Zenith: Chronomaster El Primero Grande Date Full Open

With its powerful build framing a clear view of its legendary mechanism El Primero “the world’s most accurate series made chronograph” Zenith unveils the new Chronomaster El Primero Grande Date Full Open. This self-winding skeleton-worked chronograph, equipped with a column wheel and a silicon escapement, is highlighted by a dial carved in sapphire. This modern architecture with its striking red accents is designed to be admired from both sides.

The crystal-clear sapphire dial features two transparent blue and grey tinted counters “the aesthetic signature of the original 1969 model” and shows the moon & sunphases on twin discs at 6 o’clock. A silver toned inner bezel ring surrounded by a blue ring, a black and white minute scale, along with luminescent facetted hands and hour-markers, all contribute to ensuring optimal legibility, yet without obscuring the view of the fascinating inner workings. The large date at 2 o’clock -shown by two concentric discs with cut-out numerals- is read off against a bright red background in an engraved aperture, while the slim red-tipped central sweep-seconds hand adorned with the emblematic Zenith star sweeps over the display.

Topped by a domed crystal and fitted with a sapphire crystal case-back, the 45 mm steel case -water resistant to 100 metres- reveals on both sides the outlines of the movement. Equipped with a silicon lever and escape-wheel, this movement drives central hours and minutes hands, along with small seconds, chronograph, large date, moon & sunphase functions, while maintaining an over 50-hour power reserve. The celestial kinetic ballet is shown on two superimposed discs, with the moon disc rotating every 59 days (two lunar cycles) and the day/night disc making one full turn in 24 hours.

The impressive stature of the Chronomaster El Primero Grande Date Full Open, complete with its fluted crown and double round pushers, is further enhanced by a steel bracelet or a black leather rubber-lined strap. The Chronomaster El Primero Grande Date Full Open is also available in an another version with a two-tone exterior (stainless steel case with a pink gold bezel), teamed with a chestnut leather strap.