Zenith BaselWorld 2014 Novelties Preview

Ornatus-Mundi · 2014-03-21T00:55:44Z

Zenith's 2014 BaselWorld novelties: El Primero Lightweight, Synopsis, and Pilot Type 20 Grand Feu. Explore new tech, classic designs, and movement debate.

Ornatus-Mundi

WPS member · Zenith forum

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Ornatus-Mundi provides an exclusive preview of Zenith's 2014 BaselWorld novelties, showcasing the brand's diverse approach to watchmaking. The post delves into three key releases: the high-tech El Primero Lightweight, the classic El Primero Synopsis, and the impressive Pilot Type 20 Grand Feu, highlighting Zenith's blend of complications, technology, history, and craftsmanship.

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.

Bottom line:

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

(ii) El Primero Synopsis - carving out the essence of excellence:

Listening to the swift and steady 36,000 vibrations-per-hour beat of the El Primero calibre is already a unique experience, but actually watching this fast-paced cadence in action takes things to a whole new level. That is exactly what is offered in the new El Primero Synopsis, a classic and elegant watch encapsulating the entire genetic heritage – and the vibrations – of the legendary models from the Manufacture Zenith.

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:

Synopsis [greek]:

"A synopsis is a brief summary of the major points of a subject or written work or story, either as prose or as a table; an abridgment or condensation of a work." (definition: The Source aka Wikipedia)

???????? ??????? - 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.

The mission of this new aviator watch goes well beyond this technical prowess, since the Pilot Type 20 Grand Feu also features another major development: its dial. The surface made of Grand Feu enamel in a complex and subtle process lends unique character to each of these watch faces.

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:

Zenith took an icon of their recent history and converted it into a - literally - magnificent showcase for their craftsmanship:

- largest sapphire watch case ever made (60mm), carved out of a solid block of sapphire

- extremely complex to manufacture large enamel dial (between 4 to 10 firings necessary to achieve desired colour!)

- movement – as well as the gold lugs and bezel – are adorned over their whole surface with intricate scrolled and garland-like motifs

We'll have the first hands-on live images and impressions (on the pre-Basel models) in a few days - PROMISE!

Cheers,

Magnus

This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2014-03-21 00:35:01

Key Points from the Discussion

There is an inconsistency in Zenith's press releases regarding the continuous production of the Calibre 5011K, with some statements suggesting continuous production since the 1960s, while others imply the use of old stock movements.
The 2012 Type 20 Specials and the new Type 20 Grand Feu use identical 5011K movements, down to finishing and specifications, raising questions about the 'continuous production' claim.
The term "continuous production" in press materials might refer to "continuous assembly" from existing parts, rather than ongoing manufacturing of new components, which could explain the use of old stock movements.
While the Type 20 Grand Feu is aesthetically stunning, its 60mm size makes it unwearable for many, and a pocket watch format would have been more appropriate for showcasing the 5011K movement's technical prowess and artistry.
The movements used in the Type 20 Grand Feu are confirmed to be old stock, with serial numbers aligning with those from earlier deck chronometers, despite Zenith's claims of continuous production.

The Discussion

amanico

Mar 21, 2014

The blend of sapphire with old elements is somehow disturbing. The dia looks extremely appealing, though... Don't know what to think... Best, Nicolas

Ornatus-Mundi

Mar 21, 2014

I can understand the rationale of using the largest watch in the stable to showcase some handicraft art! Whether the result is a congruent œvre is a different question and can only be answered - in a few days! Cheers, Magnus

Bruno.M1

Mar 21, 2014

and I mean it …. so hide LOL Seriously, I love such an engraved case. First time I thought about it was about 2 years ago. I almost bought a Panerai with aftermarket engraving from Kindler & Thorpe At the end I didn't because I was not sure it I wanted something that was done aftermarket Then we saw 2 Pateks, don't know the reference but one was a perpetual calendar and the other was a 10 days tourbillon. I don't think I need to explain that these were WAY above my budget. A few days ago som

Spellbound

Mar 21, 2014

Thanks for this Magnus, This is the second LE Lightweight to be released, the first being limited to 100 pieces. And for the Type 20 Grand Feu, well in my opinion they should have made it a pocket watch. The 2012 Type 20 Specials were pushing the limit at 57.5mm, but are wearable (I wear mine every week). The size was to accommodate the huge 50mm 5011K movement, and that is fine. This new Type 20 Grand Feu is aesthetically stunning. One of the most beautiful watches ever. But the extra 3mm makes

Bruno.M1

Mar 21, 2014

In 1960 the Manufacture produced a movement that would make its mark on history: Calibre 5011K . Beating every existing precision record in its category – Neuchâtel Observatory awarded it the title of the most precise chronometer ever presented – this mechanical movement that became a legend was to equip marine chronometers and pocket-watches. A small number of original 5011K calibres , found in the archives of the Manufacture, have been updated and remarkably decorated to now find their place i

Spellbound

Mar 21, 2014

The information from the press releases are inconsistent. From the 2012 press release : it contains the famous 5011 pocket calibre that was so successful for Zenith in the 1960s – and in 1967 was named the most accurate chronometer ever tested by the Neuchatel Observatory. The calibre has been in continuous production since then and has been used in competition timepieces, marine chronometers, pocket watches, and watchmaking school watches. And from this announcement : A small number of original

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