In the English language the word Zenith conjures ideas and concepts about #1, the pinnacle, the apex or apogee and the same holds true for the world of watchmaking. Zenith has for years been at the top and at the forefront of technical mastery and innovation. The Christophe Colomb 45.2210.8804/09.C630 presents yet another exciting and breathtaking chapter in Zenith’s long and amazing history.
The 45.2210.8804/09.C630 is crafted from 18k (750) rose gold. The diameter on this model is 45mm and the thickness of the case 14.35mm. The thickness stretches to 21.4mm when one includes the height of the domed scratch resistant sapphire crystal. The dome is over the Christophe Colomb self-regulating module which is located at 6 0’ clock. The module is a gyroscope ensuring that the balance wheel and escapement remain in a horizontal position at all times. This is quite similar to the Gyro-Tourbillion from Jaeger LeCoultre but naturally without the tourbillion.
The movement on this timepiece from Zenith is an in house El Primero 8804 which is manually wound. The 45 jeweled movement carries a diameter of 16 ½‘’’ or 37mm and is officially chronometer certified. The power reserve on this piece is a solid 50 hours with the display in retrograde at 3 while, the balance wheel oscillates at a rapid 36,000 vph ensuring a consistent and accurate sweep of the seconds hand seen at the 9 o’ clock position.
The bezel and dial are encrusted with individually set white VS diamonds. The bezel sees 72 prong set round brilliant diamonds whereas the dial just goes all out with 504 brilliant cut pave set diamonds. The watch’s main timekeeping functions can be read on the dial at the 12 position with both the hour and minute hands shaped in the classical diamond style and made from the highly anti-magnetic blued steel.
The black leather strap is made with authentic alligator and is secured to the wrist by a triple folding clasp crafted also from 18k white gold. The water resistance on this model is 30 meters (3 atms). This is one classy piece from Zenith and is limited in production to just 25 pieces worldwide. Price for this model is $254,000 USD.
TAGS: Automatic Watches, Diamonds, Exhibition Case Back, Gyroscope, Haute Horlogerie, Leather, Mechanical Watches, Men's Watches, Power Reserve, Rose Gold, Sapphire Crystal, Swiss Made