Zenith El Primero ChronoMaster Terra Review

Ornatus-Mundi · 2014-07-07T10:51:21Z

Discover the Zenith El Primero ChronoMaster Terra, a special edition for Austria/CEE. Ornatus-Mundi reviews its unique earthen dial, silicon escapement, and design balance.

Ornatus-Mundi

WPS member · Zenith forum

8 replies4447 views37 photos

Ornatus-Mundi unveils the Zenith El Primero ChronoMaster Terra, a special edition limited to the Austria/Central & Eastern European market, showcasing how subtle refinements can significantly enhance an existing model. This report delves into the watch's unique earthen color scheme, integrated dial elements, and the striking purple silicon escapement parts. It offers a detailed look at Zenith's ability to balance innovation with tradition, creating a compelling new identity for the brand.

Despite the recent heat here in Vienna Miss R and myself did not pause to bring another rarely seen watch - the Zenith El Primero ChronoMaster Terra , a special edition limited to the Austria/Central & Eastern European market:

Again, what the Austrian team did was to take an existing model and add a very subtle touch of refinement. The outcome is - again - quite convincing:

Let's a bit into detail (who would refuse?): First of all - declaration: I am no fan of open-worked dials! - I find that the earthen colour scheme imbues some restraint and balance to the dial. All elements look so much better integrated, with the aperture being a bit relegated from the frontline:

I also think that the purple colour of the silicon escapement parts get much more attention here:

Fascinating sight, very much 'open-worked' (from the right angle of view, that is):

The image above already hints it a bit. The combination of colours lends a particular attention to the difference surface finishings. From the outer ring we see two different circular brushings contrasted with the central sunburst pattern:

Also the printing stands out (pun intended) with its splendid use of paint but yet very precise application.

All these elements concentrated in the subdials, spiced up with slight 3D effect:

Overall I am quite impressed with the significant effect achieved with the simple modification of the colour concept. This subtlety is not obvious and requires some del understanding of the effects of shapes, surfaces and colours concentrated in the relatively tiny area of a watch dial.

This alone does not tick me over in favour of this watch, but I know a bit more ;-) ... be patient!

Now, lets appreciate the back side. On our way there I think the case side with the pushers warrants some attention, too:

Red gold crown and pushers - an appealing extension from the dial concept over to the back. Particularly the pushers are well executed, with the brushed ring at their head. Another detail I like to the small recess beneath the crown which helps operating it for setting time and date.

More by accident I also managed to 'shed some light' in to the watch's water resistance - literally!

Flipping it by the full 180° - a known (but very much welcome) sight:

The real test for any watch is its presence on the wrist. I cannot complain:

What strikes me the most is the sexiness of the dial. There is a fantastic equilibrium, reapplied through the arrangement of the various indications and openings. Somehow this reveals itself only when worn...

There is one aspect that might rewards some attention by the designers: I have the feeling that the combination of hands and hour indices could be more delicate. Both have - appreciated as a whole - too much 'pop' for my taste.

Overall a very, very tempting addition to the flock of Austrian/CEE special editions. This type of watches is what I would love to see more often - listen Zenith!

Thanks for watching,

Magnus

This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2014-07-07 10:50:35

Key Points from the Discussion

The Zenith El Primero ChronoMaster Terra represents an invigorating highlight of Zenith's best ideas, combining colors, materials, and dial architecture into an ideal basis for a new brand identity that balances innovation, heritage, and elegance.
The author, Ornatus-Mundi, believes this special edition, likely a creation under Mr. Dufour's influence, shows a promising development for Zenith that moves beyond simply reiterating past designs.
Despite generally disliking open-worked dials, the earthen color scheme of the ChronoMaster Terra imbues restraint and balance, making the aperture less prominent and the overall design more integrated.
A collector inquired about the full reference number of this specific version and requested high-resolution images for use as a 4K wallpaper.
The combination of the partly open dial and mixed metal colors on this model evokes a 'Dafy Extreme vibe' for one collector.
Another collector inquired if there was any information about a 36,000 vph El Primero with the same color scheme and materials, which had previously caught their eye.

The Discussion

Tim_M

Jul 7, 2014

Ah, Magnus, thank you for bringing us a showcase this excellent LE. It's an invigorating highlight reel of Zenith's best ideas in a single watch, and I regret that availability will be so restricted. This combination of colors, materials, and dial architecture seems like an ideal basis for a new Zenith identity. It respects tradition without suffering from the conservative orthodoxy that seemed to creep into the JFD catalog, but it also avoids the excesses that handicapped the brand image during

blomman Mr Blue

Jul 7, 2014

I really like the colors on this version! But the partly open dial and mixed metal colors gives me the Dafy Extreme vibe.... Best Blomman

Ornatus-Mundi

Jul 9, 2014

on a possible new direction of Zenith. I have however the impression that this one was still a child of Mr Dufour. But then again this one definitely shows a development which has promise, and does not simply reiterate designs from the past. Well done, Zenith. There are further examples for this, but also for the less audacious concept. Soon more! Cheers, Magnus

Ornatus-Mundi

Jul 9, 2014

but one where I could see myself engaged for a long time. I could 'live' without the dial opening, but for this there are other variants... ;-) Magnus

ifraher

Jul 13, 2014

Great post again Ornatus-Mundi, did you happen to hear anything about the 36,00vph El Primero with the same colour scheme and materials? I was a watch I saw in a Post Basel round up which really caught my eye, a very good looking combination. Thanks

greekgoddj

Dec 21, 2018

Do you know the full reference number of this specific version? Also any chance you have some of these images in super high res? Have a lovely 4K display in need of a beautiful wallpaper Thanks

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