Cheap Zenith Automatic Watches, Copy Zenith Automatic Watch

Zenith El Primero 36.000 VPH Black (03.2040.400/21.C496)

This would be a cute, funky watch- and the price was right- if you could see the dials to actually tell what time it is. The leopard background makes the gold dial almost invisible.

---- [Rating: 5 / 5 stars]

Review by Michael G, From Brazil S?o Paulo

Zenith Captain Central Second White Brown Leather Men's Watch 18.2020.670/11.C498

Great, comfortable, nice looking Zenith Captain Central Second White Brown Leather Men's 18.2020.670/11.C498 watch. It is wearing well and has a nice satin finish. I have one in silver/gold tones, and they are great watches for the price.

---- [Rating: 5 / 5 stars]

Review by jessica sewell, From France Houilles

Zenith El Primero 36000 VPH Black Dial Black Leather Men's Watch 03.2043.400/25.C703

I just received my Zenith El Primero watch and wow. It really looks expensive. I have a friend that just received a boyfriend style watch for a gift that was very expensive and this one looks nicer than the one she has. I have very small wrist, but this still looks nice. I will have to have it sized but it wont take away from the beautiful appearance. I love it so much.

---- [Rating: 5 / 5 stars]

Review by Hannah Simmons, From USA Baton Rouge

SalonQP, in partnership with the Fondation de le Haute Horlogerie, is presenting a new exhibition at this year's show. 'Inside A Second' recounts the history, development and state of the art versions of the chronograph. The exhibition will take place in a dedicated space within the Saatchi Gallery on the second floor.

Chronographs feature in the catalogues of almost every exhibitor at SalonQP and are the most familiar and simple to use 'complication' in wristwatches. Their development, use and impact have been vital to the history of watchmaking, whether as tools to measure performance or challenges to test designers.

The exhibition, curated by James Gurney, founder of SalonQP, will explore the history of the chronograph through design, technical development and use, demonstrating how to show recorded time in the limited space of a wristwatch, illustrating the technical elements behind the chronograph, from early stop-watches to 1/100th of a second chronographs, and highlighting the wide reaching use of the chronograph, which have been utilised by professionals involved in science, industry, the military and sports.

Highlights include mechanical creations such as the 1820's inking timer invented by Nicholas Rieussec for timing race horses, pocket-watch chronographs from Vacheron Constantin, and some of the 20th Century's most important wristwatches, including the newly unveiled Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition, Zenith's El Primero and the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona.

"As a curated exhibition focussed on a key aspect of watchmaking, 'Inside A Second' adds a new dimension to SalonQP. As with Gems of Time, the aim is to present a narrative that resonates across the brand universe and will enhance the SalonQP experience." expressed James Gurney - SalonQP founder.

This summer, Zenith adds three new high-flying references to its Pilot collection. Last week we introduced the Pilot Type 20 Hommage a Louis Bleriot. Today, we are focusing on the second timepiece, the Pilot Type 20 Skeleton.

Embodying top-flight craftsmanship and watchmaking techniques, the new Pilot Type 20 Squelette houses the Calibre 5011K. This famous pocket-watch movement has been entirely skeletonised in order to reveal the mechanism, while avoiding any compromise in terms of its resistance and reliability.
This construction is 'airy' in two key respects. On the one hand, its skeleton-working stems from a particularly demanding and meticulous art performed using the historical bocfil (tiny hacksaw) technique that stems from a tradition of more than 200 years of workmanship. This delicate task consists of engraving and hollowing out the movement by hand with a constant concern for perfect aesthetic and functionality. This is a dizzyingly complex operation, especially given the imposing size of the balance wheel and barrel which exert considerable tensile and traction forces. On the other hand, the nimble hands of skilled and experienced artisans create an aviation-inspired architectural motif featuring sleek lines evoking aircraft turbines or wings. Its finely curved lines are enhanced by fine sandblasting and hand-finished angles, all revealed through the transparency of the sapphire crystal dial and case-back.

