Zenith

How I wish it would be summer again - with the Zenith El Primero 1969 150th Anniversary!

 

While it is pouring down rain outside, a very welcome flashback brought great memories from last summer, when I was taking the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 150th Anniversary out for a tour in style. Riding the VW Karman Ghia is not (yet) an option at this time of the year, but at least the cabriolet in Zenith's stable, the open-worked Chronomaster, makes for a fantastic companion regardless of season!



The El Primero Chronomaster 1969 150th Anniversary is a limited edition (150 pieces) and picks up the style codes of the original model while featuring a distinctly contemporary style. The open dial:



The dial opening not only allows us to watch the movement tick at its ambitious pace of 36'000 bph...



 ... it also nicely reveals that lever and escape wheel are crafted in silicon, an avant-garde material that is both harder and lighter than steel. Note the colours of both pallet and escapement wheel which really stand out:



For the first time I noted that the 3-armed seconds hand actually has its own seconds scale printed on the bezel of the dial opening - a very distinct detail!

The watch itself is not new. it is based upon the 42mm Chronomaster which is currently part of the collection. Besides the eye-catching opening, the design follows the codes set by its 1969's ancestor, with a silver base colour, sunburst brushing, a blue minute track; original 30-minute (blue) and 12-hour (anthracite) counters at 3 and 6 o’clock respectively:



Characteristic also is the central chronograph seconds hand fitted with a star-shaped counterweight; a slightly domed box-style crystal...


 


Typical Zenith case band with the mushroom pushers and the kerf beneath the crown to ensure sufficient clearance for an easy grip:



One other special edition feature is obvious: the black alligator leather strap with blue topstitching.



The automatic El Primero 4061 movement is chronometer-certified by the independent Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). It is visible through a display-back that got an anniversary treatment as well:



The Anniversary logo engraved on the sapphire crystal case-back:



It was a hot summer afternoon I last met 'her' and gave her my hand...





She was exuberant in her beauty & style...

Ready to throw herself into an adventure, it seems!



'Come, come along with me, take me where the sun will not set... ;-)'



And so we went, driving the alleys and the parks, the roof wide open,...

... and the wind in the hair...



Tender sunlight was tickling our skin...

... painting the colours of affection on our face...

Yes, thus ends a day we both will never forget!
 


Time to kiss goodbye. Parting was not easy, but summer will soon warm our hearts again!



Until then I'll have to do with memories, sweet memories!



Thanks for reading,
Magnus

P.S.: The car: A VW Karmann Ghia Cabriolet in cream-white colour. Made in my home-town Osnabrück, it was the luxury incarnation of the VW Beetle. Same engine, same suspension. Totally different feeling. Superb, yet still modest in its features. Simply wonderful - big smile!

Property of a real lady driver:

This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2016-01-31 08:03:05