Calibre 410 was developed in 1969 as a variation on the much loved and admired El Primero, It has the accuracy of the El Primero chronograph combined with a triple calendar and moonphase indications.

Zenith’s El Primero had an exceptional speed of 36,000 vibrations an hour, corresponding to 1/10th of a second precision. That same year, Manufacture Zenith equipped the calibre with the two additional complications of the triple calendar and moonphase indications. In 1969 the name of the movement was the El Primero 3019 PHF, it later became referenced as the 410. The movement is built around a column wheel and endowed with a 50-hour power reserve. Calibre 410 was phased out 2000, but now Zenith is reviving it as a a 500-piece limited edition series featuring a slate grey dial.

Almost half a century after its creation, El Primero Calibre 410 reproduces the original function layout in a distinctively 1970s spirit. The days and months are counted off at 10 and 2 o’clock respectively, while the date is still located between 4 and 5 o’clock. Merging into the hour subdial at 6 o’clock, the moonphase depicts the revolutions of the night star through a special-shaped aperture with two rounded cut-outs reproducing the dark part of the moon. The successive phases (waxing moon, full moon, waning moon, new moon) are displayed. The disc bearing two moons is driven by a 59-toothed wheel corresponding to two lunar cycles (2 x 29.5 days).

The 42mm watch steel cased watch displays on-trend curves with alternating polished and brushed finishes. The watch also features rounded chronograph pushpieces and snailed counters which contrast with the sunray dial motif. Rimmed by the tachometric scale on the opaline inner bezel ring, the rhodium hour-markers ensure perfect readability. As an extra touch of branding, the Zenith star on the tip of the blue central chronograph seconds hand sweeps over the dial, and on the caseback, the El Primero Calibre 410’s 390-part mechanism is clearly visible through the sapphire crystal case-back.

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Zenith has introduced two new services through their website aimed at researching and verifying the authenticity of collectors’ timepieces. The archive extract and the certificate of authenticity services were developed to respond to the growing number of requests that the brand receives each year for information about Zenith watches.

The Archive Extract service

This is designed for anyone in possession of a vintage Zenith watch which is not part of the current collection. The amount of information Zenith can provide depends not only on what is in the archives but the information supplied by the client, for example, the year the watch was was made, in certain cases the name of the collection or model, the target market, and so on.

To achieve the most extensive possible research, client should provide the number of the movement and good quality photographs, as well any other information that might be of use.

Zenith will then send Archive Extract within 30 working days, which will, in most cases, contain the date the watch was manufactured in Le Locle and other information related to its production. Wherever possible, they will also provide historic catalogue extracts and historical advertisements along with the document.

The Archive Extract can only be ordered through the website, not via email or by other electronic means, or by post. It costs CHF 120 or CHF 150 if the client wishes to receive a paper copy of the document. The payment covers the research conducted by the Heritage Department. While Zenith will always try their best to research a watch, they cannot guarantee that the result will always be successful.

Certificates of Authenticity

A Certificate of Authenticity can be obtained either to help secure the sale of a certain timepiece or for your own satisfaction. The Certificate of Authenticity is based on an extensive examination of the timepiece conducted by one of Zenith’s After-Sales Service specialists in collaboration with the Heritage Department.

The information in the certificate refers to the type, case and movement. It may also contain information on the characteristics of the watch. If the complete examination of the watch reveals that part of the watch is not original, Zenith reserves the right not to deliver the watch’s certificate of authenticity.

The owner of the timepiece subsequently receives a quote for the Certificate of Authenticity, accompanied by an offer from the After-Sales Service for restoring and servicing the watch. If the client does not wish to have his timepiece restored, the Certificate of Authenticity will cost CHF 500. In the event of the watch being restored, the Certificate of Authenticity will be free of charge.

Each timepiece must be sent through Zenith service centres, boutiques or certified retailers. No watches directly sent to the manufacture will be processed.

Visit the Zenith Extracts Archive

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When they unveil this watch to you at Baselworld by pulling away the cover that conceals it, it’s not so much Grand Feu and as Grand Pheeew…that is a huge watch. Fully 60mm in size, Zenith has already pre-sold the ten pieces that have been made. They doubt anyone will actually wear the watch, it’s more of a showpiece, and because each piece has been pre-sold they do not allow you (well they didn’t allow me at least) to slip it on the wrist for photographs.

In fact you can’t even touch it without gloves on. It’s huge, and it’s also extremely impressive. In fact in a sense, it is almost too impressive because it stole the thunder from some of the other Zenith offerings for this year, and it is likely to be the watch that even mainstream newspapers will want to feature.

There’s a vast expanse of sapphire glass so that the view of the equally capacious spread of perfectly executed grand feu enamelling can be examined in full. The white gold casing has been intricately engraved entirely by hand. Skeletonised blued-hands and hand painted numerals, minute track and confident Zenith brand complete this exceptional piece. The middle section of the case is a sapphire crystal ring enabling a views of the movement, an historic Zenith movement known as the calibre 5011K with 48 hours of power reserve.

