28 January 2014 | Zenith , 30 minutes on the wrist Baselworld 2014

Pre-BASEL 2014: ZENITH El Primero 410

Last 22 january, when i went the 7^th floor at the Kempiski Hotel in Geneva, i knew i had previewed the pre-Baselworld novelties by ZENITH. The Kempiski Hotel has been the venue where the Geneva Trade Fair has taken place, the fair that sees LVMH brands preview their 2014 upcoming collections. I did, anyway, never thought i would have previewed so many new timepieces:

The first one, by the way, hs been already covered and is, in my opinion, one of the coolest pilot watches ever (here), the 2^nd one is different, as it reminds of ZENITH's recent history: we're talking about the new ZENITH El Primero 410. Both timepieces share common values, not being the star like brand logo, but...authenticity!Get rid of those guerrilla marketing strategies (as aggressive as the product itself is unexcellent); not only do they not represent the ZENITH's “style statement”, they simply do not need any:

the model's name's the right answer: ZENITH El Primero 410. No “chrono” naming as El Primero says it all; just scream "410" and you'll see connoisseurs turn their heads. For calibre El Primero is a milestone in the history of automatic chronograph movements, and this upgraded triple calendar version is renowned as well. I spent some time searching and reading enthusiasts' posts about calibre 410, from people who bought a calibre 410 or were given one back in the 70's and i found this picture:

Take a look at dial and movement...unchanged!This is what i do like most: ZENITH are back to their roots and are pleasing us with their original three-counter chronograph again. With just a touch of modernity: the stainless steel case has grown to 42mm, a little bit less classical to be honest, but mandatory if you want today widen your customers portfolio. And the alligator strap which sports a triple folding clasp and the inner part made out of cautchouc. Through the transparent case back, you can admire the calibre 410, the most famous 5Hz automatic chrono movement in the history of watchmaking, with a bi-directional Cotes de Geneve winding rotor to remind you, via a lettering, ZENITH is a true manufacture!

Gaetano C. @Horbiter - Watches & Luxury

TWITTER @Gaetano Cimmino

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