Review
foversta presents a first look at the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969, featuring the new El Primero caliber 4061. This post offers live photos and initial impressions, sparking a community discussion on Zenith's design choices, particularly the controversial open dial concept and sub-dial layout.
The El Primero Chronomaster 1969 is a notable reference within the El Primero collection, distinguished by its open-back design showcasing the high-frequency movement. This particular model pays homage to the original El Primero aesthetic while incorporating modern manufacturing techniques and an exhibition case back, a feature not present in the historical models. It represents a contemporary interpretation of a significant chronograph design, appealing to collectors interested in both heritage and visible mechanical artistry. The dial layout, with its overlapping sub-dials and distinct color scheme, is a direct callback to the early El Primero chronographs.
This reference typically features a stainless steel case, housing the automatic El Primero caliber. The movement operates at a high frequency, characteristic of the El Primero series, providing precise timekeeping and chronograph functionality. The case diameter is a balanced size, suitable for a range of wrist sizes, and it is fitted with a sapphire crystal on both the front and the exhibition case back, allowing for an unobstructed view of the intricate movement. The power reserve is consistent with modern automatic chronographs, offering practical daily wearability.
The Chronomaster 1969 appeals to collectors who appreciate the technical achievements of the El Primero movement and its historical significance, combined with the visual appeal of an open-worked dial section. It stands as a key offering in the contemporary El Primero lineup, bridging the gap between historical designs and modern horological preferences. Variants often include different strap options and minor dial color variations, but the core design language remains consistent across the reference.
It reminds me the gomined era. Seriously, it ruins the dial, in my opinion. Best, Nicolas
Because without the aperture, you have in the El Primero Line the 36.000 VPH (with 42 or 38mm case) and of course, with a different complication the Striking Tenth. Morevover the aperture is also a kind of tribute to the 5hz frequency which becomes visible. Like you, I'm not a fan of dial apertures. But the "open concept" is a pilar of the Zenith collection now and it was the reason why I was not surprised by it. But it wouldn't be my first choice at Zenith and I much prefer this watch without t
as I can see why they would want to show the 5hz movement but it could have been circular to try to match the subdials. However the sub-dials are terrible...the minute dial would be the most useful but it is obscured by the overly large hour dial so any time between 16-25 minutes you would have to guess what the reading was. If they were going to hide one of the dials it should have been the hour one or make them both slightly smaller. Thanks for the pics, Andy.
Like you, I believe (well... I'm sure) that priority goes to the minutes counter. So at least, I would have make it overlap the hours counter. It is a constant issue Zenith is currently facing. The only way to solve this is to draw a sober hours counter like with the Captain or to create an enlarged EP movement. Thanks for your input! Fx
" Hey, look, I have a all new movement to show you "... It is too strongly linked to a gomined way of thinking. Best, Nicolas
i agree. i know it's heresy but i did like some of the style cues of the old regime: this open aperture thing, however, was not one of them. it was just a little outre in my eyes. the new direction of zenith does definitely have some very attractive models, though.
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