The Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic we will Review now is one of those cases. Let’s start!
Today we’ll take an up-close and personal look at the Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic which is a nice example of how classic design and finesse can always exude a collector’s heart.
The collection holds a few versions as of gift. This collection won’t need that many models since each of the ones in this show look quite perfect just the way that they are. In order 100% Nominal, it would be hard to select one absolute favorite so for the sake of keeping it simple, we will use model # 18.2270.4069/18. c498.
One of the most noticeable things about this watch is the beautiful bronze dial that has a nice grain sunray finish radiating from the center of the dial outwards. The dial has a virtually painted brown end with a linear color gradation which is darker on top and bottom of the dial but lighter at the middle. It captures the light in a manner that gives the watch that shiny watch advertisement professional picture look anywhere you go.
As if that wasn’t enough to impress me, the 18kt rose gold substance used for the case, crown, chronograph pushers, indicator hour markers, and hands is the ideal complementary tone to bring out the attractive dial. It is certainly a looker, and quite aesthetically pleasing, yet it remains classic and simple in its design.
One thing I noticed about the hour markers is that it uses a double index for even-numbered hours plus a single index hour marker for its odd amount. I respect a watch that can have a simplistic beauty without needing to go overboard on complicated design features and unnecessary bells and whistles.
A 30-minute chronograph counter sub-register and tiny seconds sub-dial are printed directly on the primary dial in a thin sans-serif font. The dial has a white, printed moments and split-seconds track wrapping around the perimeter. The split-seconds are useful since this is a highly precise chronograph in the end.
This should come as no surprise since the Elite Chronograph Classic is powered by none other than the renowned El Primero caliber 4069 which founded on the Zenith El Primero 400. Other brands have used this foundation grade also including Panerai watches in their own caliber OP IV found in some of their Luminor Chrono watches, as well as the Panerai OP VI caliber found at the Luminor Chrono Flyback (model # PAM00060). Hublot also utilizes this base in their own HUB 4700 caliber found in many of the Spirit of Big Bang watches, so does TAG Heuer in their Carrera Calibre 36 Flyback watches, and BVLGARI features it well in their BVL 328 caliber which powers many of their Bulgari Octo Velocissimo watches.
If those watchmakers are not proof enough that this is an excellent movement, let its esteemed COSC certified Chronometer designation talk volumes because of its high precision. The Zenith El Primero 4069 movement is an automatic/self-winding mechanical high beat movement that works at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour or 5Hz. This beautifully completed caliber can be viewed in action during the see-through sapphire case back. It contains 31 stones and has a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. The motion also allows for hours, minutes, and small seconds. The semi-skeletonized weighted rotor which does the automated self-winding can be seen via the case back and can be adorned with all the words Zenith El Primero, Manufacture Le Clocle, also has the Zenith iconic celebrity that’s filled in black.
The 41mm instance has a wonderful traditional dimensions and is just 11.80mm thick and is superbly polished. The case back is fastened with 4 screwsin each corner, and includes a scratch resistance sapphire crystal onto the front and rear of the situation. Even though this isn’t the kind of watch you would want to take swimming it will have sufficient water resistance to do some mild poolside swimmingpool.
All in allthis is an easy watch to become infatuated with and it certainly catches the eye. It fastens to your wrist using an 18kt rose gold push-button deployant buckle. The rose gold clasp has a blend of brushed and polished finishing and has a polished star. It is a finely made timepiece really and will look magnificent on pretty much any wrist.
