Dr No
[Moderator Omega - Wristscan]
37503
Magnus and Oliver's Zenith Pre-BaselWorld 2014 report . . .
Magnus and Oliver took a small detour from the SIHH to meet with Zenith for a relaxed preview on some of this year's Basel novelties. The result is presented as a collaboration of Purists, separated by an ocean, eight time zones, and something less than six degrees.
You know what I admire most about them? These two pull no punches. If they like something, they say so. If they don't, there's no beating around the bush.
Experience? They have it in spades. And perspective, too.
This year, they've decided to allow me to introduce the Zenith novelties, while they take a measured step back and comment from the sidelines. I'm going to put myself in their shoes and assess the latest from Le Locle using the method practiced by . . .
. . . Siskel and Ebert*: signaling thumbs up or down.
* Siskel and Ebert covered cinema for different newspapers in Chicago, and whose program on PBS made them highly influential film critics for decades. Much like Magnus and Oliver!
Magnus and Oliver's Zenith Pre-BaselWorld 2014 report . . .
Magnus and Oliver took a small detour from the SIHH to meet with Zenith for a relaxed preview on some of this year's Basel novelties. The result is presented as a collaboration of Purists, separated by an ocean, eight time zones, and something less than s...
El Primero Chronomaster Grande Date . . .
. . . with concentric moon . . . g . . . and sun phase indicator. This particular watch is based upon a limited edition exclusively created for the Austrian market, showcasing a fine two-tone treatment with gold pushers, crown, and dial highlights. Wrist ...
Captain Central Seconds . . .
. . . boutique edition, with applied Arabic indices. I can tell the two liked this one by the number of wrist shots they took! First on Magnus'... … then on Oliver's wrist: Not a hint of excess; most tasteful. Thumbs up. ...
Captain Power Reserve . . .
. . . is a case study in successful refinement. The less ornate portrayal of the power reserve indicator and date aperture in comparison with previous incarnations projects elegance, subtly enhanced by the absence of engraving. In this instance . . . . ....
Captain Moonphase . . .
. . . has been given the same treatment as the Power Reserve: removal of all dial engraving and flourishes. The effect, though . . . g . . . isn't quite the same; starker rather than simplified. My sense is there's now a palpable incongruity between the m...
El Primero Chronomaster Power Reserve . . .
. . . appears to embody the silicon technology developed for the Striking 10th, as witnessed by the purple escape wheel and anchor. Magnus or Oliver will have to confirm whether this is a new development in this particular movement; to the best of my reco...
Captain Winsor Annual Calendar . . .
. . . boutique edition, with similar applied Arabic indices as the Captain Central Seconds. The genius of Oechslin's and Gerber's efforts were put to good use by applying the techniques developed for the MIH to the El Primero. I have to admit to ambivalen...
El Primero 410 . . .
. . . truly, the name says it all. The cal 410 is one of the most celebrated incarnations of the El Primero; a full calendar with moonphase, implemented with tastefully placed apertures. Zenith revived a legend by bringing this reference back. There ar...
Pilot Type 20 GMT 1903 . . .
. . . reminds me of the title of a James Brown song*. Its massive presence, prominent features, and vintage attitude fairly leap off the page. How's this . . . . . . for making a statement? Phew! Oliver, you're a braver man than I. Seriously, even though ...
You should do it
this way all the time Marvelous reporting Art you are writing under some pseudo in real life earning big bucks Sincerely Damjan
I wish that was the case, Damjan . . .
. . . but no, all my efforts are devoted here on PPro. (Actually, it was Magnus and Oliver that performed the real work - I'm just the interpreter!)
Good interpreter
makes good story even better Thank you for sharing your talent unselfishly with us all this years Sincerely yours Damjan
Oliver's and Magnus' conclusion on the first batch if Zenith novelties
Following Art's excellent and wittily written impressions we would like to submit to you our first hand experiences and opinions, which might well differ from Art's. What we have seen so far were interesting developments and advancements on the existing Z...
Thanks Art, Magnus and Oliver
What a treat to get this comprehensive tri-partite and eloquently written review of the Zenith novelties thus far. For me,the Captain are nice, but unInspiring, Nothing takes my breath away. The El Primero Chronomaster Grand Date always looks better in re...
Zenith - Selita
Hi Guys In the latest interview CEO J. Dufour tells that Selita will deliver some movements to Zenith. Could You write something more about this Thanks Pawel/Poland