Horological Meandering

There are a few minor cosmetic changes, just look at the escape wheel ‘outpost’ below. The second hand stop level is nicely presented as well:

Overall, the new Cal. 6150 is decently finished (aesthetically), but well in keeping with the tradition of its ancestor and its intended use as a base movement. No ‘window-dressing’ here, which is honest and thus appreciated.

The first timepiece to house the new Elite calibre, the Elite 6150 model features an entirely redesigned ultra-thin case of which the 42 mm diameter, a first for Zenith, will become a new benchmark size for the brand.

This new ultra-thin steel case redesigned in a pebble shape features slim, flowing lines accentuated by tapered, slightly sloping lugs.

The timeless classicism of this timepiece exuding an inherent sense of with a cambered silver-toned dial punctuated by extremely slender baton-type hands.

We would like to go a bit closer to this dial. It has its secrets hidden deep…

In a striking trompe-l’oeil effect, the long, slender hour-markers hollowed out to form delicate grooves create a distinct sense of depth:

But there is more than meets the eye (at first view): the markers are not just simply carved in…

A glowing polish inside the grooves adds another layer of sparkle and attest to the care applied in creating this watch.

The steel case of the Elite 6150 (water-resistant to a depth of 50 metres) extends the sensual design to the back. A crystal window allows admiring the movement beneath. It is held in place by a polished bezel surrounded a finely rounded, frosted case back.

This nicely pronounces the roundness of the timepiece and gives it depth while preserving the watch’s thinness.

So how does it feel?

There are two aspects of this: First, the entire design lends to a sensuality we have almost missed at Zenith.

The Elite 6150 is so round; so tender that it almost automatically evokes the protective instinct. Like a pebble stone, one cannot help than to caress it:

Second, there is the wrist feeling:

Wearing comfort is excellent, and the watch – despite its apparently humble conception, makes a favourable statement on the wrist. One very important contribution again comes from the case design, which gives the classic theme a very sexy touch:

Even though the lightning conditions at the Zenith booth were quite far from optimal (as always ), we hope the following images could convey our impressions satisfactorily:

Overall, Zenith chose the difficult, more restrained way to celebrate its anniversary. It tells a lot about a the new leadership under Aldo Magada who reversed the former CEO’s decision to abandon in-house movements in entry level watches, and in particular to axe the Elite movement. And then out came the entire opposite: a reborn Elite movement, modernised to be among today’s best.

This is what we would call a bold statement, subtly packed!