Zenith Elite Ladies Moonphase BaselWorld 2016

The Zenith Elite Ladies Moonphase retains exactly the same classy elegance and intellectual sobriety as its male (and 42mm) counterpart. In fact, the proportions are so well preserved that from a quick look one would not notice the difference in diameter (the fact that the Elite 6150 comes only with a central seconds and is (so far) devoid of any complication helps here, I guess):

Even from its side the design language is nicely preserved. note the lack of pusher holes: the moon phase is set with the crown, a very practical solution which sets Zenith’s implementation of this complication atop many competitors in the industry!
 


On the back you clearly notice a difference: instead of the new 100h movement Elite 6150 we find the venerable Elite 692, still good for 50h of autonomy:

Next, let’s appreciate a few details: The dial is finely crafted from mother-or-pearl, the indices are either painted with a generous amount of ink or engraved and rhodium plated (depending on the model; see further below). Matching too the material of the case, both leaf-shaped hour and minute hands come with a red gold or rhodium plating.



The seconds hand is (in any version) blued by hand (using the traditional heat-blueing technique):

I really like this precise and sober execution of the moon phase cutout and disk:

On the wrist, here with Zenith’s Miss R as wrist model, the Elite Ladies Moonphase demonstrates her ethereal beauty and timelessness. It is a timepiece which emphases her wearer’s elegance and competence in style. For a watch defined for a female audience it comes at a generous size, perfected by an accomplished fine-tuned arrangement of details, all in harmonious proportions to each other.

Particularly if viewed from the sides the proportionality becomes apparent:

I think this watch is a serious watch, not only (?) a serious ladies’ timepiece. It combines aesthetic excellence with solid watchmaking content. The example of the moon phase mechanism demonstrates the technical dedication one can expect (but does not always get in exchange for money) from a traditional accomplished manufacture.

With its design and the 36mm case diameter I would go as far as suggesting this watch even for those men who are endowed with slender wrists. Exchange the MOP dial with the brushed one from its 6150 cousin and I think this watch would be a very compelling offering!

Thanks for reading,
Magnus