Since it’s release in 1969, the El Primero chronograph has been prized by connoisseurs and collectors as one of the first automatic chronograph movements. Its innovative design and construction made it the most accurate chronograph in the world and the only one capable of measuring short times to 1/10th of a second. To celebrate the chronograph’s 50th anniversary, Zenith released 50 collector’s boxed sets containing three limited edition El Primero models. The anniversary case includes the first ever reissue of the original 1969 El Primero chrono. To maintain the integrity and spirit of the original, Zenith’s engineers and designers carried out a reverse engineering process: every component of an authentic copy of the original model from the brand’s museum was laser-scanned. Two obvious design changes were made. The initially solid back now reveals the movement and the crown logo has been updated.
The second watch in the case is the new Chronomaster 2.0, equipped with a latest generation El Primero engine and black ceramic bezel. Renamed El Primero 3600, this high-frequency caliber, oscillating at 36,000 vibrations per hour, can measure 1/10ths of a second with a direct reading on the dial and bezel.
The third part of this trilogy is an ultra-modern incarnation of the El Primero: the Defy El Primero 21. Its 44 mm titanium case holds a mechanical movement oscillating at a frequency of 360,000 vibrations per hour (50 Hz) – ten times more than its predecessor, taking watchmaking into the world of 1/100th of a second timing. The skeleton dial of the Defy El Primero 21 features three solid counters in the original colours – the common denominator of this “tribute” edition.
