Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic & Elite 6150 Blue

The silent updates often deserve special attention. This is one such successful effort: With this unannounced and not further communicated novelty, Zenith shows us how a combination of obvious (blue dial) and more subtle changes (... see below ...) can yield a great novelty effect: enter the Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic and the Elite 6150 in stainless steel, each with a blue dial:



The Elite Classic Chronograph was presented last year in Basel, and immediately enjoyed special affection from the watch lovers - most likely due to its classic design with its lovely pebble-shaped case. Aware of its appeal, Zenith this year expanded the collection with this fantastic radiating blue dial version:



Contrasts and readibility are naturally a notch above the silver steel version of last year.



On the back, (almost) nothing has changed except that there is now the proper 'Elite' engraving instead of the former 'El Primero' (not that I mind that one):



A more subtle but very effectful modification concerns the case band. Highly polished at the original presentation of the watch, it is now finely brushed with perpedecular strokes.



This I consider being a quite clever move as it spotlights the curvature of the steel case.



Clever because so far this is limited to the steel version (I still have to find out whether the silver one will gain this finish as well). The red gold has a completely different glow and thus appearance of the case side. Its simply more sensual because of its case material and would not profit form this treatment as much as the more frugal sister.



It is a great watch to wear and myself I am really glad that Zenith added this version to this collection.



It has a lot of presence without taking anything away from its classic elegance.

The Elite 6150 benefitted from the same advances as its more complicated sibling. The larger and less structured dial surface offers greater possibilities for dial effects (in either direction ;-)):



The blue galvanisation acts like a magnifier to expose the contrast (in finish and colour) between the dial area and the engraved indices:

Nothing has changed on the movement front, and this is excellent news. The recently introduced Elite 6150 automatic movement is an interesting offering with a 4 Hz escapement and a substantial 4 days power reserve provided by 2 mainspring barrels. The combination of a high-beat escapement and an extended autonomy is rarely seen!

Like its chronograph sibling, also the case of the Elite 6150 received the brushed finish. Even more so here (because of the slimmer case band) the more extreme curvature of the case is equally well emphasised:

On the wrist, this is a perfect business-elegant watch with some extra spice:





Well done Zenith! I am a great fan of brands who know how to ascertain continued interest in existing models, rejuvenate and fine-tune their collections. The blue is a very adept choice particularly for the Elite collection.

Thanks for reading,
Magnus

This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2016-03-28 11:27:05