wear during the day. Office, leisure and party all in one go. Very few watches can offer this in such a a compelling yet reticent way.
My only wish would probably be slightly more rounded hands. They are bold and strong, but for my taste they could benefit from more roundness as a subtle touch.
The Volcano is a piece I would love to take as my travel companion. However, I would need a second timezone and probably an alarm function - Le Locle/Vienna, any chance??
The Volcano is a piece I would love to take as my travel companion. However, I would need a second timezone and probably an alarm function - Le Locle/Vienna, any chance??
Cheers and thanks for reading,
Magnus
Location:
Just as with the El Primero 36'000 VpH in its original 1969 colours, we met at the Café Drechsler in Vienna, a famous (and very lively) institution in Vienna. The current interior was designed after extensive renovations in cooperation with Sir Terence Conran and features polished marble bar and table tops, Bauhaus light fixtures and whitewashed timber panels – stylish yet still distinctly Viennese.
It used to be a melting pot for all sorts of patrons, from actors of nearby theatres, business people or simply the city's street wipers - all sit on the same table, no questions asked.
The Café Drechsler used to close each night for only 1h - so you most likely met those who were still awake and those who were already awake...
More posts:
Zenith Coffee House Tales (xii): El Primero 36’000 VpH Volcano
In this new instalment of the traditional Zenith Coffeehouse Tales I would like to present to you another very tasteful specialty, the Zenith El Primero 36’000 VpH Volcano : Part of the 36'000 VpH collection, this model comes in the traditional 42mm steel...
I do not like two-tone watches, but I love this piece...
I do NOT like two-tone watches But I LOVE this piece Really well-done by Zenith I'd ditch the black strap for a brown strap, but otherwise the Volcano is a thunderous success IMO Cheers, John
I have changed my stance on two-tone watches completely...
from being flashy pieces for the aged playboys to something increasingly desirable. However, mostly with some dark blue colour in the mix. But this one is really tempting! Cheers, Magnus
Thank you for another great report, Magnus!
Not a big fan of mixed color metal, but together with this dial it works very well! :) Best Blomman
Blomman, imagine how sexy a 38mm version would be?
all the goodies of above, but more concentrated... Magnus
Thanks Magnus for this article!
I need to have a closer look on this Volcano! I like its colours... Thanks! Fx
Excellent pictures...
but that's nothing new coming from you dear Magnus Thank you for splendid presentation. Love your " Cuban sun (or a well-matured single malt)" comparison Sincerely yours Damjan
