Zenith El Primero Tourbillon Titanium Review

Ornatus-Mundi · 2015-11-26T06:00:50Z

Explore the Zenith El Primero Tourbillon Titanium, a 44mm 'superleggera' chronograph with a 36,000 bph silicon escapement and unique design. Discover its technical features and collector insights.

Ornatus-Mundi

WPS member · Zenith forum

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Ornatus-Mundi introduces the Zenith El Primero Tourbillon Titanium, a 2015 'superleggera' model that builds on Zenith's legacy of high-frequency movements and tourbillon complications. This article explores how Zenith leveraged titanium and a redesigned dial to create a modern, technically focused timepiece that stands apart in its category. Ornatus-Mundi highlights the watch's unique aesthetic and technical refinements, inviting readers to appreciate its distinct approach to precision horology.

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Following the Zenith Academy Georges Favre-Jacot Titanium I reviewed last week , there is a second model of the 'superleggera' series which Zenith presented in 2015.

Crafted in titanium as well, the Zenith El Primero Tourbillon Titanium aims to tackle timekeeping precision from a different angle than the first model: by fighting the influence of gravity.

Like with the fusée à chaine-equipped Academy sibling the watch uses a known complication for Zenith, this time a tourbillon which has been used in several watches already.

Its outstanding features are (i) its 36,000 bph silicon escapement, earing the El Primero label, and (ii) the concentrically arranged date ring.

However, it is the refreshing implementation, which in this case, centers around the case material -- titanium -- and the 'tech' feel it imbues. It did not stop at the case, since Zenith adopted a similar comprehensive design concept close to the Academy version. Subtle differences in colour, enhanced by more pronounced elaborated sculpturing of dial elements:

The image above forestalls already some of the revisions that Zenith applied to all El Primero Tourbillons (which I will present in a separate post). On one hand, by overlapping sub-dials (still completely scaled and thus usable chronograph) and on the other hand, a slightly re-worked tourbillon window. The latter has been enlarged and the frame indicating the date was removed.

Particularly the latter has a profound impact on legibility, as the removal of the date window allowed the arabics to be slightly increased in size, thereby facilitating deciphering them. The date is indicated by a small arrow head, something which I feel could gain from a stronger emphasis.

The 44mm titanium case follows exactly the one of the 'big sister', with its idiosyncratic hollow lugs.

Also, the elaborate surface finishing and the sheer number of sharply executed edges are maintained.

Contrasting with the Academy Georges Favre-Jacot Titanium the Tourbillon does not have the black faux carbon/kevlar movement finishing.

Instead, the El Primero Cal. 4035 D shows off its 381 hand-finished and rhodium-plated components:

Strapped on my wrist:

An amazingly clean watch, despite the open-worked tourbillon window and the 3D dial elements:

Depending on light influx, the El Primero Tourbillon Titanium can have quite different tempers:

Taken together, I think the Titanium concept as implemented by Zenith, shows a lot of presence for a technical haute gamme timepiece. Tempting already with the constant force-driven Academy version, the slightly more common (in terms of complication) Tourbillon version is so far - for my taste - the most rounded, consistent and accomplished iteration.

In fact, despite the small and neglegible legibility issue regarding the date, I can only find praise for this watch. It carries over the technical excellence Zenith undoubtly has in ample abundance, and blends horologically complications in a fashion that retains Zenith's technical focus.

Thus, I think the titanium theme begats great opportunities for Zenith to convey its message as a watchmaking powerhouse.

Thanks for reading,
Magnus

This message has been edited by MTF on 2015-11-26 09:31:06

Key Points from the Discussion

The Zenith El Primero Tourbillon Titanium offers a unique combination of a high-speed tourbillon, chronograph, and non-DLC coated titanium case, making it original and coherent within its price range.
Zenith successfully designed an attractive watch around the tourbillon caliber, with the titanium case being a standout feature. The overlapping subdials, while potentially controversial, are functional for reading elapsed time.
The author confirms Zenith is likely working on a new, true successor movement, acknowledging the challenge given recent industry innovations. He also appreciates the comparison of overlapping subdials to the Lange 1.
The structured 3D dial is a strong point, though the font choice is questioned for its potential vintage feel in a modern watch. The overall concept is promising.
The author shares the sentiment regarding the absence of DLC coating, finding it contributes to the watch's appeal.
A contributor expresses hope for smaller, more wearable watches, suggesting Zenith doesn't necessarily need a new movement to achieve this.

The Discussion

MCG (Markus)

Nov 26, 2015

Indeed very nice!

In particular I like the structured 3D dial. What I would question is the type of font they have used. It is a modern, "forward looking" watch - somehow the font represent the opposit. Probably the wanted to give it also a minimal vintage aspect? However - the total concept looks promissing! Thanks Magnus for your - as always - great report! Markus

Ornatus-Mundi

Nov 26, 2015

Thanks, Markus! [nt]

jmpTT

Nov 26, 2015

Interesting!

The titanium case is a standout element, as it is with the George Favre Jacot. Zenith has done an excellent job, designing a good-looking watch around this tourbillon calibre. Compare this dial to the Nataf-era iterations and it is like night and day. The overlapping subdials remind me of the old Grande Lange 1. Some will love them, others will complain about the size of the movement. Some will do both. Regardless, the subdials work for reading elapsed time. That is important to me. Given that m

MCG (Markus)

Nov 26, 2015

Actually I do not hope so!

I rather hope that watches become smaller and more wearable again... For this Zenith does not need a new movement ;-)

Ornatus-Mundi

Nov 26, 2015

I guess at Zenith there always will eb an El Primero...

but I am sure (SURE!!!!) that they are working on something new, a true successor. That is, given the innovation in the industry recently, an impressive task to achieve. I have no clue when it will come, but I am sure it will. Even Blancpain has reworked their 1185 Frédéric Piguet movement which is a bit younger then the EP. Interesting comparison of the overlapping subdials - very well spotted. Indeed, I remember very well the controversy around the Lange 1. Glad that Zenith dared to do it agsi

heartbreaker

Nov 26, 2015

Original and coherent

Thank you Magnus for your review on a really interesting proposal. Let me explain why I find the E.P. T.T. original and coherent. It's original because the package made up of high speed tourbillon + chronograph + titanium case (not DLC coated - hurrah!) + sporty overall look is simply unique, at least at this price range. Please correct me if I'm wrong. It's coherent because nothing looks out of place. I'd say that the designers successfully faced serious challenges such as the small calibre dia

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