LVMH Watch Week 2021: Zenith
By Sarah Jayne Potter | 5 minute read
As part of LVMH Watch Week, Zenith have revealed their latest timepieces, with a focus on their new Chronomaster Sport.
The Zenith Chronomaster line has been one of the most revered chronograph collections of the 21st century, and with the new Chronomaster Sport, the Swiss brand has pushed the boundaries once again. The remastered design takes inspiration from many notable Zenith chronographs and is paired with an evolution of the coveted El Primero calibre, the first fully integrated, high-frequency, automatic chronograph movement in horology history. With its high frequency of 5 Hz (36’000 VpH), the movement is able to precisely offer a 1/10th of second that’s easily readable, displayed directly on the bezel as well as the dial. In short, this piece is for those who want their watch to look good, and work hard and Zenith has worked meticulously on making sure that this fits into their legacy narrative.
Hints of heritage timepieces include the pre-El Primero A277 with its black bezel and dot markers, the El Primero Rainbow with its polished bezel engraved with a tachymetric scale, the polished and satin-brushed bracelet of the El Primero De Luca.
New aesthetics and evolutions include a more refined tri-colour dial, a perfect addition to this stand out watch, as well as the steel bracelet, ergonomically designed for the ultimate in comfort for the wrist. The proportions in this time piece have also been a focus, and the precise tenth of a second reading is perfect for those who have a keen interest in accuracy and power.
Its autonomy has also been rendered more efficient, with an extended power reserve of 60 hours. Visible through the sapphire display back, the new architecture is strikingly evident, revealing a blue column wheel and open rotor marked with the five-pointed star Zenith.
Why we love this piece; For the culmination of heritage and modern aesthetics, and for the accuracy and reliabilty. The perfect watch for an active lifestyle!
Chronomaster Revival A385
Another take on a historical Zenith legend is the new Chronomaster Revival A385 and this is an ideal selection for those who are fans of the fusion of vintage styling with modern day updates. One of the most significant pieces in the El Primero calibre story, the A385 was one of the original three housing the chronograph.
More than just vintage-inspired watches, the Chronomaster Revival collection consists of faithful reproductions of historical references, using the original production plans from 1969. It preserves the original proportions and finishing of the 37mm steel case with pump-style pushers.
The original A385 actually made headlines back in 1970, when it took part in Zenith’s “Operation Sky”. To prove that a mechanical movement was superior to the nascent quartz movements of the time, an A385 was strapped to the landing gear of an Air France Boeing 707 on a flight from Paris to New York to test its resistance to external aggressions such as drastic temperature fluctuations, wind force and changing air pressure. Upon landing, the watch was still functioning perfectly.
Design features included a tonneau-shaped steel case, and an interesting gradient dial, touted as the first ‘smoked’ dial to be made within the watch industry! The Revival of this model succeeds in bringing out the same warm metallic tones as the original. Keeping with the retro theme, the Chronomaster Revival A385 is available in two options that could have come straight from 1969: The first is the steel “ladder” bracelet, a modern remake of the Gay Frères bracelets that became emblematic of the early El Primero watches. The second option is a light brown calf leather strap that will develop a unique patina with wear and time. Both worthy contenders in being additions to any watch enthusiasts’ collection.
Why we love this piece; The retro design is perfect for the nostalgic, and reminds us that sometimes, the classics really are the best.
Pilot Type 20 Silver Chronograph
Revisiting its iconic and historical Pilot aesthetic while drawing inspiration from vintage aircraft design, Zenith unveils the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Silver, a compelling and richly detailed aviation-themed chronograph crafted in precious sterling silver – a first for a Zenith Pilot chronograph.
A limited edition of 250 pieces, the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Silver recalls Zenith’s unique pedigree in the world of aviation timepieces spanning over a century, having accompanied the pioneers of flight in the early 20th century, most notably with Louis Bleriot and his history-making voyage across the English Channel in 1909. With a more direct visual inspiration from historical aircrafts, the 45mm case is made from sterling silver. Like the fuselage of an aircraft, the silver dial features riveted details resembling metal panels, with an erratic satin-brushed surface to bring out the raw beauty of the metal.
For maximum legibility at all times, the signature Pilot oversized Arabic hour-markers and “cathedral” hands feature white luminescent paint. Completing the aviator look is the brown calfskin leather strap with a rivet and polished steel pin buckle with a distinctive tab, recalling vintage pilot helmets.
Why we love this piece; The detailing on this timepiece is phenomenal, and makes for an attractive piece, perfect for every day wear.
Defy 21 Urban Jungle
Bright and bold, the new Zenith Defy21 Urban Jungle sets new standards in both precision and avant-garde design, using innovative and high-performance materials paired with ground-breaking manufacture movements. It boasts an exceptional 1/100th of a second chronograph with two regulating organs, visible through the open dial. Green timepieces have enjoyed a surge in popularity throughout the horology world of late, and this piece from Zenith will be sure to delight those who favour the daring. With its khaki green ceramic case with matte surface and matte silver and black counters and a grey rubber strap with a green cordura-effect rubber insert, this piece is anything but ordinary.
Why we love this piece; The deep green colourway give its an edge that would pair perfectly with all manner of outfits. A great colourful addition to a watch collection.