This sapphire-cased enamelled showpiece will sell for over CHF100,000, but in this case the watch is more of a wow than the price tag.

Visit the Zenith Watches website

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The Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane range has unveiled three timepieces in tribute to three emblematic South American revolutionary figures: Simón Bolívar, Ernesto “Che” Guevara and Emiliano Zapata. These trio of revolutionaries echo the three major horological discoveries with which these models are equipped: gravity control (patented system); fusée-chain transmission; and an unparalleled cadence of 36,000 vibrations an hour.

The watches come in a three-piece limited edition, sumptuously decorated using artistic crafts rarely seen in Fine Watchmaking: enamelling, micro-engraving and micro-painting.

The set is called the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Revolución. The movements are adorned with custom-made decorations, without compromising either precision or reliability. A new demonstration of Zenith’s creative daring and its ability to make completely new movements even more beautiful than they are already with decorations crafted by true artists.

The Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Revolución stands out 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 – a revolution in Fine Watchmaking; as well as the high-frequency regulator at 6 o’clock.

The three gold subdials – hours/minutes at 12 o’clock, small seconds at 9 o’clock and power reserve at 4 o’clock – have been finely guilloché and then enamelled, equipped with blued steel hands 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.

Portraits on the case-backs

On the case-back are featured miniature paintings of the three revolutionaries: Simón Bolívar, Ernesto “Che” Guevara and Emiliano Zapata. These are produced by the best craftsmen with the help of a sophisticated system of gold appliques fixed directly onto the movement. On the first model, in the foreground left of the counterweight of the gyroscopic module depicting the Southern hemisphere, is a portrait of general and politician, Simón Bolívar. Above him is his sword, and to the right of the counterweight are his pistols. In the background is the man riding a white horse that one can see is prancing. Finely carved and painted by hand, these details are achieved under a microscope.

On the back of the second model is the portrait of Ernesto Guevara, known as the “Che”, wearing his famous beret. This Argentinian, who was the man 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, are painted under a microscope.

The back of the third model features references to Mexican art, with bright colours surrounding an openworked portrayal of a rider and his horse astride the gyroscopic module. On the bottom right, a cactus sits opposite the portrait of the revolutionary. 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.

About the three revolutionaries

Simón Bolívar (1783-1830)

What politician today can boast that he gave his name to a country? At a very young age, Venezuelan Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios showed his aptitude for a military career rather than academic pursuits. At the age of 14, he enlisted in the army and became a Second Lieutenant two years’ later. In 1798, he travelled to Europe for the first time, studying politics and political theory – such as natural law and contractualism, both pillars of political rule at the time. In 1802, he left for Europe again and got to know the prevailing thought patterns governing the Old Continent, on which he would base his convictions a few years later. After becoming a general and a politician who was both a nationalist and an anti-imperialist, he played an active role as of 1813 in the struggle for independence of Bolivia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.

It was during this year that he was awarded the honorary title of Libertador, which today remains associated with his name. Sent on a mission to London, Bolívar managed to persuade the English to put pressure on the Spanish in favour of Venezuelan interests. In 1815, he went into exile in Jamaica to think about the future of the Americas and the fate of various countries such as Venezuela, Mexico and Argentina. It was thus from there that he wrote his “Letter from Jamaica” in which one can see the influence of the Enlightenment and its great thinkers such as Montesquieu, his favourite author.

Back in Venezuela, from 1819 onwards, he contributed to the creation of Grand Colombia, a name he chose in tribute to Christopher Columbus, and of which he became the first President in 1821. The country created that year was subsequently divided into three countries in 1830: Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. Simón Bolívar remains an emblematic figure in the emancipation of Spain’s South American colonies. Aside from Bolivia, a city in Venezuela is also named after him – Ciudad Bolívar – as well as a Colombian department.

Ernesto “Che” Guevara (1928-1967)

Che Guevara’s early ambition was to be a doctor. Ernesto Guevara (“Che” being a nickname used by Argentinians to label a “man”) travelled to South America during his studies and discovered the poverty in which much of the population lived. He decided that a revolution would get rid of these inequalities. He studied Marxism and went to Guatemala to learn from the reforms undertaken by the president in power: Jacobo Arbenz Guzmán, who was overthrown by a coup backed by the CIA.

To give his ideas some substance, he joined a Cuban revolutionary group led by a certain Fidel Castro and engaged in guerilla warfare for two years. The group overthrew dictator, Fulgencio Batista, in 1959 and took over power. Guevara held several positions in the new government, contributing among other things to Cuba’s transition to a Marxist type economy and to a rapprochement with the Eastern bloc, yet failing to industrialise the country. After having written several theoretical works on the revolution and guerrillas, and denouncing the exploitation of the third world by both sides in the Cold War, he disappeared from political life and left Cuba in an attempt to export his ideas and extend the revolution. He thus went to the Congo but received a lukewarm response, and then to Bolivia where he was captured and summarily executed by the Bolivian army, which was trained and guided by the CIA.

