Zenith Elite 2017: New Sizes, Grey Dial, 6150 Loss
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Zenith Elite 2017: New Sizes, Grey Dial, 6150 Loss

By Ornatus-Mundi · Apr 3, 2017 · 11 replies
Ornatus-Mundi
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Ornatus-Mundi provides an insightful overview of Zenith's Elite collection novelties from BaselWorld 2017, detailing the introduction of new 33mm and 39mm case sizes. While celebrating the elegant new dimensions and the attractive 'grey smoke' dial, the author also critically examines the regrettable decision to discontinue the Caliber Elite 6150 movement, offering a balanced perspective on Zenith's strategic shifts.

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After the splash Zenith created with the new El Primero 21 movement and the new Defy watches, let's take a look at the other end of the spectrum of novelties, the Elite collection. At BaselWorld 2017, the collection was expanded with new case sizes in 33 and 39mm, respectively, to add to the existing 36 and 42mm. The latter size is now reserved for the El Primero-drives chronograph, while the 100h automatic movement Cal. Elite 6150 has been shelved - regrettably!



The elegant new 39mm time-only watch, driven by the Cal. Elite 679, is a very welcome addition to the collection, fostering the trend towards reduced (and more sophisticated) smaller watches we obsrved since a few months.



The dial is identical to the previous refined and reduced face with a airly applied sunburst decoration and cut/rhodinised hours markers:



The movement is a well-known entity, reliable, very precised and in-house. An appropriate choice for a ~ € 4500* watch:



Solid watchmaking, nothing flashy or exciting - a relief at times...



If you strap it on you immediately acknowledge the wise choice of its diameter:





Not only the diameter is new, Zenith also devised a new dial colour: grey smoke!



A colour that might be influenced by Glashütte Original's recent success with its coloured watches, but certainly a good decision. Note: the crystal gasket is not the final one, in regular production it will be invisible.



The dial structure is particularly exposed here:



What a wonderful creation!





Staying with the same colour, but now in the 42mm case with El Primero 4069 chronograph movement:





I heard the price will be about $6700* in stainless steel - not bad for this movement and the fantastic case/dial combination!





Nicely laid out proportions, but essentially they cannot hide the smaller diameter of the movement. Thought: put the El Primero in the 39mm variant and see the result...





Finally, here comes the sad news: the 2015-presented 100h Elite Movement 6150 will be shelved for the time being. Rumour has it that it is too costly to manufacture and offer in Zenith's price range. Time will tell whether we will see this nice clockwork at a later time. On a positive note, this decision gave us the new 39mm watches and a very attractive price range.



Please forgive me the that I failed to take images of the 33mm ladies watches. I'll try to make good at a later point.

Cheers,
Magnus

*) I will need to reconfirm prices - thus please take them as an indicator only, for the time being.

About the Zenith Elite Ref. Elite6150

The Zenith Elite 6150 represents a contemporary interpretation of the brand's classic dress watch aesthetic, distinguished by its larger case size and the introduction of a new iteration of the Elite movement. This reference aimed to offer a more modern presence on the wrist while retaining the refined characteristics associated with the Elite collection, positioning it as a versatile option within Zenith's non-chronograph offerings. It marked a period of exploration for the Elite line, moving towards broader appeal.

This particular reference features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42mm, housing the in-house Zenith Elite 6150 automatic movement. The movement provides a substantial power reserve of 100 hours, a notable enhancement for daily wear. The watch is fitted with a domed sapphire crystal, contributing to its understated profile, and typically includes a transparent sapphire case back to display the movement.

For collectors, the Elite 6150 appeals to those seeking a contemporary dress watch from a manufacture with significant horological heritage, particularly valuing the Elite movement's architecture and extended power reserve. It stands as an example of Zenith's commitment to developing its non-El Primero calibers, offering an alternative for enthusiasts who appreciate a clean, time-only display with robust technical specifications. This reference is often considered for its balance of size, movement quality, and design.

Specifications

Caliber
Elite 6150
Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
42mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
50m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AL
Alkiro1
Apr 3, 2017
Very well spotted to create an intermediate size between 36mm and 42mm

Best wishes Alkiro

MA
mahesh
Apr 3, 2017
Thanks for sharing...

I guess time has come for the 36 & 39 mm taking predominant share in the dressier segment. I like the time only version, elegance & pure ! Best, mahesh.,

CI
cirotti
Apr 3, 2017
Nice...we are heading back to wearable sizes... [nt]

No message body

IF
ifraher
Apr 3, 2017
Great collection

It's a shame they have shelved the 6150 but if it's in favour of further chronograph development then it's good business, I recall talk of a revival on here a few years ago, maybe that would be something to pursue, a pure hand wound caliber with modern production advantages.

AM
amanico
Apr 3, 2017
The grey dial of the time only is top elegant. [nt]

RE
remarque
Apr 3, 2017
I tried on the 42 mm elite time only last October at my local AD fall watch show, where the Zenith rep was present. It was nice but too big, esp with the long spidery lugs...

39 mm should be just right, i.e. the goldilocks size. I look forward to seeing it in person and trying it on. But I don't understand why the 6150 movement is now considered "too expensive", when all the R&D is over and Zenith has a finished working movement. Curious, imho.

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