This is what I would call a very elegant chronograph. The 42 mm, very thin timepiece is powered by the manufacturer´s new El Primero 4069 calibre whose balance wheel oscillates with 36.000 A/h.
Last year in Basel Zenith showed me the Elite 6150. The elegant and ultra-thin-timepiece today ranks among the most beautiful wristwatches one can buy.
Now I saw the elegant Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic for the first time and in my eyes this chronograph, with its timelessly understated elegance, has all the chances to become the brands next iconic wristwatch.
Available in stainless steel or pink gold versions, the ultra-thin 42 mm-diameter case features a characteristic pebble shape, enhanced by a fluted crown and rectangular pushpieces. Its flowing curves are underscored by ergonomic lugs ensuring a perfect fit on the wrist. The case is water-resistant to 50 metres and its alternately polished and sandblasted back is fitted with a transparent sapphire crystal enabling one to admire the mechanism of the new El Primero Calibre 4069 and its openworked oscillating weight, decorated with the Zenith star.
Steel version …
CASE, DIAL & HANDS
Material: Stainless steel
Diameter: 42 mm Opening diameter: 35.30 mm
Thickness: 11.80 mm
Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Case-back: Transparent sapphire crystal
Water-resistance: 5 ATM
Dial: Silver-toned Hour-markers: Engraved and rhodium-plated
Hands: Rhodium-plated and faceted
STRAP & BUCKLE
Black alligator leather strap with protective rubber lining Stainless steel triple folding clasp
Reference: 03.2270.4069/01.C493
Price in Austria: EUR 8.200.- including 20 % VAT
Pink Gold version…
CASE, DIAL & HANDS
Material: Rose gold
Diameter: 42 mm Opening diameter: 35.30 mm
Thickness: 11.80 mm
Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-re ective treatment on both sides
Case-back: Transparent sapphire crystal
Water-resistance: 5 ATM
Dial: Silver-toned Hour-markers: Engraved and gold-plated
Hands: Gold-plated and faceted
STRAP & BUCKLE
Brown alligator leather strap with protective rubber lining Rose gold triple folding clasp
Reference: 18.2270.4069/01. C498
Price in Austria: EUR 19.600. – including 20 % VAT
Jewels: 31
Frequency: 36,000 A/h (= 5 Hz)
42mm for a dresswatch is way too big for most of us willing to pay that much… especially with the long lugs on top of that. Just look at the sale pictures : they have to wear it at the end of the wrist so that it does not look too big: you can’t even move the hand upward.
Yes the watch is very elegant and differant for other Zenith productions, but it is sad to go over the 37-39mm… especially with such a small 30mm caliber.
Pleased to see such a move from Zenith, but sad that it hits such perfection (no date, not even the usual “automatic” on the dial) with just one major drawback.
Still waiting for a clever manager in some brand to say “let’s propose two sizes”, after all, even Apple understood it.
Thanks for the article, always full of good content 🙂
Finally a great and elegant chronograph without disturbing date. A must have! Congrats to Zenith! Omega and Breitling should offer chronographs without date too.
Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic looks truly fabulous and I am certain that this watch will be in the wish-list of umpteen number of watch lovers.
I have loved Zenith since 1955, when I was a child, and there has been no sign of abatement in this love affair.
Enjoyed your XL-sized pictures immensely, thanks a lot!
Cliber El Primero 4069: What’s new compared to the previos El Primero calibers?
Very elegant, indeed! The watch in rose gold would be my choice even if the metal has run it’s course with many makers. How do they manage 36.000 bph when everyone else is happy with the very common 28.800 bph?