Ornatus-Mundi presents an exclusive look at the Zenith Captain Blue Primero, a limited edition chronograph, through the lens of a lady collector. This article delves into the subtle yet distinctive features that set this 500-piece edition apart, offering a unique perspective on a modern classic.
Meeting with fellow watch collectors from all over the world is one of the most fascinating and rewarding aspect of our passion; getting to know like people, indulging in intense discussion on all things watches, and most of all, getting to handle some really rare and seldomly seen watches.
Sure, many - if not most - such rare piecs are also usually increadibly expensive. But there are exceptions, and one such I would like to present today:
Zenith's Captain Blue Primero watch owned by a lady collector (and shot under clandestine conditions):
This
500-piece limited edition was presented at BaselWorld 2012 as a variant to the (back then still existing)
Captain Collection , the
classical 42mm series of El Primero-equipped watches. It comes with (almost) the same black and mystical dial, with just a few accents which make all the difference:
- Blue Primero instead of El Primero inscription
- blue chronograhp seconds hand
- blue date
- blue stitching and blue inner lining on the strap
The sapphire crystal on top of the dial features an anti-reflective treatment on both sides, which adds flavour(s) of blue to the cocktail:
In the wrist shots below you will see to what extend this coating influences the overall appearance.
On the back, of course, there is an
El Primero 400 B movement in all its glory (and with a few, albeit standard, blue accents as well):
While the watch (in a non limited black version) still exists in Zenith's collection, the designation 'Captain' is gone. Thus, the respective engraving is a welcome nod to the brand's recent past:
With 500 pieces the limited edition is positioned squarly in the midst of such 'tricks', not really rare but also not available at every corner. But what really is the icing on the cake is the edition number the owner managed to snatch (by being extremely fast after the edition was announced):
If one straps it on, it feels immediately comfortable and just 'right', a quality the watch has in common with all the former 'Captain' pieces:
Particularly if combined with a smart casual attire, the subtle blue accents offer a remarkable pleasing spice to the watch:
One detail I think I captured well is how nicely the bezel/case band reflects the image of my jumper, which hints a good case design.
But not let the fun start: The 'light show' on the dial! This impression you know from further above:
Turning it slightly, and the dial oscillates between dark blue and deep black, and the crystal paints some impressionistic dots on it...
Attention: first dot appears at 11 o'clock!
Mystic:
Bottom line:
The Zenith Captain Blue Primero is a lovely designed timepiece. It does not impress with horological complications, instead it offers a mix of solid, manufacture-style watchmaking with lots of pedigree and an historically important movement. The proverbial icing on the cake lies in its design, combining a classical theme with like (=wearable) dimensions and a twist which really lets the watch shine above its siblings.
Thanks for reading:
Magnus
The venue:This should remain a secret. I clandestinely snapped these images in the premises of one of Zenith's main competitors. Thus, as I fear that competitor's equivalent MI6 and its cruel actions, I shall remain silent as to where I took it. Just one thing: its a place worthwile visiting, also filled with horological history...
P.S.: Zenith also offered (earlier) a
Red Primero. For more images please read Ianmar's report here:
click me! 
