Cazalea takes readers on an engaging road trip through the bustling streets of Los Angeles to visit The Watch Connection in Orange County, where Zenith's 2017 Baselworld novelties were exclusively on display. His report not only showcases the new timepieces but also captures the unique journey through LA traffic, offering a relatable and entertaining backdrop to the watch-viewing experience.
We recently visited LA to check out the Basel World pieces from Rolex. (
CLICK here to see that report.)
I was happy to learn that the Zenith new releases would also be available for viewing, exclusively at the Watch Connection store in Orange County. However, these events were on the same day at the same time, forcing us to work hard criss-crossing the LA basin. To accomplish this meant the Jaguar (speed and comfort), the wife (co-driver and Car Pool Lane enabler), two iPhones (simultaneous Apple Maps and Google Maps navigation), and the Zenith P15 special edition, for timekeeping, of course. Although we could have used one of those Mark Newsome sand glasses to measure our 45 mile drive.
We left the Hotel Bel-Air and headed south about 6:30pm at breakneck speed, hoping to arrive before the Zenith event concluded at 8pm. Luckily we weren't bored by the traffic... how do you like your off-road (commuter) vehicle? Gray Jeep or Gray Range Rover??
Soon we were down to normal LA freeway speed, that is 20 miles per hour.
This trike is an unconventional choice for the evening commute. Safer than a motorcycle, but not able to split the lanes and get home in half the time.
I couldn't quite see the watch he was wearing, and neither could my camera. It looks like a complicated chassis arrangement.
This one's for Bill - the GMC equivalent of the El Camino, known as the Caballero.
Yes, it's a bit rough, but a cool vehicle anyway, and very rare.
Especially rare is this deluxe-trim Amarillo model. Try saying Caballero Amarillo a few times after 4-5 glasses of champagne!
After what seemed like a very long time, we arrived in Costa Mesa. Luckily Michael Pacheco was still there with his presentation and collection of Zenith specialties. It had been a good evening and watches had been sold. But there was still time for food, drink and conversation about Zenith.
It was the first time I'd handed these pieces, even though I've seen the pictures here, of course.
This caseback reminded me of the old motorcyclists we got to know at the Hand & Spear in Weybridge, next to the Brooklands track. I liked the feel of the straps too, with the soft undercoating and snazzy stitching at the tip and base.
I like the look and feel of these watches even though generally they feel too big for my wrist. In contrast, the P15 feels perfect to me.
I like this one too. But please 42mm? or less?
I definitely like the Range Rover edition watch - the ceramic-aluminum composite, the strap's unique look (how will it wear) and the understated design of the dial all work together. Even the date is almost invisible until needed. Apparently Gerry McGovern, the Range Rover's head of styling is a real stickler for details.
He looks like he's conscious of every little detail, doesn't he? I see him at all the motor shows - he's not a guy to stay in the office when the products are launched.
Comparing the mono-color look of the P15 versus the traditional silver and brass movement coloration on the Range Rover.
Big Pilot, at 48mm is just too darn big.
Thank you Michael and Rob and the team at Watch Connection for your hospitality, food, drink and conversation.
Cazalea