After his death, Che Guevara became an icon for revolutionary movements all over the world. A Cuban photographer, Alberto Korda, took his picture on the fly during a meeting held by Fidel Castro. This portrait is one of the most famous in the world, although the photographer never received a cent in royalties.

Emiliano Zapata (1879-1919)

Emiliano Zapata Salazar (the name of both his father and mother) was born in Mexico to a large and wealthy family of landowners. At a very young age, he started a transport company for construction materials and cultivated the land that belonged to him. Since 1857, the collective ownership of the land belonging to villages had not been guaranteed by the constitution. And the landowners – or hacendados – took advantage of this to seize them.

A landowner himself, Zapata adopted a style of dress akin to the hacendados, but would always be on the villagers’ side. Loved and respected by the inhabitants of his hometown, Zapata became the protector of their interests by taking the lead of a defence committee. He became involved in their fight against the powerful. From 1910, groups of guerilleros were created in which Zapata played an important role. The Mexican revolution of which they were the instigators officially started on November 20th of that year and ended with the capitulation and subsequent exile of President Porfirio Díaz on May 27th 1911. On November 25th, Zapata published the Plan of Ayala, a liberation program which included reforms. Its slogan “Reform, freedom, justice and law” was taken up by his followers and used on coins and bank notes that they began to issue.

In April 1919, Colonel Guajardo tricked Zapata into an ambush. To win his confidence, he organised an attack on his own men and went as far as killing more than 50 of them, thus instilling belief in his credibility, and promising Zapata men and weapons. Zapata fell into the trap – and armed men awaited him at the agreed meeting place and shot him at point blank range. Despite this betrayal, Emiliano Zapata still remains the architect of Mexico’s liberation, although his name has been repeatedly misused by all the presidents and politicians who followed him.

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Following the major reshuffle at the helm of Rolex, where much admired Jean-Frederique Dufour has departed Zenith to take up the Rolex reins, LVMH has now appointed Aldo Magada, Breitling’s former International Sales and Business Director as the new boss at Zenith.

Magada will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer and President from July following Dufour’s departure in April. A seasoned watch industry professional, Magada joined the industry in 1984 after starting his career at a pharmaceutical company. He first took up a position with Swatch.

He then moved on to Piaget followed by OMEGA, where he was Product Director and Marketing Director alongside Jean-Claude Biver, and herein lies the clue to Magada’s new appointment as Biver is now head of LVMH’s watchmaking division of which Zenith is a part, and he was Magada’s boss from 1994 to 1998.

In 2000, Magada was president of Gucci Time Pieces and between 2002 and 2009 he led Technomarine, before working with Reuge and then Badollet before founding a consulting firm. Magada served as Breitling’s International Sales and Business Development Director since 2010.

Magada joins Zenith at a time when the brand has witnessed a surge of popularity and some spectacular sponsorships under Dufour’s leadership, and with Biver for a boss, you can bet Magada will be expected to hit the ground running.

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Felix Baumgartner, a former Austrian paratrooper has set records for some of the world’s highest parachute jumps, including in 1999 the Petronas towers in Kuala Lumpur (1999), and in the same year, the lowest extreme jump from the hand of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. In 2003 he crossed the Channel in freefall with a carbon fibre wing, performed a base jump from the Millau viaduct in 2004, and in 2007 he leapt from the 91st floor of the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan.

Two years ago on October 4th 2012, he achieved his most breathtaking feat yet with Zenith. He broke three freefall records on this occasion: the height (38,969.4 metres), the speed (1,357.6 km/h) and the duration of his jump (4 minutes and 20 seconds).

The dial of the new Zenith Christop Colomb special edition 45mm platinum watch illustrates Felix Baumgartner’s feat. The Zenith master artisans have reproduced the famous photo of Felix Baumgartner preparing to jump from the capsule that has reached its maximum height. The figure in a space suit adorning the power-reserve dial at 3 o’clock is engraved on a hand-polished 18-carat gold plate fixed to the dial by two screws. The 12 o’clock hours and minutes dial bears a mark lightly drawn between the number 12 and the first hour-marker, evoking the duration of the jump (4 minutes and 20 seconds).

Like all models in the line, the plate is hollowed to embrace and enhance the shape of the gyroscopic Gravity Control module at 6 o’clock. The main part of the dial base is occupied by the turquoise Earth, while the upper section shows the Milky Way viewed from the stratosphere and depicted in aventurine.

