Right on time for the 4th of July weekend here in the U.S., Zenith presents two limited edition watches from their legendary aviator watches collection. The two new pieces are issued in a limited edition of 50 pieces to be exclusively sold in the U.S. market. Admirably combining power and elegance, the new Pilot Type 20 GMT America and the Pilot Type 20 Extra Special America are fitted with 45 mm cases and are attired in deep blue sprinkled with crimson accents.
Posts filed under Zenith
Insider: Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic Blue. Hands-on with a Very Elegant Vintage Looking Timepiece.
Faithful to the Zenith legacy and powered by the new automatic high-frequency calibre El Primero 4069, the new Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic Blue ref. 03.2272.4069/51.C700 is the latest addition to the entry-level Elite collection from Zenith. The Elite Chronograph Classic was originally launched at Baselworld 2015 with a silver-toned sunray pattern dial and now this stunning blue sunray dial made its appearance earlier this year. After perusing both the silver dial reference and this one, the latter is definitely the one we would consider purchasing.
News: Presenting the new Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Cohiba Edition. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Legendary Habano Maker.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Cohiba —the most prestigious and luxurious hand rolled cigar brand in the world—, Zenith is presenting the new Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Cohiba Edition. Created in 1966, today Cohiba is celebrating half a century of existence. At its side on the occasion of this anniversary, Zenith is presenting a limited series of its legendary El Primero chronograph, with 50 watches in 18K rose gold and 500 in stainless steel, all featuring a Havana brown dial and emblematic Cohiba motifs.
Insider: Zenith El Primero 36,000 vph Openworked. Hands-on with a Very Edgy and Contemporary El Primero Chronograph.
Following some of the design cues of the El Primero Lightweight, the new Zenith El Primero 36,000 vph Openworked brings the beauty of a partially skeletonized dial to one of the most iconic chronographs from this manufacture from Le Locle. Fitted with a 42 mm stainless steel case with the traditional pump pushers, the dial of the new Zenith El Primero 36,000 vph Openworked maintains the traditional light grey-anthracite-blue color scheme of the iconic El Primero chronograph.
Insider: Zenith Academy Tourbillon Georges Favre-Jacot. Hands-on with this Futuristic Piece of 'Haute Horlogerie'.
Absolute transparency ensuring unobstructed views of cutting-edge Zenith mechanics: the Zenith Academy Tourbillon Georges Favre-Jacot offers a futuristic take on 'Haute Horlogerie'. Its powerful design and innovative materials reveal an unprecedented ‘engine’ —El Primero Calibre 4805— combining two iconic complications from the Manufacture: the tourbillon and a fusée and chain transmission system.
Rare Bird: Zenith El Primero Striking 10th Limited Edition. Equipped with 'Foudroyante' Seconds and 36,000 vph.
The Zenith El Primero Striking Tenth limited edition is without a doubt, one of our favorite chronographs out there and one, that you rarely run into. Released in 2010 in a limited edition of 1969 pieces in stainless steel or 500 pieces in 18K rose gold, its case measuring 42 mm, features the traditional faceted straight lugs of the iconic El Primero chronograph. Christened 'El Primero' —meaning ‘the first'— and presented on January 10th 1969. Its exceptional performance made it possible to develop and launch two calibres, the '3019 PHC' for the chronograph with date and the '3019 PHF' for the chronograph with triple date and moon phase.
Experience: Zenith Uber Baselworld 2016 Classic Car Rides. The Best Way to Move Around Basel this Year and Totally Free.
Without a doubt, Baselworld brings the best creativity in event planning from all the brands involved in the world's largest watch and jewelry show. Every year we come to Baselworld, beyond the amazing watch novelties we get to review, we are also blown away by the brands' displays, their pavilions, the unforgettable parties and the food and aperitifs we enjoy in their lounges. However, in the last five years, we haven't seen such a clever idea, like the one Zenith had this year.
Baselworld 2016: Presenting the new Zenith El Primero 36,000 vph Classic Cars. Hands-on Review, Live Pictures & Pricing.
