Zenith

During BaselWorld 2015 Zenith presented a thematic watch geared towards the tastes of true petrol-heads: The Zenith Chronomaster El Primero 1969 Tour Auto Edition . A watch that - I confess - evoked mixed feelings with me, conceptually, but is a compelling offering on its own merits (if one looks a bit deeper - pun intended!):

What differentiates this watch from the standard El Primero with open escapement is quite obvious: The coloured striping paying homage to the Tricolore, the French flag:

... perfectly extended beyond the face:

The strap is a nod to the gloves formerly worn by the drivers of classic cars: perforated blue calfskin with a black protective rubber lining immediately create the association with sports cars and speed.

Matching to sports and speed, the watch is secured with the folding buckle:

But there is more detail in this watch - and this is what makes it interesting:

First, of all, the rhodium-plated dial surface is brushed in the 6 – 12 o’clock direction to ensure consistency with its lines. 

The opaline silver-toned tachymetric scale makes a striking contrast with the inner blue ring and its white graduations, while the 300 divisions displaying units of measurement all the way down to the fifth-of-a-second chronograph times are indicated on red and blue transfers. 

The hollowed and snailed 30-minute and 12-hour counters at 3 and 6 o’clock are surrounded by a blue circular satin-brushed rim. Like all chronograph models in the line (apart from ladies’ watches), the central sweep-seconds hand is fitted with a star-shaped counterpoise. The one on this model, along with the counter hands, is red to enhance the legibility of the chronograph times. To ensure smooth overall aesthetic consistency, the small-seconds trident appearing through the “Open” window at 9 o’clock is composed of blue-white-red colours. 

One particular detail that connoisseurs are sure to note: the mushroom-type push-pieces for the chronograph functions each feature a coloured groove: blue for the chronograph start & stop, red for the reset. 

Corresponding to an opened hood allowing the view on a car's race engine, Zenith has chosen the Open model as the base for this watch. Thus, a view on a highly tuned motor is possible from both sides, the back and the face alike. The latter is particularly interesting since the movement is regulated by a silicon escapement:

The back of the steel case reveals he well-known El Primero movement (El Primero 4061, automatic with silicon escapement parts). It bears two inscriptions in particular: the Tour Auto logo (on the sapphire crystal) and the serial number. 

Being critical in view of 'thematic' watches, I was surprised how well the watch matches to various wrists and styles. First, on my rather standard wrist with a darker attire:

The El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Auto Edition is issued in a 500-piece special limited edition. 

Thanks for reading,

Magnus

 

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