On the case-back the 18-carat gold power-reserve bridge illustrates Baumgartner’s freefall. All the motifs are hand-engraved using the line engraving technique, with Baumgartner’s stylised silhouette at 12 o’clock, the capsule at 9 o’clock and the Earth at 3 o’clock, overlapping the gyroscopic Gravity Control module. These are surrounded by engraved inscriptions indicating the champion’s three records: The highest 38,969.4 m = 127,852.4 feet / The fastest 1,357.6 km/h = 843.6 mph / The longest 4min 20s Freefall, as well as the Forty-Five (45) Jewels on the movement, and the mention Zenith Manufacture Le Locle. Six jewels are placed on the capsule and the spacesuit, including one at the exact same spot as the watch that Felix Baumgartner wore when doing the jump.

The watch is powered by a movement featuring a regulating organ with a high oscillation frequency (36,000 vibrations/hour) and a patented Gravity Control gyroscopic module, which neutralises the effects of gravity on the rate of the watch.

Released in a 10-piece limited edition, the watch comes in a carbon-clad ebony presentation box which doubles as a humidor and bears a silkscreened stainless steel plate adorned with Felix Baumgartner’s signature.

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To conclude Zenith’s 150th anniversary celebrations on a high note, the Manufacture presents the sleek new Elite 6150. Embodying the core values of passion, elegance and sophistication, this timelessly elegant watch marks the transition between Zenith’s great history and heritage and its future-oriented vision.

Equipped with the all-new Manufacture movement, the Elite 6150 caliber, this contemporary dress watch combines enhanced performance with understated elegance. The Elite 6150 offers a 100-hour minimum power reserve thanks to twin barrels equipping a movement measuring a mere 3.92 mm thick.

The Elite 6150 model features an entirely redesigned ultra-thin case of which the 42 mm, a first for Zenith, will become a new benchmark size for the brand.

The Elite 6150 is available now at Zenith boutiques and authorized retailers. The brand has also prepared a special surprise for clients who acquire and register their new Elite 6150 until the end of the year. The Manufacture will in return send them a special gift celebrating Zenith’s anniversary, the 150th anniversary book tracing Zenith’s 150 years of history.

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There are only handful of times when a watch company, especially a big one, listens to watch enthusiasts and re-releases a watch based upon their feedback.  Zenith did just that when it re-released the Type 20 Extra Special edition this year in Basel with an in-house movement and bronze case.  Couple of years ago Zenith had released the Type 20 Pilots watch with Sellita movement and it was somewhat disappointing given Zenith’s storied history around in-house movements.  Zenith’s justification was that it was at a much lower price point, which was a true statement.

Extra Special Bronze gives this luxury Pilot watch a scuffed tool watch appearance before the break-in period happens.  The bronze oxidizes quickly and develops a patina which gives it an instant appearance of a vintage watch.  And in a 45mm case, it has even a greater wrist presence.

Unlike majority of the Zenith watches, this watch does not have the legendary El Primero movement.  Instead, it has the Elite 679 automatic movement.  Calibre 679 is a 3-hander (with central seconds) and power reserve of 55 hours.  It is a pleasure to wind this butter-smooth movement with the big screw-in crown, possibly the closest experience to winding a pocket watch on wrist.

Extra Special Bronze is a big watch but it is light enough to wear since it has a bronze case and titanium case back.  The case thickness is 14.25mm and it has a domed sapphire crystal with AR coating on both sides.  The caseback is intentionally done in titanium so that bronze oxidization does not leave a stain on the wrist.  There is a nice engraving of a motif of a plane and Zenith logo.  The lugs are narrow; hence the watch appears smaller on the wrist.

The gold-plated hands have a very generous coat of C3 SuperLuminova.  After being out under daylight, this watch glows bright under shade or in a dark room.  The fonts of hour numerals are large and are also generously applied with bright lume.  The railroad track minute markers and minutes in orange with “Extra Special” also in orange gives the dial a nice contrast.

This watch comes on a comfortable oil nubuck leather strap with protective rubber lining and a titanium tang buckle.  The rubber lining is helpful in repelling sweat and splashing in water (100-meter water resistance).

Extra Special Bronze is surprisingly a good, bold, ultramasculine watch.  I cannot comment on the value as I have learnt (by now) that value is a very relative term.  The watch retails for 6,900 CHF and the reference number is 29.2430.679/21.C753.

You can request more information directly from Zenith website.

Photography credit goes to Scott Sitkiewitz.  No tobacco product was harmed during the photo shoot.

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Zenith has worked in collaboration with leading British luxury watch retailer, The Watch Gallery, and has unveiled a highly collectible 35 piece worldwide limited edition pilot’s watch called the Zenith Pilot Extra Special. The watch features a distinctive oversized onion crown and striking vintage Arabic numerals. Zenith’s relationship with aviation that goes back to the early days of heavier-than-air flight, and remains the only Swiss watch brand with a license to print the word ‘pilot’ on a watch dial.

