Zenith launches El Primero 36’000 VpH
The latest chronograph from the house of Zenith reveals the inner workings of its widely popular El Primero through a skeleton dial
Framed by an imposing steel case, the skeleton dial provides a stunning view of an iconic engine with inimitable tri-colour counters. Inspired by a vintage Lightweight limited series much coveted by connoisseurs, the new El Primero 36’000 VpH fully lives up to its predecessor’s enviable reputation.
Its open-worked dial with the three iconic counters is enlivened by red accents as this eminently virile chronograph boldly flaunts its impressive horological credentials, beating at an impressive 5 Hz frequency.
The dynamic and vigorous exterior of the El Primero 36’000 VpH chronograph consists of 45 mm of steel and sapphire, which forms a case that is transparent on both sides and is water-resistant to 100 metres. The skeleton-style dial literally draws the gaze into this legendary Zenith mechanism.
A trio – of anthracite, blue and light grey counters – adorns the open dial centre, while the date disc features stencil-type numerals outlined against a scarlet red background at 6 o’clock. The slate grey inner bezel ring, bearing facetted luminescent hour-markers swept over by similarly facetted luminescent hours and minutes hands, is rimmed by a tachymetric scale pointed to by a slender star-tipped chronograph sweep-seconds hand.
The El Primero 36’000 VpH chronograph has the means to back its inherent swagger. Beating at the fierce pace of 36,000 vibrations/hour that enables a tenth-of-a-second display, its column-wheel movement is a worthy heir to the world’s most accurate series-made chronograph created by Zenith in 1969.
Delivering a blend of excellent performance and precision, the El Primero 400B calibre and its 326 components are powered by an oscillating weight adorned with “Côtes de Genève”. It drives the central hours and minutes, small seconds, chronograph, tachymeter and date functions, while ensuring an over 50-hour power reserve.
Sporting a mean look with a fiery temperament, this chronograph with its twin round pushpieces is equipped with a perforated rubber strap secured by a triple folding clasp, or a stainless steel bracelet adding an additional sporting touch.
