In 1969, just a few months before humankind’s first steps on the moon, Zenith presented El Primero, the world’s first integrated automatic chronograph movement. That same year, one of the world’s best known rock bands reached the height of its fame. To celebrate this pivotal date, Zenith is launching a new second version of the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tribute to The Rolling Stones. Zenith naturally wished to celebrate its friendship with the rock’n’roll legends The Rolling Stones by crafting a modern watchmaking legend. This new version of the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 'Tribute to the Rolling Stones', is being issued in a 1,000-piece limited edition. As a truly worthy heir to the model that revolutionised the watch industry more than 40 years ago, the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 'Tribute to The Rolling Stones' limited edition reprises its codes while introducing a very dark, contemporary, rock-style look. This understated masculine watch is remarkable in every way.

Firstly, by its 45 mm DLC-coated titanium case fitted with pierced lugs, then by its signature concept involving a dial opening at 11 o’clock revealing the regulating organ of the watch with a escape wheel that features Zenith's iconic star in its center.

The black matte dial features hour and minute hands echoing the shape of the fretboard —fingerboard— on the Fender Telecaster —guitar played by Keith Richards—, additionally, the minute chapter ring as well as the 30-minute and 12-hour counters at 3 and 6 o’clock, are hollowed out evoking the grooves on vinyl records and thereby contributing to the overall aesthetic coherence of this model.

Nonetheless, this El Primero dedicated to the Rolling Stones is still very much a chronograph, since its inner bezel ring features a transfer bearing 300 divisions corresponding to fifths of a second. The central seconds hand is fitted with a star-shaped counterpoise. In the only touch of colour, its tip —like that of the chrono hands and the small seconds trident at 9 o’clock— is red to ensure enhanced readability.

The El Primero Chronomaster 1969 'Tribute to The Rolling Stones' limited edition also bears the other signature of this line, a slender bezel ensuring a generous dial opening and a box-style, slightly domed crystal enabling the light to pour in from the side and thus further enhance legibility. Fitted with a black PVD-coated triple folding clasp, the strap is composed of a rubber ‘spine’ featuring a Barenia leather insert. It is personalized in the ‘colours’ of the group and its native country, with the tongue logo and the British flag —Union Jack— tone-on-tone heat-embossed on the leather.

The display case back provides a view of the high frequency Zenith El Primero automatic calibre 4061 with its oscillating weight engraved with the famous red tongue and “The Rolling Stones Edition” inscription. The movement beats at a frequency of 36,000 vph to provide a power reserve of 50 hours.

On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and very comfortable just like any other El Primero Chronomaster. The presentation box houses an inner box bearing the handwritten logo of the brand and that of Zenith, as well as a main case bearing the red tongue motif on the leather casing. The interior is also red to echo the dominant color.

Sticker Price $14,200 USD. For more info on Zenith click here.