GPHG Index
2017 Edition · Zenith

Chronomaster El Primero

Watch image unavailable
Case
High tech
Movement
Self-winding mechanical Power reserve: 50 h, 36'000 variations / hours
Functions
Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, Chronograph
Size
42 mm
Thickness
12.75 mm
Water resistance
100 m
Reference
24.2041.400/01.R576
Price
8,900 CHF

Description

PERFECT DUALITY The legendary El Primero by Zenith appears attired in striking black and white variations. An intense black ceramicised case, chiaroscuro three-counter dial and sporty perforated rubber strap reveal a fascinating take on a watchmaking legend born in 1969. The Manufactures iconic El Primero 36000 VpH epitomises high mechanical precision endowed with enduring charm. These contrasting twin timepieces - black on white, white on black are a new couple, exuding a seductive aura characterised by natural balance. A legend in black and white 1969 was a historical year for the watch industry that saw Zenith present the worlds most accurate series-made chronograph: the inimitable El Primero. Alongside its high-frequency movement, El Primero also stands for an emblematic design recognisable at first glance. Its three counters originally in anthracite, blue and light grey symbolise the functionality of a sophisticated mechanism and have been part of the Zenith DNA for almost half a century. An original aesthetic that makes light of passing time and lends itself to infinite variations in terms of materials, styles and colours. The fast-paced chronograph now reveals a particularly sophisticated look in two chiaroscuro interpretations. The counters provide an attractive and complementary visual opposites effect against a finely sunray-patterned ebony black or silver-toned base, punctuated by black luminescent facetted hour-markers and hands enhanced with bright red touches. Inseparable The intense black ceramicised aluminium case of these two new El Primero 36000 VpH models houses a high-frequency column-wheel chronograph movement, a signature of the horological expertise cultivated by the Manufacture for over 150 years. Beating at 5Hz and powering a tenth-of-a-second display, the El Primero 400B calibre drives central hours and minutes functions, small seconds, chronograph and date, while ensuring a more than 50-hour power reserve. The domed sapphire crystal, round push-pieces and knurled crown accentuate the powerful build of this 42 mm chronograph. This beautiful mechanism and its oscillating weight offering a fascinating visual counterpoint to the models binary colour codes may be admired through the sapphire crystal back of the 100m water-resistant case. Timeless and resolutely unconventional by nature, El Primero enriches its black and white look with a sporty touch thanks to a perforated black rubber strap secured by a titanium and black PVD-coated triple folding clasp.

Supplied by the brand to the GPHG for its entry.