Ornatus-Mundi
[Zenith]
7136
BaselWorld 2014 - Zenith novelties part II - Oliver's & Magnus' hands on the highlights!
Welcome to our second part of hands-on reviews of Zenith's 2014 novelties (we are a bit later as always, but thoughts take time…). For the first, pre-BaselWorld part, please click here.
What the manufacture reserved for the main show was a small selection of well-rounded developments and polishings, plus one truly outstanding piece (the Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 Pilot Grand Feu ).
The message to be sent was that Zenith plays on several levels here - complications, technology, history and craftsmanship - often finely interwoven.
In the following we would like to walk through the collection and share our images (!) and impressions to each of the watches we have actually seen!
BaselWorld 2014 - Zenith novelties part II - Oliver's & Magnus' hands on the highlights!
Welcome to our second part of hands-on reviews of Zenith's 2014 novelties (we are a bit later as always, but thoughts take time…). For the first, pre-BaselWorld part, please click here . What the manufacture reserved for the main show was a small selectio...
Zenith Montre d'Aéronef Type 20 Grand Feu - close-up and live!
While the powerful lines and the distinctive design of Zenith aviator watches are naturally part of the Pilot Type 20 Grand Feu watch, the materials used reveal an outstanding timepiece: The latest addition to the Pilot collection is indeed exceptional in...
Zenith El Primero Lightweight Spindrift 2
The El Primero Lightweight , an hi-tech, ultra-light watch engraved Spindrift Racing , is available in a limited edition (250 pieces) to celebrate the partnership (as Official Timekeeper) with Spindrift , a top-level French sailing team dedicated to multi...
As always
An excellent report. I am a bit concerned over the legibility of this fussy dial and the carbon case, but the lightness does appeal to me. Quick question on Lightweight Spindrift 2, you mention it is a limited edition of 250 pieces, and indeed the press r...
My easiest explanation...
is that we were shown a prototype which carried the case back of the 100 pieces limited Lightweight Striking 10th watch. Sharp eyes! Magnus
Zenith El Primero - two 'Austrian' specials
The first novelty is the El Primero Stratos Flyback Tribute to Felix Baumgartner , obviously designed to celebrate the pioneering partnership of Zenith with the Austrian namesake skydiver (more in my report here ): A record breaking watch, three times alt...
Zenith Captain
The very likeable Zenith Captain Chronograph gets a new sibling: a black dialled rose gold model: Its a highly attractive 42 mm watch with a timeless design and beautiful proportion. Its driven by the El Primero movement which is visible though the back (...
Honestly
This new iteration of the Zenith Captain Chronograph is probably my favourite of the novelties and could well be my first Captain, a line that has never really appealed to me. Would like it more if they removed the 36,000 VpH on the dial and offered a no ...
Conclusion: Zenith iterates and matures
What we have seen on two occasions (Pre-Basel in Geneva ( click here ) and BaselWorld 2014) we liked a lot since it plays on several levels: (i) Technological achievements: (ii) Remarkable choice of colours: (iii) Well implemented subtle refinements: desi...
What we have *not* seen...
were the Zenith Pilot Type 20 'Extra Special' (discussed here and here ): Not surprisingly a very controversial piece, for some a welcome more affordable entry piece, for others almost a disgrace to a venerable manufacture like Zenith. Bot factions have a...
An excellent report
I cannot quite grasp the intent of this very strange Synopsis line, and am looking forward to hearing your hands on reviews of the Extra Special. As mentioned previously, a little disappointed this year, but I do take your point. Very much looking forward...
Its bound by an old spell...
if us moderators prepare a major post we can do this secluded in a shack without public access, and when we later publish it the system still assigns it with its original preparation date. Thus, it may have simply no place on the front page if there are a...