Topped by a blue enamel bezel, the 60 mm-diameter case carved in sapphire provides plenty of scope for an exceptional finish. Its gold bezel and lugs are hand-engraved, forming a geometrical motif inspired by the fuselage of Louis Bleriot's planes. The new Pilot Type 20 Squelette watch - displaying all the distinctive identity codes of Zenith aviator watches including a broad ratcheted crown enabling easy adjustment with pilot's gloves, as well as stylised hours and minutes hands sweeping over large impeccably legible numerals - is entirely in tune with the DNA of the collection. At the heart of this composition, the gold hands as well as the hollowed and blued Arabic numerals echo the blue enamel on the bezel, displaying the essential functions of the entirely skeleton-worked manual-winding Calibre 5011K. It embodies the glorious origins of the 5011 pocket-watch calibre that distinguished itself by its remarkable precision from the 1960s onwards and equipped marine chronometers and pocket watches.

2014 was and action-packed year for Spindrift racing, which was rewarded with three podium finishes: Yann Guichard's single-handed second-place finish in the Route du Rhum, Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing's third-place finish in the Vulcain Trophy, and a victory at the Bol d'Or Mirabaud. The maxi-trimaran is now at the Multiplast boatyard in Vannes for its winter refit. No sooner has the 2014 chapter come to an end than the 2015 chapter already begins. The new season will focus on crewed sailing, with the crew members participating in three events aboard three different boats: the D35 Championship from May to September on Lake Leman, aboard the D35; the Tour de France a la Voile in July, aboard the new Diam 24 trimaran; and the Jules Verne Trophy next winter, aboard Spindrift 2.

"2014 was a very positive year for Spindrift racing," said Dona Bertarelli. "The podium finishes in the D35 circuit and in the Route du Rhum rewarded the hard work put in by the team, who have achieved ambitious technical and sporting goals. I also want to mention our partners - Mirabaud, Genes-x and Zenith - who have believed in our project since the very beginning. Spindrift racing has earned its stripes and has quickly become one of the most prominent teams in professional sailing. Our results inspire us to push even harder. Development continues around a team that will keep growing, and our team base in Saint-Philibert, France, is currently expanding to take on new and exciting challenges in 2015. The highlight of the year will be the Jules Verne Trophy attempt with Spindrift 2, a test that will require a huge commitment from Yann and me, as well as from the team. The team believes we shouldn't just race against the clock. We should also race against other teams, which is why I will be delighted to race on the D35 circuit for the ninth consecutive year, and the team will also compete in the Tour de France a la Voile, which is now a multihull event."

Spindrift racing 's 2015 schedule:

December-April: optimisation of Spindrift 2 at the Multiplast boatyard in Vannes.
January-April: D35 training in Switzerland (Versoix) and Diam 24 training in France (La Trinite-sur-Mer).
May-September: D35 Grand Prix series on Lake Leman and the Bol d'Or Mirabaud.
May-October: Diam 24 circuit regattas (details to be confirmed).
July: Tour de France a la Voile on the Diam 24.
August: Rolex Fastnet Race on Spindrift 2 and possible record attempts (English Channel, British Isles...).
November: start of Spindrift 2 stand-by for Jules Verne Trophy record attempt.
 

A brilliant birth
Right from the start, horological luminescence explored uncharted territory through a pioneering association between chemistry and watchmaking that has now become commonplace.

The partnership did not always go smoothly, since the first 19th century luminescent materials were radioactive when released into the air. Radium was the first element to be used, subsequently replaced by the less harmful but nonetheless also radioactive tritium. In the early 1990s, the latter was also discarded and a Japanese company named Nemoto developed the first non-radioactive substitute: Super-LumiNova.

The current situation is thus quite clear-cut and involves only two possible processes: one based on Super-LumiNova; and the other on liquid composites that are still radioactive but now encapsulated. Alongside these options is one forming a bridge between these two worlds and which involves encapsulating Super-LumiNova. The main advantage is the possibility of enclosing up to 10 times larger quantities resulting in brighter luminescence, but it nonetheless remains fairly marginal.

