Did you know? The origin of the rectangular chronograph hand...
Ornatus-Mundi
One of the characteristic details of the original 1969 edition of the Zenith El Primero, was its rectangular marker at the tip of its chronograph seconds counter:
Above I show a Zenith aviation altimeter produced around 1910 originally made for British aviation. That is almost 6 decades a.e.p. (ante El Primero). Note the well-dimensioned counter-weight in black (actually, the El Primero's chronograph hand has one as well. Its just a thicker extension past the central pivot and thus less prominent. But still necessary, particularly if you consider the forces that come with resetting the seconds counter).
More closely, one could imagine its was not only a design feature, but had indeed a clear functional designation:
It did not only emphasise the chronograph, but also offered a means to apply luminous material (and this enable reading stopped time in the dark).
The idea behind could only stem from Zenith's tradition and reputation of producing precision instruments for military, aviation and navigation. Indeed, it actually has its origin in dashboard instruments:
Above I show a Zenith aviation altimeter produced around 1910 originally made for British aviation. That is almost 6 decades a.e.p. (ante El Primero). Note the well-dimensioned counter-weight in black (actually, the El Primero's chronograph hand has one as well. Its just a thicker extension past the central pivot and thus less prominent. But still necessary, particularly if you consider the forces that come with resetting the seconds counter).
This is a fascinating piece of historical information, don't you think?
Cheers,
Magnus
This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2015-07-08 10:19:33
Comments:
cazalea July 8th, 2015-11:17
The counterweight on the opposite end is an interesting feature and I can't recall much discussion about it. Here's a similar black counterweight that is designed to be invisible - indeed I didn't even know that it was on this clock until I double-checked. My El Primero didn't have this recta...
Ornatus-Mundi July 10th, 2015-03:00
That's some variety! What I have seen (and this is not a comprehensive inventory yet) is that the early, probably only the original El Primero models, carried the rectangular box on the seconds counter. I will have to look deeper into my archive. At least (thanks Art!) I lear...
blomman Mr Blue July 8th, 2015-14:18
Great stuff, Magnus! :) Really cool to see the link between the history and more recent history! :) 1969 is my birth year, I really should find one.... Best Blomman
cazalea July 8th, 2015-15:37
Arrgh - 1969 was my graduation year You and Michael Schumacher born; Richard Nixon was President; I was 18 then. No wonder I feel old today!
blomman Mr Blue July 9th, 2015-13:07
Old?! No, you should not, my friend! "Old" is just a state of mind, has nothing to do with age! Best Blomman
amanico July 8th, 2015-14:45
That is the kind of... That is the kind of detail I love. We should try to gather them in one post. Thanks, Magnus. Le 8 juil. 2015 à 19:10, zenith watchprosite < [Email address suppressed for privacy] >
MTF July 8th, 2015-16:35
No I did not know about the rectangle Magnus, Thanks. No many people knew about the altimeter hands' style. It makes sense for luminescent 'rectangle' on the hand as the dial was marked "NON Luminous". It is interesting to note that in 1910, they had not agreed a Universal convention for indi...
BDLJ July 8th, 2015-23:08
Anti-clockwise....a guess. These early altimeters look to be based on lightly modified weather barometers. If you have one on your wall, you'll see that moving from higher to lower pressure (or say, Fair to Stormy) involves anti-clockwise hand rotation, as per going from low to hig...
MTF July 9th, 2015-05:29
It was listed as a Mk V version A altimeter so I guess, the original altimeters may have been in 1910 but later....who knows? Still, the point is that it was a Zenith altimeter with a rectangular indicator on the needle. Regards, MTF
Dr No July 9th, 2015-12:19
. . . and carried over . . . . . . to the New Vintage 1969 iteration . . . . . . as well, Magnus. Quite possibly the handsomest chronograph ever; glad to have enjoyed one for a spell. Cordially, Art ...
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Zenith 410
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I had this Zenith 410 on my grail list since it was introduced and finally made the plunge when the right opportunity presented itself. I was tempted by the limited edition blue dial version but I'm happy I stuck with silver due to the way the silver sunburst finish plays with light and colors in its immediate surroundings. Trying to show how the face reflects different colors Deployant is very secure and features brushed and polished surfaces as does the case. Alligator strap is actually dark brown.
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