Photo: Zenith
Being among the first to create an automatic chronograph movement with an incredible frequency of 36,000 alternations per hour (5 Hz), Swiss watch maker Zenith is probably one of the greatest still on the market. The luxury timepiece manufacturer has recently released a limited edition El Primero which apart from its beautiful design it also features lightweight materials, similar to what car makers use.
El Primero calibre was first released in 1969, but it’s still under production today. In fact their new edition has it as well. Like previous models, this too is capable of measuring tenths of a second, which means that the second hand will tick ten times in one second. Why is this important? This way the movement is more durable against outside vibrations or impacts.
This also the reason Felix Baumgartner used a Zenith wrist watch when he did the famous stratosphere free fall, the highest in human history.
As you can see in the pictures we listed below, El Primero Lightweight combines unique performance with superb style and classic design. It also makes the use of similar materials sportscars do. Its case is made of aluminum with outer layers of ceramic and carbon fiber, with a titanium crown, push pieces and skeletonized lugs. It truly looks superb and uses parts of the automotive look.
Like we said, the Movement is Zenith’s famous 36,000 VpH (which stands for vibrations for hour) automatic chronograph movement. The only difference is it’s made almost entirely out of lightweight titanium. Like an high-efficiency engine, the watch comes with 31 Jewels and a 50 hour power reserve, which is quite a lot considering the rate of speed in which El Primero vibrates.
All together, the 45mm in diameter luxury watch weighs 40g and comes with a Nomex-coated, rubber strap. Sure, sitting on the top won’t come cheap, as the limited edition to 250 pieces Zenith El Primero Lightweight is priced at $22,000. But since we’re allowed to dream at Lamborghinis and what not, we figured a luxury watch won’t harm anyone.
This also the reason Felix Baumgartner used a Zenith wrist watch when he did the famous stratosphere free fall, the highest in human history.
As you can see in the pictures we listed below, El Primero Lightweight combines unique performance with superb style and classic design. It also makes the use of similar materials sportscars do. Its case is made of aluminum with outer layers of ceramic and carbon fiber, with a titanium crown, push pieces and skeletonized lugs. It truly looks superb and uses parts of the automotive look.
Like we said, the Movement is Zenith’s famous 36,000 VpH (which stands for vibrations for hour) automatic chronograph movement. The only difference is it’s made almost entirely out of lightweight titanium. Like an high-efficiency engine, the watch comes with 31 Jewels and a 50 hour power reserve, which is quite a lot considering the rate of speed in which El Primero vibrates.
All together, the 45mm in diameter luxury watch weighs 40g and comes with a Nomex-coated, rubber strap. Sure, sitting on the top won’t come cheap, as the limited edition to 250 pieces Zenith El Primero Lightweight is priced at $22,000. But since we’re allowed to dream at Lamborghinis and what not, we figured a luxury watch won’t harm anyone.
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