CHRONOMASTER REVIVAL A385
This year, Zenith is bringing back the first El Primero watch with a gradient dial from 1969 in the Chronomaster Revival A385. One of the most significant pieces in the El Primero story, 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 stunningly 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 More than just vintage-inspired watches, the Chronomaster Revival collection consists of faithful reproductions of historical references, using the original production plans from 1969.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.
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.
At the time of the A385’s launch in 1969, the gradient-effect dial was an intriguing choice that had never 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 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.
DEFY 21 URBAN JUNGLE
Through the DEFY collection, Zenith continues to set new standards in both precision and avant-garde design, using innovative and high-performance materials paired with ground-breaking manufacture movements. An exceptional 1/100th of a second chronograph that pushes the limits of high-frequency precision with a futuristic design language, the DEFY 21 Urban Jungle stands out with its khaki green tones.
This special rendition of the DEFY 21 is made for those who see the sprawling metropolis as their playground; where a horizon of towering concrete, steel and glass opens up a world where every day is an adventure full of dreams and infinite possibilities. Audacious yet subtle, the DEFY 21 Urban Jungle deftly blends into its surroundings.
In a first for Zenith, the manufacture has cladded its 1/100th of a second chronograph in a green ceramic armour for the DEFY 21 Urban Jungle. Highly scratch-resistant and intensely coloured, the Urban Jungle’s khaki green ceramic case is finished entirely with matte surface, flying under the radar while still standing out to its wearer. 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 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.
