Comments:
BaselWorld 2016: New Zenith Elite Collection now in steel/blue combination.
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
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
Really like the Elite 6150!
Exactly where Zenith should be going IMHO. Very elegant, not at all shouty, with a good movement, nicely finished...
Like this collection!
The Elite Chronograph Classic is one of my favourite Zeniths.
Do the iterative changes to the case finish improve the watch? Not so sure myself, as I thought the fully polished case was perfect for this watch (theme: less is more). For the same reason, matching up the colour of the chronograph hands with the timekeeping hands is an improvement.
Noticed the 6150 movement lacks Elite branding. Having two lines named after the two (three) movements continues to be head-scratching - I wonder what Zenith's end game is.
Beautiful. I just wish it came in at <40mm diameter. It would be a killer then [nt]
No message body
The time only ( in pics) has a timeless chic
You could imagine wearing it anywhere from a completely informal setting with a rolled up sleeves type vibe... to a suit and tie...
And anything in between...
I like the chrono... but don't love it.
Zenith seems to be a brand frankly, lost... in terms of identity...
It has the El Primero as its anchor... and maybe almost nothing else...
I find the new Pilot watches ( despite the fact that they 'seem' to be popular --who knows?) to be wannabe type designs...
I respect Zenith a lot and the quality is unassailable... but... so many truly terrible and ghastly designs over the last couple decades...
I do like these two models though..the time only in particular
???
And anything in between...
I like the chrono... but don't love it.
Zenith seems to be a brand frankly, lost... in terms of identity...
It has the El Primero as its anchor... and maybe almost nothing else...
I find the new Pilot watches ( despite the fact that they 'seem' to be popular --who knows?) to be wannabe type designs...
I respect Zenith a lot and the quality is unassailable... but... so many truly terrible and ghastly designs over the last couple decades...
I do like these two models though..the time only in particular
???
Blue dial!
I realise that there are a lot brands launching new collection with blue dial color. But this Zenith is one of the best one. Very classic and understated.
Music to my ears (and eyes!)
Magnus,
Great news indeed, thanks for sharing! I was quite taken with all the nice details about the Elite 6150 last year: the increased movement size, power reserve, beautiful dial and hands, the 42mm case and the case design. It's funny, but the only things I wanted changed were the addition of brushed case sides and a blue dial! Wow, they provided both of these; it's like they read my mind.
Now, I have no reservations about the Elite 6150; unless however, they doubled the price from last year! 
Thanks!
Douglas
I'm convinced of the 6150, too.
Very elegant and simple. Engraved indices is certainly special. Very timeless yet chic piece.
Rgds,
Kolosstt
Rgds,
Kolosstt
El Primero / Elite
Request :
Hi Zenith,
I recently bought an El Primero Classic Chronograph (released during BaselWorld March this year) and I noticed on the case back it has the inscription of "Elite" instead of "El Primero" as seen on Zenith official publication on this watch; may I know the reason behind?
Thank you very much.
Bosco Ku
I recently bought an El Primero Classic Chronograph (released during BaselWorld March this year) and I noticed on the case back it has the inscription of "Elite" instead of "El Primero" as seen on Zenith official publication on this watch; may I know the reason behind?
Thank you very much.
Bosco Ku
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your Email.
We are glad to count as one of our collectors/owners.
The Classic Chronograph have been moved from the El Primero Collection to the Elite Collection.
The movement inside is an El Primero caliber but the aesthetic of the Watch goes in the Elite Collection (together with the New Elite 6150 Model - 3 hands)
All these 3 models are part of the same family of watches in the Elite Collection=> see pictures attached.
That's why the engravings on the back is Elite.
Thank you for your understanding
Best Regards
ZENITH
Branch of LVMH Swiss Manufactures SA
Rue des Billodes 34
CH-2400 Le Locle
Switzerland
Thank you for your Email.
We are glad to count as one of our collectors/owners.
The Classic Chronograph have been moved from the El Primero Collection to the Elite Collection.
The movement inside is an El Primero caliber but the aesthetic of the Watch goes in the Elite Collection (together with the New Elite 6150 Model - 3 hands)
All these 3 models are part of the same family of watches in the Elite Collection=> see pictures attached.
That's why the engravings on the back is Elite.
Thank you for your understanding
Best Regards
ZENITH
Branch of LVMH Swiss Manufactures SA
Rue des Billodes 34
CH-2400 Le Locle
Switzerland