The El Primero, Zenith’s legendary calibre finds a new home in the El Primero Synopsis line.
Zenith El Primero Synopsis – Watchmaking History
The El Primero calibre – it is precise, it is reliable and for those who love a bit of watchmaking history, its story makes for a highly interesting read – it even has its own “ordinary hero” Charles Vermot, without whom the revival of the El Primero would not have been possible, or at least not as authentic. El Primero powered chronograph models make for a fine addition to any watch collection, but for those who lean towards a more uncluttered dial, then a time only wristwatch is often enough. The new Synopsis models offer clean, classy dial arrangements with some highly modern, cutting-edge additions.
Zenith El Primero Synopsis – A Mesmerising Spectacle
The open concept was first unveiled in 2003 offering a glimpse through to the spirited 36,000 vph activity. Since then, Zenith have presented a range of El Primero powered pieces with dial openings but alas, in the past they often jostled for position on dials which included counters. With these new models Zenith give it the attention it deserves with an abundance of empty dial space around it thus showcasing it to great effect. The new Synopsis models also present a new aspect to the mesmerising spectacle, the animated flash of a lever and escape wheel made from silicon, which is harder than steel, low friction coefficient, anti-magnetic, corrosion-resistant and is therefore an entirely suitable inclusion for such an industrious movement.
Zenith El Primero Synopsis – Quiet Refinement
The understated styling of the Synopsis models allows the opening to dominate the dial, but around it everything else is quiet and refined. The dial is silver-toned with a subtle sun-ray effect and is purely classical. The hour markers and hands are either gold-plated or made from steel, rhodium-plated and facetted to catch the light. The positioning of the Zenith logo and its cool little star at the 2 o’clock position ensures that the open section does not make the dial too top-heavy, adding equipoise. A little detailing at the dial edge adds interest, but is not fussy and the open aperture is framed by a polished rim, secured with visible blued screws. Just above the mechanism a blued trident hand ticks off the seconds. An exhibition caseback offers a view of automatic El Primero Calibre 4613 which features an oscillating weight decorated with Côtes de Genève. Power reserve is 50 hours and the movement is sealed within its case for water resistance of up to 100m.
Zenith El Primero Synopsis – Elements of Vintage Styling
These models have gentle rounded cases sized at 40mm across, with slightly domed sapphire crystals, perfect if you like elements of vintage styling. Two case editions, in either pink gold or steel will be available, presented on alligator straps or with an option for bracelet with the steel case edition. If you take the name “Synopsis” literally then it means a “summary” – in which case some will perhaps think it strange that Zenith choose such a model with which to summarize the chronograph-rich El Primero collection – perhaps the answer is to be found in that little flash of purple to be glimpsed, which embraces the future, presented in aesthetics which are highly reflective of Zenith’s past. Sticker price $10,900.