In harmony with its tradition of innovative mechanisms and landmark introductions perpetuated since 1865, Zenith unveils the limited-edition Academy Zero-G, showcasing the brand's revolutionary Zero-G Tourbillon housed within a distinguished model belonging to its prestigious Academy collection. Who has never dreamed of experiencing “zero gravity” or weightlessness? This fascinating sensation is now within arm's reach… First introduced by Zenith in the spring of 2008, the world premiere Tourbillon Zero-G movement featured a groundbreaking self-regulating gyroscopic tourbillon carriage mounted on a cardan like a marine chronometer. By guaranteeing a flat position of the regulating organ, this gyroscopic carriage releases the mechanism from the effects of gravity and thereby considerably enhances its accuracy. Moreover, just as the gyroscopic tourbillon offers a new twist on a device invented over two centuries ago, this tribute to horological tradition is enlivened by a number of original modern touches provided by the asymmetrical arrangement of the displays. The El Primero 8801 self-winding 43-jewel calibre powering the Academy Zero Gravity Tourbillon comprises a rotor in 950 PT platinum, as well as a 160-part gyroscopic carriage with 10 conical-geared wheels and 6 ball bearings. Like all Zenith El Primero movements, it naturally beats at the frequency of 36,000 vph, and offers a 50-hour power reserve.
In the new Academy Zero Gravity Tourbillon model which has reached the markets in autumn 2009, the mechanical perfection of this revolutionary movement is matched by a classically handsome Academy model belonging to the flagship Zenith collection embodying the quintessence of the watchmaking spirit and contemporary styling. Subtle aesthetic details such as the stepped doublegodrooned case, the sword-shaped hands, as well as the barleycorn and wave guilloché dial patterns express unswerving dedication to fine craftsmanship.
Named “the first” as a symbol of its precedence, its primacy and its universality, the original El Primero chronograph movement is an innovative masterpiece that has since become a benchmark in its field. Having subtly evolved over the years while retaining its signature characteristics, it now appears as an El Primero 469 calibre that is showcased to striking effect in the Collection New Vintage 69, reflecting a vintage model now endowed with a decidedly contemporary touch. The distinctive lines of the original case have been redesigned to create an even more powerful, clean-cut effect. The double glareproofed sapphire crystal ensures an optimal view of the shiny plain black dial graced with applied hand-fitted hourmarkers coated with Superluminova, as well as the black beadblasted hands with white Superluminova. The use of this luminescent substance, along with a clever play on contrasting colours, serves to ensure excellent legibility in all circumstances. The central hour and minute hands are complemented by small seconds on a subdial at 9 o'clock and a date window at 4.30, while the chronograph functions comprise a central seconds hand, 30-minute and 12-hour counters at 3 and 6 o'clock respectively, as well as a tachometric scale around the dial rim serving to measure the speed of travel. This sophisticated timekeeping instrument is teamed with an elegant strap in black alligator leather complete with stainless steel pin buckle.
Timeless in style, the ChronoMaster collection, with its subtle Italianate overtones, threads its way between tradition and modernity. From the double-godrooned case to the authentic barleycorn guilloché motif, it has a look that harks back to the great watchmaking tradition. Its boldly innovative design allows the 36,000 vibrations per hour of the mythical El Primero chronograph to be glimpsed at the heart of the movement. This collection, timeless yet strikingly modern, now joins the Haute Horlogerie universe along with the ChronoMaster Open Grande Date Moon & Sunphase. Illustrating yet again the Manufacture's specialist ability, this unique complication of a Grande Date, Moon and Sunphase chronograph reveals a new El Primero 4047 calibre, with 332 components and 41 jewels, through the opening in the dial. The barleycorn guilloché pattern on the dial, the wavy guilloché motif on the counters and the moon disk, the delicately circular-grained plate and the guilloché-worked oscillating weight offer a range of precise and refined indications of authentic watchmaking know-how. Available in a 45 mm size, the rose gold cases show off a silver dial, whereas those in stainless steel offer the choice of a black or silver dial.
Women will be won over by the new ChronoMaster Moon Phase Lady with its very feminine and timeless design. The godrooned case is smaller and adorned with diamonds whilst the dial wears its shimmering mother-of-pearl coat but keeps the same applied Roman numerals and barleycorn guilloché pattern that made the ChronoMaster so successful. To satisfy every desire, this most romantic of complications is now available in white or rose gold set with 533 round diamonds.
TECHNICAL INFORMATIONS
Academy Tourbillon Zero G
Movement: automatic movement, calibre El Primero 8801, 50h power reserve
Case: 18-carat gold
Diameter: 45mm
Functions: hours, minutes, self-regulating module “Zero-G Tourbillon”, small seconds display
Case-back: sapphire crystal
Strap: black crocodile leather
Water-resistance: 30m
New Vintage 1969
Movement: automatic movement, caliber El Primero 469, 50h power reserve
Case: stainless steel, 18-carat rose gold or titanium
Diameter: 40mm
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph with central seconds hand, 30-minute counter, 12-hour counter, tachometric scale
Case-back: sapphire crystal
Strap: alligator
Water-resistance: 50m
Limited edition
ChronoMaster Moon Phase Lady
Movement:automatic movement, caliber El Primero 410, 50h power reserve
Case: 18 carat rose or white gold set with 533 round diamonds
Diameter: 37.5mm
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date, triple calendar, chronograph with central seconds hand, 30 minute counter, 12-hour counter
Case-back: sapphire crystal
Strap: crocodile leather
Water-resistance: 30m
ChronoMaster Open Grande Date Moon & Sunphase
Movement: automatic movement, caliber New Open El Primero 4047, 50h power reserve
Case: 18 carat rose gold or stainless steel
Diameter: 45 mm
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date, Moon and Sunphase indicator, chronograph with central seconds hand and 30-minute counter
Case-back: sapphire crystal
Strap: crocodile leather
Water-resistance: 30m
