Ornatus-Mundi
[Zenith]
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Zenith El Primero Stratos SpinDrift Racing - subtle touches of a bold (summer) watch
Summer is the traditional time of recreation, holidays and enjoyment. Time to take things less seriously... and a good occasion to take a closer look at the fun sector of the watch market as well. Like for example this Zenith El Primero Stratos SpinDrift Racing Gold:
While we tend to take a more laissez-faire approach to our watches during vacation and might chose one of horologically less ‘pure’ watches to accompany us (well, at least I am), it would still not be totally out of place to check the watchmaking credentials of such a piece.
Taking the Zenith Spindrift here for example, we do not have to worry about the technical side: It's a chronograph from Zenith, and this means serious business: driven by the legendary El Primero automatic chronograph, we’ll find a fast-beat column wheel operated movement, here further enhanced by antimagnetic silicon escapement parts (all visible through the opening on the dial).
With that settled, let’s look at the outer detailing. For this I’d like to recall that the watch here has been created for the partnership with the yacht racing team Spindrift (see here ), so we can expect some yachting references - a excellent watches, as one of the Spindirft-themed watches won in the 'sports' category of the prestigious Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève in 2014 (more here ).
And Zenith delivered! First, there is the design, a luscious melange of technical materials (DLC black ultralight titanium bezel, pushers and crown) and precious metal (18kt rose gold case), with an anthracite/black dial with gold plated indices laid out in black Super-LumiNova. There does exist a completely DLC-coated steel piece (see here ), though.
Overall, the dial layout makes good use of the available space, and offer sufficient fine detailing (e.g. the precise layering of the subdials) to create tension and attraction. One thing which is not so good is that the subdials overlap, so no precise reading is possible in third quarter of the minute counter. Mind you, this piece was created a few years ago, way before Jean-Claude Biver and Julien Tornare enacted the ‘legibility first’ credo.
For the Spindrift partnership, Zenith not only added a special engraving in the watch and changed the colours, they also customised the dial inscriptions: At the angled part of the inner bezel (the rehaut) we find a tachymeter scale - but not a standard one, Zenith had it based on nautical miles such that it can be used to calculate you speed at sea - in knots. Very apropos!
The watch is worn on a black rubber strap with Nomex® fabric
coating with a triple-blade (also DLC coated) folding clasp. Nomex® is a flame-resistant meta-aramid material developed in
the early 1960s by DuPont. Its widely used as protective clothing
material for race car drivers, fire fighters or military pilots.
The case is a generous 45mm wide and 14.10 mm thick, which I think - given the overall design - is a very good choice: there is no real restraint needed for a hedonist watch!
To my eyes this is a splendid combination of an leisure-inspired
timepiece that nonetheless abounds with serious watchmaking elements.
The case exudes an exuberance which mixes quite well with a likely use: at a pool party, a sailing cruise or a rooftop evening with
friends.
It is a watch that let’s you get carried away with the
joy of the moment, but also one that does not disappoint if you come
back to the more serious aspects of life - just like a good friend!
What would be your summer timepiece?
A Zenith?
Best,
Magnus
More posts:
Zenith El Primero Stratos SpinDrift Racing - subtle touches of a bold (summer) watch
Summer is the traditional time of recreation, holidays and enjoyment. Time to take things less seriously... and a good occasion to take a closer look at the fun sector of the watch market as well. Like for example this Zenith El Primero Stratos SpinDrift ...
Spooky that I chose a Zenith chronometer to wear yesterday
It has an El Primero movement with silicium escapement bits and no date. The dial is solid but conforms to the latest legibility credo. I don't wear it often as it is usually a Chopard or Seiko 🤗 This SpinDrift Racing Gold is certainly bold and just doesn...
Definitely a bold choice with some well thought out details...
Like the nautical mile tachometer on the rehaut. MTF also pointed out the lack of a date - I had to go back for a look - which is a pleasant surprise. The subdial overlap, well - not sure if this a brand new model or the dials already existed... The overl...
