The name of the luxury Swiss brand Zenith is inseparable from the chronograph caliber El Primero. This high-frequency movement, launched in 1969 under the designation 3019 PHC, was the first automatic caliber with a chronograph function capable of measuring tenths of a second thanks to a frequency of 36,000 alternations per hour (A / h). Most chronographs of the other watchmaking brands range at a frequency of only 28,800 A / h and can measure 1/8 of a second.
In 2017, the brand omega moon watch presented the ultra-modern caliber Zenith El Primero 21. The successor to the celebrated El Primero includes two independent escapes, one for the time display and another for the chronograph function. The latter oscillates at a frequency of 360,000 A / h and can accurately time times to the hundredth of a second. The first oscillates at the usual 36,000 A / h.
Complicated clocks that make up the Academy line Christophe Colomb are true masterpieces of watchmaking. In particular, the Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Equation of Time model is a prime example of the 21st-century watchmaking art. This instrument of time was awarded the prize in the category of “Great Complications” of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, one of the most prestigious awards in the world for mechanical watchmaking. Zenith specifically developed for these highly accurate watches a module that the brand designates as “Gravity Control” and a constant force mechanism through the spindle and chain system. This keeps the regulator in a fully horizontal position regardless of the position of the watch on the wrist, thus ensuring excellent running accuracy.
How much is a Zenith watch?
Zenith belongs to the multinational luxury goods company LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton SE (LVMH), positioning itself between two major brands in the sector: TAG Heuer and Hublot. The watches Zenith are intended both to the female audience as male youthful spirit that appreciates tradition, high quality manufacturing and technology. The movements are entirely developed and manufactured at the premises of the Le Locle brand and some of them even animate the most basic models of the Elite collection. These men’s and women’s watches are distinguished by their classic design and, therefore, are perfect for use on more formal occasions. Zenith offers sophisticated luxury watches at relatively affordable prices. Jean-Claude Biver, the head of LVMH, was responsible for creating this affordable luxury strategy.
In vintage market, you can find watches at truly interesting prices. There are numerous wrist watches or pocket watches available for a few hundred euros and even the chronographs animated by the legendary caliber El Primero are around 1,700 euros. These are, in most cases, models of the 90’s in good condition. Already a new copy costs at least 3,300 euros.
The 21st Century Chronograph
Zenith presented Defy El Primero 21 at Baselworld in 2017, the sector’s most important watch industry. This chronograph, inside which beats an improved version of the chronographic movement El Primero, was designed for the 21st century. The movement includes two independent escapes, one for the time display and another for the chronograph function. The latter oscillates at a frequency of 360,000 A / h, which allows timing accurately times to the hundredth of a second. The first oscillates at the usual 36,000 A / h. Currently, the Defy El Primero 21 model is available in two versions: ceramic or titanium. The titanium version features a skeletonized dial or a retro design with a silver dial and black counters. The base price of these titanium watches starts at the house of 7,200 euros. On the other hand, the skeletonized copies of titanium or ceramic cost about 8,500 euros.
Timeless Classic Watches
The Zenith Elite line was launched in 1994 when mechanical watches once again gained popularity. Since then, it has won the public for its classic and minimalist lines. These stylish wrist watches feature ultra-high automatic movements with high autonomy. When it was released, the Elite caliber already stood out for its thickness of only 3.3 mm and a power reserve of 55 hours. These models of the 90s cost about 1,000 euros used, while the price of the current versions, in excellent condition, is around 1,600 euros. The price of new watches starts at the house of 2,700 euros. The models with a whirlwind in 18-carat pink gold have an approximate value of 50,000 euros. If you do without the whirlwind, the price is around 16,000 euros for a new watch with a matching gold bracelet with a leather strap.
