Zenith El Primero Rattrapante PVD
July 7, 2021Zenith has led the world with their technical innovations and mastery of various complications. The El Primero Rattrapante holds true to this statement with its functionality and overall precision. As the name suggests this model uses the spectacularly efficient Zenith El Primero mechanical self-winding movement which beats at an astounding 36,000 vph.
The high rate of alternations is the secret to the El Primero’s success as it ensures a higher degree of accuracy than most other watches which oscillate at 21,600 0r even 28,800 vph. The El Primero has been used by nearly every brand from Movado to Rolex and was one of the first automatic chronograph movements in existence when it was patented in 1969.
The case of the Zenith El Primero Rattrapante is made from brushed and polished stainless steel and it carries dimensions of 44mm for the diameter and stands on the wrist with a case thickness of 16mm. The bezel is fixed and holds the highly scratch resistant and anti-reflective sapphire crystal. The prominent crown is ridged while the polished double chronograph push pieces stand on either side of it. Naturally, Zenith shows off the Cotes de Genève decorated movement through an exhibition case back.
This Zenith El Primero timepiece has a black dial with a white minute track and white second demarcations on the flange. The dial is also enhanced by the presence of a large double date window at the 6 o’ clock position. The continuous seconds subdial can be found at 9 while the chronograph minutes register is located at 3. Each of the hands and hour markers are made from rhodium and carry lume from the Superluminova series SLN C1.
A Rattrapante is a variation from the traditional chronograph where the user can record multiple times using the pushers. Rattrapantes are sometimes called double chronographs because of the secondary chronograph seconds hand. On this model the primary chronograph seconds hand is silver toned and tipped in red while the Rattrapante seconds hand is all red. Both hands carry the 5 pointed star logo of Zenith.
The black alligator leather strap employs a triple folding clasp to secure this piece to the wrist. The Zenith El Primero is made to resist water pressure of up to 100 meters (10 bars) and is backed by a worldwide accepted warranty. This model retails for $16,400.00 and is available around the world.
Zenith introduces the first model in a new line that is set to become a benchmark in its chronograph collection. The handsome new 44 mm-diameter case in stainless steel, black PVD or PVD and rose gold versions houses 32-jewel, 36,000 vph El Primero Calibre 4026, a split-second chronograph movement chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute). Endowed with a 50-hour power reserve, this self-winding calibre features an oscillating weight adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif, as well as NAC electroplating on the bridges and mainplate for the black PVD version – details that can be admired through the transparent sapphire crystal case-back. The black sunray dial is distinguished by circular satinbrushed zones as well as Superluminova-coated facetted hands and hour-markers. It displays the various functions in an eminently legible manner: central hours and minutes, small seconds at 9 o’clock, large double-date window at 6 o’clock, a 30- minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock along with red/white colour-coded splitsecond and chronograph hands bearing the Zenith signature star ensuring both enhanced clarity and undeniable visual appeal. This resolutely functional and ultraaccurate new timepiece from Zenith is secured to the wrist with a black rubber-lined alligator strap.