The Zenith El Primero Chronomaster for 2014 stands astride two worlds like a Colossus of Horology if you may. On the one hand, the watch’s refined aesthetics propel the collection into the realm of the formal. On the other hand, the powerful engine that commands respect in the watchmaking world carries a combination of complications never before seen in one wristwatch.
What sets this particular timepiece apart is the distinctive dark brown dial and dark chocolate brown alligator leather strap. The case is made primarily from stainless steel but does feature rose gold pushers and a ridged main crown. The 18kt rose gold accents contribute to making this watch extremely dressy without raising the price point to the land of the exceptionally expensive. The watch is water resistant to a cool 50 meters – great for formal wear. Zenith uses an exhibition case back crafted from sapphire crystal to evince the famous El Primero self-winding caliber 4047. The case features dimensions of 45mm for the diameter and 15.6mm for the case thickness.
The El Primero movement is noted for its high frequency balance wheel, which beats at the rate of 36,000 alternations per hour. This allows the watch to time smaller intervals of seconds and is rated as one of the most precise instruments on the market. Adding to the accuracy of the chronograph is a column wheel, which keeps a constant flow of energy to this complication. The movement also features an oscillating weight with a Côtes de Genève design and Zenith’s logo – the 5-ponted star. The caliber 4047 carries a power reserve of a minimum of 50 hours.
The brown dial features a large aperture at the 9 and 10 position revealing the inner workings of the small seconds, and the high frequency balance wheel. Apart from the chronograph, this model has a moon and sun phase display at the 6 position, and a large double date window at the 2:30 position. The readings from the chronograph are indicated via a central hand in blued steel for the chrono seconds, and a subdial at 3 for the chrono minutes. The hands and markers are rose gold toned and are coated with lume for readability at night. The Zenith El Primero Chronomaster has a domed scratch resistant sapphire crystal, which allows unhindered viewing of all the functions and features.
TAGS: Automatic Watches, Chronographs, Date, Double Date Window, Exhibition Case Back, Haute Horlogerie, Leather, Mechanical Watches, Men's Watches, Moon Phase, Power Reserve, Rose Gold, Sapphire Crystal, Selfwinding Watches, Stainless Steel, Swiss Made, Tachymeter