Presented at Baselworld 2016 which comes to an end today, the legendary Zenith manufacture added a new El Primero 36,000 vph to their collection. The new Zenith El Primero 36,000 vph Classic Cars, joins the ranks of one of the most legendary chronographs in the world. A model conceived to be the institutional reference for all their partnerships involving vintage racing and classic cars moving forward, the new Zenith El Primero 36,000 vph Classic Cars ref. 03.2046.4002/25.C771 is a regular production watch with no limitation.
Baselworld 2016: Presenting the new Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Tribute to The Rolling Stones. Hands-on Review, Live Pictures & Pricing.
In a historical event on the international rock’n’roll scene, the legendary Rolling Stones will be giving a milestone performance in Cuba on March 25th 2016. To mark this unique concert, Zenith is unveiling an exclusive 5-piece limited edition timepiece dedicated to the partnership it has been enjoying with the British band since 2014.
Baselworld 2016: Presenting the New Zenith Heritage Pilot Café Racer. Hands-on Review, Live Pictures & Pricing.
The new Zenith Heritage Pilot Café Racer just released at Baselworld 2016, is a perfect addition to the Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 line-up. Equipped with a gray-greenish vintage looking dial, the watch offers perfect readability. The new Zenith Heritage Pilot Café Racer proudly takes its place in this iconic line composed of sleek, powerful watches. With a sturdy retro feel, the new Zenith Heritage Pilot CaféRacer is inspired by the ‘Café Racer’ bikers movement born in England in the 1920s.
Watch Goodies: Zenith El Primero 1969 Chronograph Wall Clock. One of Our Favorite Clocks Out There.
Wall clocks designed after of some of the most iconic watches in the world is something every watch collector loves and lusts after. Whether you run into them at an authorized dealer, an airport lounge or just at someone's office or home, branded wall clocks are the type of watch paraphernalia that when you are a serious watch collector you would love to own.
Insider: Zenith Montre d'Aeronef Pilot Type 20 Extra Special. The Best Execution of a Pilot's Watch for the Price.
The Zenith Montre d'Aéronef Pilot Type 20 Extra Special ref. 03.2430.3000/21.C738 was launched in 2014. Earlier this year, a new version was released in bronze and we reviewed it here. The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special in stainless steel features a robust 45 mm case with screwed-on lugs and a satin-brushed finish that contrasts against the mirror polished bezel and ratcheted onion-shaped crown typical of historical aviator watches — that ensures a perfect grip even with pilot’s gloves.
Experience: 1964 Ferrari 250 Le Mans by Scaglietti. When You Stumble Into a Legendary $14-18 Million USD Racing Car.
It's been a while since we've ran into a special automobile worthy of featuring. Today, we bring you one of the most legendary Ferraris and classic cars ever made, with only thirty-two examples ever produced and its price tag anywhere between $14-18 Million USD. The Ferrari 250 Le Mans, a.k.a Ferrari 250 LM, was presented at the end of 1963 to replace the Ferrari 250 GTO. Originally produced to compete in the GT class, the 250 Le Mans was forced to compete as a sports-prototype since Ferrari didn't meet the 100-vehicle requirement that the FIA stipulated at the time. The Ferrari P series cars, were mid-engine prototype racing machines that at the same time, were street legal. The predecessor to the Ferrari 250 LM was the Ferrari 250 GTO, evolving into a mid-engine racing car sold to the general public and released under the name Ferrari 250 Le Mans. Launched at the Paris Auto Show at the end of 1963, the Le Mans became very successful among the elite of private car racers around the globe. A winner of the 1965 '24 Hours of Le Mans', the 250 LM stands as the last Ferrari to win at an Endurance Race.
Experience: A Vintage Racing Weekend with Zenith at the Circuit of the Americas. Simply an Unforgettable Experience. Part Two of Two.