The watch is powered by one of the brand’s highly accurate in-house Elite Caliber 679 automatic movements and features hour, minute and central seconds hands, a minimum 50-hour power reserve as well as Arabic numerals shaped entirely from Super-LumiNova®. The 45 mm Zenith Pilot Extra Special with stainless steel case and crown offers a number of bespoke features in The Watch Gallery’s signature blue. These include a blue dial, blue stitching for the brown alligator leather strap and engraving on the case-back – clearly identifying the link to The Watch Gallery and the limited edition number.

The Zenith Pilot Extra Special is competitively priced at £4,950 and will be available throughout The Watch Gallery’s Zenith outlets: The Wonder Room, Selfridges, Oxford Street, London / The Watch Gallery, Westfield London / The Watch Gallery, and Exchange Square, Manchester.

View The Watch Gallery Zenith Pilot Extra Special

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Zenith is to serve as official timekeeper for the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) in 2016 for the organization’s vintage races throughout North America.

Zenith’s President & CEO Aldo Magada and SVRA’s President & CEO Tony Parella hosted a cocktail party on February 18th at the Classic Car Club Manhattan in New York City. It’s a famous but exclusive private club that gives its members access to a fleet of the most sought-after cars ever built.

Zenith took the opportunity to unveil the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 SVRA, a special edition that incorporates the SVRA logo, powered by the the El Primero movement.

“This partnership with SVRA and vintage race car is not simply a collaborative endeavor, it’s a sharing of values and passions. Passion for mechanics, for competition, for adventure and also for friendship. We are proud to be associating with SVRA, one of the oldest vintage racing organizations in the United States, to affirm Zenith and its long-standing relationship with vintage racing and classic car owners.” Aldo Magada, President & CEO, Zenith Watches

“We are extremely honored to partner with Zenith, one of the most iconic watch manufacturers in the world. This relationship focuses on a shared passion for heritage and the things that last. Vintage race cars and Zenith watches are both mechanically technical and artistic. I look forward to building towards the future while enjoying what Zenith brings to our events.” Tony Parella, CEO and President of the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association.

Vintage racing is not just a pastime; it’s a network of people drawn together by a shared nostalgia and it is also a cherished hobby for enthusiasts who appreciate tradition and that which are built to endure.

The SVRA is now into its 38th racing season and will run sixteen events across the country this year with over 5,000 drivers. Some of these events will be held at legendary tracks such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Watkins Glen, Sonoma Raceway, Circuit of The Americas and Portland International Raceway. There is nothing quite so exciting as a vintage race car. SVRA captures the essence of decades of racing’s heritage and past glory, re-creating its colorful pageantry.

The special edition El Primero Chronomaster 1969 SVRA is issued in a 100-piece limited edition, and is designed for authentic motorsports enthusiasts with a special interest in vintage racing.

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PRESS RELEASE

CASE, DIAL & HANDS

Material: Aged stainless steel
Diameter: 45 mm
Opening diameter: 37.80 mm
Thickness: 14.25 mm
Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Case-back: Titanium case-back with Café Racer
Spirit engravings
Water-resistance: 10 ATM
Dial: Slate-grey toned with grained pattern
Hour-markers: Arabic numerals with SuperLuminova SLN GL beige
Hands: Black ruthenium-plated, faceted and coated with
SuperLuminova SLN GL beige

MOVEMENT

Movement El Primero 4069, Automatic
Calibre 131⁄4″` (Diameter: 30 mm)
Thickness: 6.60 mm
Components: 254
Jewels: 35
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power-reserve: min. 50 hours
Finishes: Oscillating weight with “Côtes de Genève” motif

FUNCTIONS

Hours and minutes in the centre
Small seconds at 9 o’clock
Chronograph:
– Central chronograph hand
– 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock

STRAPS & BUCKLES

Green oily nubuck leather strap with protective rubber lining
Titanium pin buckle

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Here’s the new Zenith Watch collection, in this short preview video from Baselworld 2016. Subscribe to Watchuseek’s Youtube Channel to see every video as soon as it’s posted.

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Veteran rockers The Rolling Stones gave a milestone performance in Cuba on March 25th 2016. To mark the concert, Zenith unveiled an exclusive series dedicated to the partnership it has been enjoying with the British band since 2014.

The new model features a patented Gravity Control gyroscopic module and a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. The Rolling Stones have been wearing Zenith watches on stages around the world since 2014.

The Cuba concert was the first time even in their illustrious career that Rolling Stones have set foot on the island.  An exclusive five-piece limited edition of the Academy Christophe Colomb model combines cutting-edge mechanics and top-flight artistry in a tribute to the global rock stars. The Academy Christophe Colomb Tribute to The Rolling Stones is a 45 mm rose gold watch topped by a domed sapphire crystal. The famous Rolling Stones logo, resides under the 50-hour power reserve indicator, and appears to burst out of the enamelled base adorned with the British flag. The “licking tongue” with its thick red lips framing white was designed in 1970 by the artist John Pasche to express the rebellious spirit of the Stones.

