For all their advances, mechanical watches haven’t changed fundamentally in over 340 years. Now Swiss watchmaker Zenith has broken new ground by creating an “oscillator” that replaces the conventional spring escapement with a precisely engineered silicon disc. Zenith claims this makes its Defy Lab the world’s most accurate mechanical watch.
Following the launch of the El Primero Range Rover Special Edition last October, Zenith and Land Rover are once again celebrating their creative relationship by presenting the new Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition on occasion of the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show.
The new Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition review (ref. 24.2042.400/27.R799) is water resistant to 100 metres / 330 feet.
Zenith unveiled two new interpretations of the El Primero automatic chronograph where an imposing 45 mm-diameter case crafted from black ceramic frames an openworked dial which showcases the complexities of the fast-paced 5 Hz (36,000 vph) movement.
The three-dimensional effect of the dial is reinforced by the ruthenium-blackened, faceted hands sweeping over matching hour-markers, all treated with Super-LumiNova. Red accents enhance the sporty traits of these timepieces.
Not all chronographs are created equal – and if there ever was one to rightfully claim to be superior to at least most of the others, then that’s the El Primero caliber. The Zenith El Primero Original 1969 watch, contrary to its name, is a relatively new piece from Zenith, albeit one that promises to remain authentic to an original design with which Zenith debuted its remarkable chronograph movement family.
There are some watches available today that are so distinctive in appearance, it is somewhat hard to believe that they played such a critical role in the development of all pilot watches as a category, and thus an important role in the broader world of horology. The modern Zenith Pilot watch, with its historical heritage, is one such series, holding a significant place in early aviation and influencing early designs for pilots’ wristwatches — but also in maintaining popularity among haute horology fans in the modern era.