If you read yesterday's post about our vintage racing weekend experience with Zenith, continue reading part two of this unbelievable weekend. Now, if you did not read yesterday's post, we advice you to first read part one here. Just as if day one of our vintage racing experience with Zenith wasn't exhilarating enough, wait till you see the last part of our time at the Circuit of the Americas. Could it get any better after what we posted yesterday? Well, it actually does. After a nice evening on Saturday filled with Negronis, Austin's staple Tito's Vodka and a few glasses of champagne, we woke up early morning on Sunday to head to the track for the Hawk Performance Historic GT/GTP Enduro race that was supposed to start at 10:15am. After gearing up with the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Limited Edition and our matching red ear muffs, we arrived at the Paddock. Few minutes later, vintage and modern cars were about to start lining up on the pre-grid for the race.
Experience: A Vintage Racing Weekend with Zenith at the Circuit of the Americas. Simply an Unforgettable Experience. Part One of Two.
This past weekend, we were part of a select group of invitees —mainly collectors— invited by Zenith watches to be part of an amazing vintage racing experience at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The Circuit of the Americas —COTA— is a FIA Formula One grade track with 20 turns, a length of 3.427 miles —5.515 km— and home to the Formula One United States Grand Prix since 2012. Additionally, the circuit also hosts the MOTO GP of the Americas, the Road Racing World Championship, the FIA Endurance Championship and the SVRA U.S. Vintage Racing Championship amongst others. This weekend's experience courtesy of Zenith, was far from average and one that we will hardly ever forget. Being the crazy Formula One fans that we are, setting foot in the actual track, was a long life dream that was about to come true.
Insider: Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II. Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Manufacture in a 10-Piece Limited Edition.
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the manufacture, Zenith presented several special watches this year. Today, we bring you our hands-on review with our now usual live pictures of the new Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II ref. 18.2215.8805/36.C713 in tribute to the legendary explorer and discoverer of the Americas Christopher Columbus. This exceptional timepiece issued in an entirely hand-finished 10-piece limited edition, sets the stage for three major breakthroughs in watchmaking history: a patented Gravity Control system, fusée-chain transmission and an exceptional frequency of 36,000 vph.
Insider: Presenting the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 'Tribute to the Rolling Stones'. Live Pictures and Pricing.
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.
Insider: Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20 Extra Special 'Bronze'. Hands-On with One of Our Favorite Bronze Watches Out There.
The new Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special 'Bronze' ref. 29.2430.679/21.C753 is the successor to the Pilot Type 20 Extra Special ref. 03.2430.3000/21.C738 launched last year. This new watch opposed to its predecessor, features a case made of bronze, a metal that is now highly coveted in the watch industry and which became extremely popular after the launch of the Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 'Bronzo' PAM 382 and its successor the PAM 507. Today, numerous watches are now available in bronze all the way from C-list 'wannabes' like the Helson or the Armida, to the exceptional IWC Aquatimer 'Expedition Charles Darwin' featured here. The new Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special ref. 29.2430.679/21.C753 is fitted with a robust 45 mm case that is just very unique an destined to develop a gorgeous patina as it gets worn by its owner.
Insider: Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20 Annual Calendar. A Vintage Inspired Massive Chronograph and Annual Calendar.
More than a century ago during the summer of 1909, air pilots were challenged to fly across the English Channel in a competition set by the British newspaper The Daily Mail. On July 25, 1909 Louis Blériot achieved a major first by crossing the English Channel by air, while wearing a Zenith watch on his wrist. At 4:15 am, the wind had dropped at Calais, France and it seemed like a propitious time to accomplish the challenge flying 40 kilometers from Calais, France to Dover, England. With his Zenith on his wrist, he took off aboard the Blériot XI, a frail ‘bird’ featuring a wooden frame and parchment-like wings and crossed the channel in merely 37 minutes.
Insider: Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow. Hands-On Review of a Very Nice Column-Wheel Chronograph Under $10K USD.
This time, we bring you our in-depth hands-on review with a very large number of live pictures we took under natural light and our recommendation on why you should get this exceptional chronograph from our friends from Le Locle. The Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow ref. 03.2061.405/21.M2060 just like most of the timepieces in the Stratos Flyback collection, is fitted with a robust and very solid case measuring 45 mm in diameter that features a highly polished case with alternating satin brushed finished lugs. A heir to the Zenith military chronograph legacy, the new El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow pays tribute to the 1997 Zenith Rainbow watch, but in our opinion, with a much nicer design that will take the test of time way better.