Hand-engraved Roman numerals mark the quarter-hours on the offset time display at 12 o’clock, while the small seconds tick by at 9 o’clock at the center of the intersecting, overlaid crosses on the Union Jack flag.

Specifications

Movement

 Movement El Primero 8804, Manual

Calibre 16½“` (Diameter: 37 mm)

Thickness: 5.85 mm

Components: 308

Components 2: Gyroscopic carriage

made of 171 components

Jewels: 45

Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)

Power-reserve: Min. 50 hours

 Functions

 Small seconds at 9 o’clock

Hours and minutes excentred at 12 o’clock

Self-regulating Gravity Control module at 6 o’clock

Power-reserve indication at 3 o’clock

 Case, Dial and Hands

 Material: Rose gold

Diameter: 45 mm

Opening diameter: 38.60 mm

Thickness: 14.35 mm / 21.40 mm (with domed sapphire crystal)

Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective

treatment on both sides

Case-back: Transparent sapphire crystal

Water-resistance: 3 ATM

Dial: Enamelled

Hour-markers: Gold-plated, applied

Hands: Gold-plated and faceted

 Straps & Buckles

 Brown alligator leather strap with protective rubber lining

Rose gold triple folding clasp

Buckle optional

Reference: 18.2213.8804/55.C713

Limited Edition of 5 units

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Zenith, as always, had an impressive booth at Baselworld with it’s large size and presence felt among its LVMH Group comrades.  As you enter Hall 1.0 at the Messeplatz, you walk in to TAG, with Zenith right after and Bvlgari and Hublot directly across.  The booth is not only enticing due to the wonderful products on display, but where else can you get a haircut and a shoe shine right there in Baselworld?  Only at Zenith!  Even bigger news from Zenith is that prices have been reduced.

Most importantly, the new products on display were impressive.  The Heritage Pilot Cafe Racer Spirit is the first that comes to mind.  Probably the most talked about new Zenith model, the Cafe Racer, gets its inspiration from the lightweight motorcycles popular in the 1960’s that were built for performance over comfort and that helped British motorcyclists hop a short ride from “cafe” to “cafe” for a drink.  The new Cafe Racer Zenith utilizes their 36,000 bph El Primero chronograph movement that is composed of 254 components and has a 50 hour power reserve.  The 45mm aged stainless steel case, slate-grey toned with grained pattern, and oily nubuck olive green leather strap with inner rubber lining gives an impressive vintage distressed look.  The slate grey dial with beige lume adds to the aged look and the titanium case-back is engraved with Cafe Racer Spirit.  MRSP at the new, lower, Zenith price is set at $7,100.

The already in existence El Primero Chronomaster 1969 has got some new shoes and a new size with an introduction of an aged crocodile leather strap that is brown with black tones between the scales and an inner rubber lining.  The watch design itself is not new, however, there is now the 45mm option (as opposed to the current 42mm) and this is the strap you will be able to get stock.  This model is set to release in June and has a suggested retail price of $8,600.

The love for finely weathered leather, a magnificent engine and beautiful curves bring car collectors and enthusiats to fine watches and vice versa.  The El Primero Classic Cars is an answer just to that.  The weathered leather racing strap is lined with rubber, the motor is the renowned El Primero 400B that beats away at 36,000 bph with a minimal of 50 hour power reserve, and the shape and lines of the 42mm stainless steel case and accents of the anthracite “Brushed Engine” Geneva Striped dial can appeal to any automotive lover.  MSRP is set at $6,700.  Zenith will also be joining thousands of passionate classic car enthusiasts around the world at more than 50 automotive events.

Zenith has also introduced a new dial variant in the El Primero 42mm.  A new anthracite dial with silver and blue sub dials is a nice new compliment to the collection and is even more appealing at the price of $6,700.

An exciting new El Primero  comes in skeleton form with a new model that takes its design inspiration from the limited edition Lightweight, using instead a 45mm titanium case as opposed to the carbon and carbonized aluminum as on the Lightweight.  These attributes help also to keep the similar open worked design in near one third of the price at $6,900 MSRP.  Release is scheduled for September.

When theElite 6150 launched last year, the response was outstanding.  There was a lot of excellent feedback o n the design, and as anticipated, Zenith expanded the series adding an 18k rose gold version.  This 42mm 3 hander is classic and elegant with a domed crystal and dial.  The movement is Zenith’s in-house 6150 self-winding caliber that has a rate of 28,800 bph and over 100 hour power reserve.

The Elite 6150 Rose Gold is exquisite in looks on both front and back.  Another piece of exciting information is that there will also be a blue dial version of the 6150 in steel later this year, as well as a blue dialed version of the Elite Chronograph Classic with El Primero 4069 movement.

