Comments:
Zenith Rainbow Fly-back
Following my post in the HOME forum, I would like to share a little bit more on the Zenith Rainbow Fly-back that was presented on the pool table...
This watch was designed in the late 90s to match the requirements of aviation enthousiasts. At that time, I already had my pilot licence and this watch was the opportunity to combine 2 passions: watches and aviation.
But this model was more than just a pure marketing exercice where 2 different universes are combined through simple duplication and wrapping of an existing model. I really appreciated the effort for designing a specific pilot chronograph: In particular, the fly-back feature was added to the El-Primero movement.
Fly-back is a specific function that was required in the specifications of many Military Pilot Chronograph in the 40s and 50s. 4 years ago, I presented on the Purists a set of Flyback Military Chronographs home.watchprosite.com . The Zenith Rainbow Fly-back is the modern descendant of these watches.
Matt-satin finish, for no reflections to avoid dazzling the pilot.
Bigger minute counter, similar to the Breguet Type 20.
One of the most readable chronograph I know. Very good legibility.
"The function defines the aesthetics"
Fasten your seatbelt!
Best,
This message has been edited by Marv on 2012-10-26 14:33:47
This watch was designed in the late 90s to match the requirements of aviation enthousiasts. At that time, I already had my pilot licence and this watch was the opportunity to combine 2 passions: watches and aviation.
But this model was more than just a pure marketing exercice where 2 different universes are combined through simple duplication and wrapping of an existing model. I really appreciated the effort for designing a specific pilot chronograph: In particular, the fly-back feature was added to the El-Primero movement.
Fly-back is a specific function that was required in the specifications of many Military Pilot Chronograph in the 40s and 50s. 4 years ago, I presented on the Purists a set of Flyback Military Chronographs home.watchprosite.com . The Zenith Rainbow Fly-back is the modern descendant of these watches.
Matt-satin finish, for no reflections to avoid dazzling the pilot.
Bigger minute counter, similar to the Breguet Type 20.
One of the most readable chronograph I know. Very good legibility.
"The function defines the aesthetics"
Fasten your seatbelt!
Best,
This message has been edited by Marv on 2012-10-26 14:33:47
What a beauty ...
I believe that this is one of the best EP ever.
40mm, perfect size, perfect dial and hands.
My congratulations.
Nilo
40mm, perfect size, perfect dial and hands.
My congratulations.
Nilo
Superbly written, Marv.
I love the ad with the father and son hands... Really beautiful!
Now, I am not very appreciating this Chrono. First of all because of the date, which reinforces the already very busy dial.
Then, maybe because of the bracelet. I am not a bracelet guy, as you know, and this is, indeed, a second detail which made me stay away from this watch.
The family picture says it all.
Best, and thanks for another interesting post, my friend.
Nicolas
I'm also a strap person but ...
When I had my colorful Rainbow, gone but not forgeted, the bracelet was very nice.
Comfortable and discrete.
Cheers,
Nilo
Comfortable and discrete.
Cheers,
Nilo
The Rainbow was one of the first El Primeros . . .
. . . that caught my attention when I started accumulating watches, Marv, and recall trying one on (the multi-colored version) at a local dealer. I liked it immensely, but was concentrating on Glashütte perpetual calendars at the time, and leaning towards a PanoGraph to keep the collection 'in the family'. As it turned out, I never got the Pano, ending up with a vintage Speedy instead, which in its turn eventually made way for the New Vintage 1969.
Thanks for sharing yours with us, and Masthead honors for the 'snookered' image from this avid pool player.
Cordially,
Art
Thanks for sharing yours with us, and Masthead honors for the 'snookered' image from this avid pool player.
Cordially,
Art