ZENITH Focus

The opening in the dial of every Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Open wristwatch is more than a symbol of confidence, it is an emblematic signature that allows wearers to see and admire, directly, the magic of a brilliantly designed mechanism. As far as performance and chronometric reliability are concerned, it is often seen as the “best serial movement in the world”, and is showcased in two of Zenith El Primero’s latest watches: The Chronomaster 1969 and Chronomaster Open Grande Date Moon & Sunphase.

The new El Primero Chronomaster 1969 is a tribute to the original El Primero Chronograph created in 1969, featuring the same colours as the two 30-minute and 12-hour counters at 3 and 6 o’clock respectively as the predecessor. Beyond the aesthetic features, the newer watch is further reinforced by a silver-toned inner bezel ring secured by three midnight-blue screws, which is paired for the first time with Zenith’s signature open dial design.

Fine-tuned and developed in-house is the automatic chronograph movement El Primero Calibre 4061 that measures 1/10 of a second – a truly innovative movement in the world of watchmaking. Beating at 10 vibrations per second, or 36,000 per hour, the legendary El Primero chronograph movement is 25 percent higher than in other movements on the market, where merely eight vibrations per second are made. Certain adjustments had to be made to ensure perfect legibility of the perfectly synchronised pulsations. The regulating organ, for example, is shifted to 10 o’clock, on the periphery of the movement.

If the new El Primero Chronomaster 1969 is a masterful creation by Zenith, the El Primero Chronomaster Open Grande Date Moon & Sunphase is a grand, poetic addition to the line up.

As the name suggests, the Chronomaster Open Grande Date Moon & Sunphase showcases the moon and sunphases, at 6 o’clock, reflecting the double path of the sun and moon by means of two superimposed discs. The transparent upper disc with two polished metallic moons performs one rotation every 59 days, while the lower day-and-night disc makes one full rotation every 24 hours.

To cater for the more complicated design, the watch features a generous 45mm diameter case equipped with round vintage-styled push buttons and power reserve of 50 hours – same as the impressive El Primero Chronomaster 1969.

Also sporting a distinctive frequency of 10 vibrations per second, the Chronomaster Open Grande Date Moon & Sunphase beats the El Primero Calibre 4047 that comprises 332 parts serving to display this range of useful complications, and is made available in two versions with a case in rose gold or steel.

Watch the video to see the beautiful craftsmanship of the Chronomaster 1969.

Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969
Movement: Automatic El Primero 4061
Components: 282
Frequency: 36,000VpH – (5Hz)
Power reserve: 50hrs
Diameter: 42mm
Water resistance: 100m

Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Open Grande Date Moon & Sunphase
Movement: Automatic El Primero 4047
Components: 332
Frequency: 36,000VpH – (5Hz)
Power reserve: 50hrs
Diameter: 45mm
Water resistance: 50m