The big show was exhibited at the end of the meeting for the Watchuseek staff, when Zenith broke out the new Academy Georges Favre-Jacot Tourbillon.  Housed in a 45mm ceramic case, the masterful new Zenith El Primero caliber 4805 lies with no dial to hide all the intricacies of the movement.  Maintaining the 36,000 bph rate El Primero is known for, this fast paced hand-wound 60 second tourbillon is truly impressive to look at.

The complex caliber contains over 807 components, and uses a fusee chain transmission of energy from the barrel.  The watch also maintains over a 50 hour power reserve which is displayed between the 3:00-5:00 indexes.  Overall, the design is very modern and industrial but still retains all the attributes you look for in a haute horology piece.  Only 150 will be made, and suggested retail price is set at $76,700.

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Following on from the success achieved by the Elite Lady’s model, Zenith is enriching the same collection with two new Elite Lady Moonphase models. In a subtle blend of classicism and modernity, the white mother of pearl set with diamonds beats to the rhythm of the automatic Elite Caliber 692, while the full set with diamonds is equipped with the automatic Elite caliber 690, entirely developed and crafted by Zenith.

With a more than 50-hour power reserve, this ultra-thin movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. It comes in two versions, 36 mm and 33 mm in a rose gold set with diamonds with the dial in two versions: full-set with diamonds or white mother of pearl set with diamonds. The new Elite Lady Moonphase now forms a classic duo to complete the Zenith Lady’s collection.

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On Sunday September 25th 2016, more than 50,000 smartly dressed ladies and gentlemen in over 550 cities will straddle the saddles of their café racers, bobbers, scramblers and other marvelous custom and classic motorcycles to raise awareness and help fund the cure for prostate cancer.

To celebrate the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and to help fundraising, Zenith, sponsor of the event, is launching a special edition of its Pilot Ton-Up watch. 5 pieces to award the best fundraisers all around the world. Launched at Baselworld 2016, the Pilot Ton-up with its broad 45 mm-diameter aged steel case houses the automatic movement El Primero 4069 and displays a vintage dial boasting perfect readability. It evokes strong character, originality, freedom and style, which is perfectly fitting the spirit of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, one of the world’s largest motoring events, was founded in 2012 by Mark Hawwa. Inspired by a photo of Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike and wearing his finest suit. It was decided a themed ride would be a great way to combat the often negative stereotype of men on motorcycles. That first ride brought together over 2,500 riders across 64 cities. The success of the event encouraged the organizers to consider how it could be used to support a worthy cause. In 2016 the goal is to take part in over 550+ cities with over 50,000 participants, aiming to raise $5,000,000 USD for prostate cancer research and mental health programs.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website is the key platform of the organization. It lets classic and vintage styled motorcycle enthusiasts organize or register to a ride, support friends and make donations. Zenith has established the “Zenith watches Team”. Joining the “Zenith watches Team” offers the opportunity to get a set of goodies and win a Pilot Ton-Up DGR special edition which will be offered to the best fundraiser of the team.

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A hand-engraved and enamelled gold dial. A tobacco leaf replicated all the way down to its minute texture. Five unique timepieces, presented in a rose gold case, ticking to the rhythm of an exceptional movement, equipped with the Gravity Control gyroscopic module. This limited edition, produced in honour of our partnership with the legendary brand Cohiba, is sure to fire up enthusiasm!

Zenith and Cohiba unite to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cohiba, the flagship brand of Habanos, Zenith is presenting five unique timepieces featuring a hand-engraved and enamelled Havana gold dial – a watch designed for Haute Horlogerie and luxury cigar enthusiasts.

The tobacco leaf on display

Only a handful of Academy Christophe Colomb Tribute to Cohiba pieces have been manufactured. They celebrate Zenith’s collaboration with the most prestigious cigar brand in the world. Displayed in an elegant rose gold case of 45 mm in diameter, the timepiece boasts a unique amber-coloured dial. Crafted in gold and engraved by hand, it reproduces the texture and feel of a tobacco leaf to perfection, while the shimmering brown enamel brings with it the feeling of an authentic puro. Beneath the domed sapphire crystal, the applique hour-markers and the faceted, gold-plated hands showcase the self-regulating Gravity Control module, encircled by the Zenith and Cuban brand emblems.

Precision hour wheel

The Academy Christophe Colomb Tribute to Cohiba is powered by a Manufacture movement which combines two mechanisms ensuring unequalled precision: On the one hand, a regulating organ with high-frequency oscillations (5 Hz) enabling tenth of a second time sequencing, and on the other, a patented Gravity Control gyroscopic module which neutralises the effects of gravity on the watch operation. Housed in a case with a water resistance of up to 30 meters and equipped with a total of 308 components – 171 of which are used for the gyroscopic module – the hand-wound El Primero 8804 calibre features off-centred hours and minutes functions, small seconds, a self-regulating Gravity Control module and a power reserve indicator boasting an autonomy of more than 50 hours.

