Following the immense success for Zenith at LVMH Watch Week 2020 in Dubai, this year saw Zenith, alongside other LVMH brands (Bulgari and Hublot) choosing to unveil its latest watches in an online, one-week event.
For Zenith, 2021 is the year of the Chronomaster—in particular, the evolved version of the El Primero, which allows for 1/10th of a second time measurement in the most legible manner ever.
CHRONOMASTER REVIVAL A385
Zenith is bringing back the first El Primero watch with a gradient dial from 1969 in the Chronomaster Revival A385. The A385 was one of the original three stainless steel chronographs housing the world’s first automatic high-frequency chronograph. Within its tonneau-shaped steel case was an eye-catching brown gradient dial, which was possibly the first “smoked” dial ever to be made in the watch industry and certainly the first for Zenith.
The Chronomaster Revival collection has witnessed the return of several iconic Zenith chronographs in accurate details. More than just vintage-inspired watches, the Chronomaster Revival collection consists of faithful reproductions of historical references.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.
At the time of the A385’s launch in 1969, the gradient-effect dial was an intriguing choice that had not been done before in a watch. Adding contrast and depth to the dial, it is a design trait that has recently seen a surge in popularity. The Revival of this model has brought 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.
DEFY 21 URBAN JUNGLE
It seems as if green will be the colour of the season, after all. Zenith’s DEFY collection welcomes a new, bold colourway: the DEFY 21 Urban Jungle. Standing out with khaki green tones, the DEFY 21 Urban Jungle is made for those who see the sprawling metropolis as their playground.
Highly scratch-resistant and intensely coloured, the Urban Jungle’s khaki green ceramic case is finished entirely with matte surface. Visible through the open dial with matte silver and black counters, the unrivalled high-frequency chronograph with two regulating organs is decorated with a khaki green coloured main plate and star-shaped oscillating rotor. Completing the look is a grey rubber strap with a green cordura-effect rubber insert.
PILOT TYPE 20 SILVER CHRONOGRAPH
Revisiting its historical Pilot aesthetic while drawing inspiration from vintage aircraft design, Zenith unveils the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Silver. Richly detailed, the aviation-themed chronograph is crafted in precious sterling silver—a first for a Zenith Pilot chronograph.
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. 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.
For more information, visit Zenith.
