This 2019, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the legendary El Primero movement, Zenith has partnered with Collective to create an exclusive edition of the Chronomaster El Primero, available exclusively to members of the group. The group consists of creatives, managers and makers, many of whom are involved in technology and live in Silicon Valley (San Francisco Bay area), Silicon Alley (New York City) and Silicon Beach (Los Angeles). Collective is based on the idea that, as watch collectors, its members wish to have a special place where they can enjoy each other's company and celebrate their love of watchmaking. Its commitment to the watchmaking tradition has made Zenith an excellent partner. It was from the El Primero, a watch that Collective founders Gabe Reilly and Asher Rapkin have always loved, that they wanted to start. To create this unique watch, the team, working closely with the Zenith design team and renowned Bay Area jeweller Topper Jewelers, focused first on the dial. In Silicon Valley, simplicity and practicality are key design elements of a quality product, and the team wanted to apply the same approach, including aesthetics, to the C.01. While the structure of the iconic subdials remains true to the original, the approach to their design is completely unique. The entire dial has been finished in matt white, while all the prints on the dial are in a uniform, discreet but highly legible grey. In order to ensure optimum balance, the date display has been eliminated and the classic red chronograph hand has been replaced with a rhodium-plated hand specially created for this watch. To fulfil the desire to make the watch an instrument, using modern design principles to put functionality first, the 38 mm case features an alternation of polished and satin-finished surfaces and satin-finished pushers, exclusive to this watch. The case back displays the famous El Primero movement and features the engraving relating to the limited edition (XX/50), as well as the 'C.01' engraving celebrating the first Collective model. Finally, a mention of the strap. Most Chronomasters, in fact, use a leather strap with a folding clasp; however, Collective wanted to ensure that the aesthetics of the 'instrument watch' also extended to the strap and buckle. The C.01 is therefore complemented by a special cordura strap that gives the watch a more industrial look.
CHRONOMASTER EL PRIMERO C.01 - Data sheet
- Referenza: 03.2152.4061/80.R825
- Limited edition Chronomaster El Primero created in collaboration with Collective
- Satin-finished sides/top handles and buttons
- Special white/grey dial
MOVEMENT
- El Primero 4061, Automatic
- Gauge: 13 ¼'' (Diameter: 30 mm)
- Movement thickness: 6.6 mm
- Components: 282
- Rubies: 31
- Frequency: 36,000 alt/hour (5 Hz)
- Power reserve: min. 50 hours
- Finishes: Oscillating mass with 'Côtes de Genève' motif.
FUNCTIONS
- Hours and minutes in the centre
- Small seconds at 9 o'clock
- Chronograph:
- - Centre chronograph hand
- - 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock
- - 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock
- Tachymetric scale
CASE, DIAL AND HANDS
- Material: steel
- Diameter: 38 mm
- Opening diameter: 33.10 mm
- Thickness: 12.45 mm
- Glass: domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
- Back: transparent sapphire crystal.
- Water resistance: 10 ATM
- Dial: Special white/grey dial
- Hour markers: rhodium-plated, facetted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1 (blue emission)
- Hands: rhodium-plated, facetted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1 (blue emission)
STRAP AND BUCKLE
- Black cordura-effect' rubber strap
- Satin/polished folding clasp
