The Gentleman Magazine Issue 3 | June/July | Page 12
Chronomaster El Primero Grande Date Full Open
A transparent vision of high frequency The race of time
Through the perfect clarity of the sapphire dial revealing an
open-hearted mechanism, this new Chronomaster El Primero
flaunts its palpitating pace for all to see. Artfully staged within
an imposing 45 mm-steel case, its high-frequency skeletonised
mechanism reveals its unique style in a spirit of complete
transparency. Topped by a domed crystal and fitted with a sapphire crystal
case-back, the 45 mm-diameter case – water-resistant to 100
metres – reveals on both sides the outlines of an in-house
‘engine’ with legendary origins. The El Primero integrated
automatic column-wheel chronograph beats at the fiery
pace of 5 Hz, thereby ensuring and displaying 1/10th second
precision. These sterling attributes are inherited from its
illustrious predecessor, the world’s most accurate series-made
chronograph developed by Zenith and presented in 1969.
With its powerful build framing a clear view of its legendary
mechanism, the new Chronomaster El Primero Grande Date
Full Open unveils the heart of performance and precision in
the inimitable Zenith style. This self-winding skeleton-worked
chronograph, equipped with a column wheel and a silicon
escapement, is highlighted by a dial carved in sapphire. This
modern architecture with its striking red accents is designed to
be admired from both sides.
Transparency is the keynote
Framing fascinating glimpses of its sophisticated technical
nature, this sturdy stainless steel chronograph catches the
gaze in order to draw it into the very heart of a cutting-edge
Zenith mechanism. The crystal-clear sapphire dial features
two transparent blue- and grey-tinted counters – the aesthetic
signature of the original 1969 model – and shows the moon &
sunphases on twin discs at 6 o’clock. A silver-toned inner bezel
ring surrounded by a blue ring, a black and white minute scale,
along with luminescent facetted hands and hour-markers, all
contribute to ensuring optimal legibility, yet without obscuring
the view of the fascinating inner workings. The large date at 2
o’clock – shown by two concentric discs with cut-out numerals
– is read off against a bright red background in an engraved
aperture, while the slim red-tipped central sweep-seconds
hand adorned with the emblematic Zenith star sweeps over
this perfectly clear display.
12 | The Gentleman Magazine
Spotlight on the high-frequency oscillations of El Primero
Calibre 4047B! Equipped with a silicon lever and escape-
wheel, this 332-part movement drives central hours and
minutes hands, along with small seconds, chronograph, large
date, moon & sunphase functions, while maintaining an over
50-hour power reserve. The celestial kinetic ballet is shown on
two superimposed discs, with the moon disc rotating every 59
days (two lunar cycles) and the day/night disc making one full
turn in 24 hours.
The impressive stature of the Chronomaster El Primero Grande
Date Full Open, complete with its fluted crown and double
round pushers, is further enhanced by a steel bracelet or a
black leather rubber-lined strap. Another version is available
with a two-tone exterior (stainless steel case with a pink gold
bezel), teamed with a chestnut leather strap.