Comments:
The watch is essentially a permutation of all things black. Black - made tantalising through a cocktail of surfaces: shiny and matte, laying with or totally resorbing the light falling on it:
It is not only that. Light on the face really gains a notion of vividness - it has its own life, its own will, curtesy of the small details that make this dial stand out so much. Its a great pleasure to follow the flu of light around these many, adeptly executed fine little edges, corners and plateaus:
Another shot. I could spent hours to appreciate just how well Zenith designed the escapement opening. I know, this has the same shape as with all other open El Primeros, but the choice of a polished black rim around (with its dark glossy finish) is a very thoughtful one in the context of the overall design. Note also its contre-point, the double date window, and its frame design.
This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2015-04-19 09:48:53
BaselWorld 2015: Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Night Vision
With this post I would like to introduce another novelty Zenith presented in Basel 2015, the El Primero Chronometer Night Vision : very modern, very *dark* - mysterious:
The watch is essentially a permutation of all things black. Black - made tantalising through a cocktail of surfaces: shiny and matte, laying with or totally resorbing the light falling on it:
The case: The 'dark hole' of the watch, capturing but not releasing any light. The dial - the sparkling part, with mutating character depending on light influx (power, direction, colour...):
It is not only that. Light on the face really gains a notion of vividness - it has its own life, its own will, curtesy of the small details that make this dial stand out so much. Its a great pleasure to follow the flu of light around these many, adeptly executed fine little edges, corners and plateaus:
Another shot. I could spent hours to appreciate just how well Zenith designed the escapement opening. I know, this has the same shape as with all other open El Primeros, but the choice of a polished black rim around (with its dark glossy finish) is a very thoughtful one in the context of the overall design. Note also its contre-point, the double date window, and its frame design.
The escapement parts are made of silicon, naturally.
This all comes into full play only because of the matte case (plus crown and pushers) is crafted from ceramicised aluminium. Its a very modern material with 6x the Vickers resistance compared to steel, thus extremely scratch proof.
Taking decent images of the back is a serious task itself. The matte finish simply appears to absorb any light hitting it. The image below demonstrates this...
... but a shot of the back does it even better: There is virtually no light reflected by the case and the bezel. The Cal. El Primero 4068 (322 parts) literally takes the centre stage:
I think the choice of ceramicised aluminium as case material is a very wise one. Not only does it absorb all light, it appears to doe the same with the size as well. Imagine this are 45mm:
Wow!
Clearly, Zenith created an imminently interesting watch. A watch which masters light through eschewing (almost) all colour and instead utilise surface structure and dial landscaping to create thrill and suspense. This conceptualisation deserves a second and third view, some time and a bit youthful disregard for conventions to be appreciated in full.
... but a shot of the back does it even better: There is virtually no light reflected by the case and the bezel. The Cal. El Primero 4068 (322 parts) literally takes the centre stage:
Zenith delivers the watch with a black rubber strap with Nomex fabric coating again playing with the light absorbing theme. The strap is quite supple and comfortable to wear.
I admit having not paid much attention when this watch was shown to me during the novelties presentation. But that changed the moment I strapped it on. It just popped on.
I think the choice of ceramicised aluminium as case material is a very wise one. Not only does it absorb all light, it appears to doe the same with the size as well. Imagine this are 45mm:
Wow!
Clearly, Zenith created an imminently interesting watch. A watch which masters light through eschewing (almost) all colour and instead utilise surface structure and dial landscaping to create thrill and suspense. This conceptualisation deserves a second and third view, some time and a bit youthful disregard for conventions to be appreciated in full.
Kudos to Zenith for taking this less travelled road. The watch is a winner!
Thanks for reading,
Magnus
P.S.: the new Chronomaster Night Vision will replace the former Chronomaster Bullit (see shing's report here ; that's where I have taken the image from). Both share the 45mm ceramist aluminium case - but what a difference in appearance! In my view, a very well devised and designed successor.
Very different!
Hm, I think I need to reevaluate my view on black cases....
This one looks very nice!
Thank you for your report, Magnus.
Best
Blomman
This matte finish looks really cool
I never was a fan on the open heart feature on Zeniths but the material used in this watch looks great indeed.
And it seems to be more scratchproof than PVC or DLC, coating solutions I really don't like.
Thanks for the discovery Magnus.
Cheers, Mark
And it seems to be more scratchproof than PVC or DLC, coating solutions I really don't like.
Thanks for the discovery Magnus.
Cheers, Mark
Mark, I am absolutely with you re: coatings...
this always reminds me on gold plated watches. Thus, I can't help it but (in my mind) coatings always have the notion 'entry level' for me.
The matte dark appearance of the case is mesmerising, for sure!
Magnus
Fascinating
This is probably one of the most interesting current El Primeros in my humble opinion and probably the most subdued way to wear a 45mm Zenith. Assuming the case is the same shape and size as the Bullitt one on the last picture, it will still be hard to pull off on a slim wrist but it really looks great to my eyes...
all black Zenith
This is an interesting watch. Thanks for sharing such great pictures of it. Is the buckle made of the same ceramisized aluminum material to match the case?
Regards,
ED-209
Its a folding clasp with colours to match...
but is is made out of black PVD-coated steel.
Thanks,
Magnus
The nicest open heart Zenith in a long while!
The technical characteristics of the ceramicized aluminum are impressive, but it's the massively, massively improved dial that has me excited.
Between this watch and the two classic releases (the new Elite and the chronograph), it is apparent that the design team has really stepped up strongly in 2015. I'm quite impressed.
I like the design...
I like the design of the case and the strap. Good looking modern elegance with a hint of military practicality. I don't like the open-work on the dial however.
Thanks for bringing this watch to my attention! I may have to make a visit to the local dealer and see it in person!
Thanks for bringing this watch to my attention! I may have to make a visit to the local dealer and see it in person!
I like this watch a lot!
... had it in my hands at the Baselworld booth. Loved it from the first moment I saw it.
Fantasized how it would look if the entire movement was in a mat red. Even more stealth?
All the best, Mr.O
Fantastic report
Dear Magnus,
do you know if ceramicised Aluminium is also so scratch resistent as cases completely made of ceramic? What was the reason to use ceramicised Aluminium? Is it lighter than caramic? Or not so brittle like ceramic?
Thanks again for your Report!
stere
Very pertinent questions, which I hope to be able to answer soon! [nt]
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