Ornatus-Mundi presents an in-depth look at Zenith's Chronomaster El Primero Full Open 42mm, a standout from BaselWorld 2017. He meticulously compares it to its 38mm sibling, highlighting how the larger dimensions enhance the aesthetic potential of the exposed movement elements, making for a harmonious and visually engaging timepiece.
The centerpiece of Zenith's new
Chronomaster El Primero Full Open series is without doubt the
42mm version. Optically very close to its 38mm little sister, the more generous dimensions of the dial opening give the exposed elements more room to unfold their aesthetic potential:
The differences are quite subtle, especially compared to the mentioned 38mm sibling (review see
here !):
The minute/seconds scale has been divided into two separate rims, with the outer one showing the 1/5s of a seconds intervals ( as by extension also the 1/10 of s second afforded to by the 5Hz El Primero movement). Also, the dial has moved further outside and got a dedicated window at 6 o'clock.
This makes the dial less busy, and allows more room for each of the exposed elements. I am quite amazed what fine consequences these simple changes have:
Compared again to the 38mm version, one can almost glimpse beneath the subdials.
I also quite like the exposed massive teeth on the date ring.
In respect to the engine compartment, we spot the same
monochrome anthracite El Primero Cal. 400B:
I'd like to share with you a couple of detailed shots. The baseplate is sandblasted, while all levers are brushed linearly.
Very much like the legendary PuristSPro 15th Anniversary Edition, also the balance wheel is rhodinised, giving the rubies some prominence as the sole coloured elements on the back:
Center-piece of a fine chronograph is of course the column wheel, which I have to admit, I have never admired as much as with this particular watch:
Sure, this one is larger than the 4mm smaller sister, and wears like that.
Zenith, like other manufactures, have been criticised, mostly
rightfully, for using smaller movements in large cases, which is
most visible of course, with chronographs. In this very specific case
(pun intended) I think this choice is a good one, because the design
changes are such that the dial looks very harmonious now.
Most
importantly, the semi-openworked elements have sufficient room to
breathe, which would not be the case with a larger movement (or a smaller
case, just take a look at the 38mm version below):
For me, the 42mm version is the golden choice between a trio of excellently done, modern, detailed but straightforward open-dialed watches. I am sure it will find many lovers amongst the collector's crowd!
Best,
Magnus
P.S.: For reference:
- review on the Chronomaster El Primero Full Open 38mm
- review on the Chronomaster El Primero Grande Date Full Open 45mm
