This Zenith Class Elite Moonphase watch in 18K rose gold features an elegant and feminine mother-of-pearl dial with rose hands and index hour markers, with the sophisticated moonphase display at 6 and small seconds at 9, in a 33 mm case with an alligator strap. The Zenith Class Elite Moonphase watch is powered by the esteemed Elite self-winding movement.

In harmony with its tradition of innovative mechanisms and landmark introductions perpetuated since 1865, Zenith proudly 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. 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.
The zero gravity principle was thus in fact already at work in marine chronometers, formerly regarded as the ultimate “portable” precision instruments enabling ships to determine their position and thus contributing to safe maritime voyages. Zenith began developing this type of timepiece in the early 20th century and its historical models of this type are still highly sought-after collector’s items. The brand has consistently honed this expertise ever since as part of its ongoing quest for precision, right down to the Zero-G movement embodying a spectacular feat of traditional know-how, sophisticated miniaturisation and cutting-edge technology.

In the new Academy Zero Gravity Tourbillon model reaching 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 double-godrooned case, the sword-shaped hands, as well as the barleycorn and wave guilloché dial patterns express unswerving dedication to fine craftsmanship.

A new take on a time-honoured principle

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 off-centred hours and minutes at 11 o’clock and the “Zero-G” Tourbillon module at 5 o’clock form the outline of a figure 8, a universal symbol of good luck and infinity; while the small seconds appears at 7.30 almost diagonally opposite the distinctively placed crown at 2 o’clock. Anti-reflective sapphire crystal plates on the front protect and enhance the visibility of the multilayered dial and its multiple indications along with the Zero-G module; while the transparent exhibition case-back ensures an optimal view of the stunning intricacies of the movement in operation.

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. Adjusted to the wrist by a black crocodile leather strap with silky alvazel calfskin lining and an 18-carat gold triple folding clasp, the Academy Zero Gravity Tourbillon comes in a choice of white or rose gold. All models are individually numbered.

Source: TheWatchAvenue

This Zenith Grande Class Traveller Open El Primero Multicity watch features a stainless steel case, a silver guilloche dial, and an alligator strap with a triple folding steel clasp. The Zenith Grande Class Traveller Open El Primero Multicity watch utilizes a self-winding Zenith movement with a chronograph function, a world time complication, a large date display, and a power reserve indicator. This timepiece is water resistant to 50 meters.

Swiss luxury watchmaker Zenith turns to the recent past for inspiration with its New Vintage 1969 collection, even as the entire watch industry girds itself for a return to classical values. For Zenith, the year 1969 resonates strongly because that is the year the mighty automatic chronograph movement, El Primero, debuted.

In its own time, this movement was arguably the first automatic mechanical chronograph movement for the wristwatch. There is no argument that it was the most beautiful, being an integrated movement, with vertical clutch column wheel and an unmatched cadence of 36,000 vph.

By way of tribute, Zenith issues three sublime watches that display all the virtues of the past while proudly proclaiming their 21st century sensibilities. What you see here are watches that form a segment of the collection called ‘The Originals’ that truly harken to the 1969 models, with the tonneau shape of the case and the rivet-shaped chrono pushers.

Each model is a chronograph of course, with date complication showing between 4- and 5 o’clock. The topmost image here shows the black titanium model, with transparent dial and exposed movement. The other models are executed in stainless steel and gold, without the transparent dial.