Each Academy Christophe Colomb Tribute to Cohiba is a unique piece equipped with a brown alligator rubber-lined strap with a rose gold triple folding clasp, and presented in an exclusive wood humidor box which transforms into a tobacco case.

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Since 2014, Zenith has been accompanying the living legends of rock, The Rolling Stones, on the international scene. In honor of the famous British band, Zenith has produced a black ceramic watch with an open-worked dial, a fast-paced El Primero ‘engine’ and design nods to the 60’s rockers.

The new Zenith chronograph is dedicated to the Rolling Stones. It’s an imposing 45 mm black ceramic case frames an openworked dial setting the scene for a spectacular high-flying mechanical show. The three-dimensional display features a Stones symbol small seconds indication, in yet another reference to the fabled musicians.

The El Primero Skeleton Tribute to The Rolling Stones in ceramic – the first use of this material in the Zenith range, features a powerfully structured column-wheel chronograph in deep black with red accents. Its skeleton-type construction vividly showcases the El Primero mechanism.

Housed in a case water-resistant to 100 meters, this open-worked display features hands evoking the neck of a Fender Telecaster 1950s electric guitar, along with luminescent nickel-plated hour-markers. The red color of the star-tipped center seconds hand matches that of the date, with its cut-out numerals standing out boldly against a crimson dot at 6 o’clock.

In a powerful visual echo, the famous “tongue and lips” logo, inspired by the mouth of lead singer Mick Jagger, appears on the seconds disc, spinning like a vinyl record on a turntable. The watch is a limited edition of 250 pieces.

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Bronze and titanium enhanced by a deep shade of blue: Zenith has produced a Pilot Type 20 aviator’s watch in a 25-piece limited edition produced especially for Westime and it’s available exclusively from the renowned Californian retailer.

Southern California based Westime offering the piece complete with a white-stitched blue calfskin strap, as well as a chestnut brown NATO variation. The Pilot Type 20 Extra Special exclusive Westime edition by Zenith features the DNA of the onboard instruments developed by the Manufacture in the early days of aviation: a high-precision mechanism, an imposing diameter, a large ratcheted crown enabling adjustment even with gloved hands, oversized luminescent Arabic numerals, as well as stylized hands for ease of legibility.

The 45 mm case and its large screw-lock crown are made of bronze, which acquires a natural patina to give it a unique vintage touch. A brushed titanium bezel frames the matt blue dial, punctuated by large luminescent white numerals and hands. The color scheme is echoed by white stitching on a blue calfskin strap with titanium pin buckle, while a chestnut brown distressed leather NATO version harks back to the origins of the watch.

La Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Westime Edition is powered by the automatic Zenith Elite Caliber 679 featuring central hours, minutes and seconds functions, with a 50-hour power reserve.

The solid titanium case features a depiction of the plane flown by Louis Blériot, who crossed the Channel in 1909 with his Zenith watch strapped to his wrist, guided by Zenith onboard instruments. Its side also bears a nameplate engraved with the inscription “California, XX/25”.

Specifications

Case
45mm bronze and titanium
Dial
Blue
Movement
Automatic
Functions
Hours, minutes and seconds
Strap
White-stitched blue calfskin strap
Chestnut brown NATO variation

For further details contact Westime

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After celebrating the 50th anniversary of Cohiba with the creation of three commemorative limited editions, the Manufacture Zenith now pays tribute to the Cuban cigar legend with the production of a watch that fits into the heart of its collection: The El Primero “Legend of Cohiba”.

Half a century after their creation, the Habanos Cohiba and El Primero watches still retain the attributes that have forged their reputation and multi-award-winning excellence. In 1962, the first lines of the El Primero movement appeared on a drawing board. The aim was to create a memorable watch for the 100th anniversary of the Manufacture Zenith in 1965. This was finally achieved in 1969. Meanwhile, the ‘flagship of all Habanos ’, Cohiba, was founded in 1966 .

A Habano, rather like a watch, embodies an entire tradition of historical production and know-how. Tobacco came to the Old World following the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus. More than 500 years later, the most famous brand in the world is partnering with Zenith in a joint celebration of what time has brought them.

The El Primero ‘Legend of Cohiba’ runs on the El Primero movement – the world’s most precise high-frequency chronograph punctuating the time at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations an hour and markings tenths of seconds. The colors are those of the ‘Flagship of all Habanos ’.

The 42 mm pink gold case middle is engraved with the year 1966. The small seconds at 9 o’clock reveals the profile of the aboriginal chief Taíno – the emblem of the brand Cohiba. The dial displays the golden nuances of a tobacco leaf and bears the signature Cohiba rings.

In a subtle reminder of measurement, its emblematic lines cross the dial, vertically accentuating the width of the watch, just like a cigar on which they indicate the diameter. Complemented by a brown alligator leather strap with orange and yellow-tinted lining, the watch comes in an exclusive wooden presentation box featuring the same colors as the legendary Habanos.

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