Preconceived bright ideas
Despite the limpidity of the situation, certain preconceived ideas linger on. The first is that Super-LumiNova is better than LumiNova. Absolutely not: these two entirely separate products are based on different compositions, meaning different applications. LumiNova is a mass-produced industrial substance notably used in signage systems, while Super-LumiNova is exclusively reserved for watchmaking.

Subsequently, as Super-LumiNova has become more widely used, people have come to believe that it always had this blue-green colour for which it is known. That's also wrong, and doubly so! In actual fact the night-time pigment may be blue or green, or in some extremely rare cases red, although this third colour calls for more developments as well as an extremely stable physical environment and is only very exceptionally used in watchmaking. Daytime pigments are a whole different story, however, and all manner of colours are possible. By combining both worlds, one could therefore have an index of any colour by day but which by night will only shine green or blue, or possibly blue-green.

The third popular belief is that Super-LumiNova is a generic product freely available to all. This particular one is both true… and false, since the 1994 patent protecting the elaboration of the material for a 20-year period only actually expired this year. Nonetheless, joint venture between Nemoto and its partner Tritec had anticipated this milestone and other patents had been filed meanwhile. In actual fact, it is currently almost impossible to reproduce Super-LumiNova without infringing one of these new patents.
Is this just about securing legal protection? Definitely not only that, since the material first elaborated in 1994 has evolved considerably and has very little in common with that used in 2014. The joint venture thus set out to protect substantial R&D investments. Among the results achieved over the years, the luminous intensity seen in 2014 is about twice that of the original product.
This potential has notably been exploited by JeanRichard, which entrusted the execution of its work to an intermediary, named Billight. The latter has also distinguished itself by handling the luminescence of certain models by IWC, Speake-Marin (Spirit, Chanel (J12), Zenith (Pilot) as well as F.P. Journe (L'Elegante).

Alternative paths
Alongside Super-LumiNova, MB-Microtec is the king of sealing GTLS, meaning "gaseous tritium light sources", the second luminescence procedure currently in use.
This company's strength lies in the ability to achieve hermetically sealed encapsulation of radioactive luminescent elements. Its clients include Ball Watch, a brand well known for its luminescence system. Luminox is also based on the same procedure supplied by MB-Microtec.
 

The luminescent value of encapsulated tritium is now clearly acknowledged. While a Super-LumiNova will begin to dim after 15 to 20 minutes, a tritium capsule will only do so after 15 to 20 years - not to mention that the latter is permanently luminescent and shines without needing to be exposed to a light source.
Nonetheless, the process has its limits. To begin with, despite the solidity of the capsule, several countries forbid access to radioactive GTLS. Moreover, the latter tend to be fairly thick, which is why many brands prefer to avoid them. And finally, the tubes encapsulating the precious tritium are made of glass. When protected by a sapphire crystal, they are out of harm's way, but if exposed to air by being placed on a bezel, the risk of breakage is still too high - which explains why it is still proving to hard to make a bezel permanently luminescent. Encapsulated tritium is thus out of bounds on the bezel and there is clearly still quite a bit of scientific progress waiting to be made.
 

The Star 33mm is at once classic in terms of its understated shape and yet timeless through the elegance of its style. Its design is pared-down and adorned only with essentials - the sparkle of diamonds - denoting an authentic character that transcends ephemeral trends.

Three interpretations are now available: a model for daytime wear, another for the evening, as well as a gala watch.
The first has an understated white mother-of-pearl dial set with 12 brilliant-cut hour-markers and rimmed by an inner bezel ring adorned with 72 VVS diamonds of the same size (approx. 0.45 cts).

The second model, with a dial bearing just 12 diamonds serving as hour-markers, is distinguished by a bezel set with 104 brilliant-cut VVS diamonds (approx. 0.74 cts) along with a buckle set with 42 diamonds of the same quality and size (0.28 cts).

The third watch features a case, bezel, dial and pin buckle entirely set with 765 diamonds totalling 4.49 cts.

While these two-hand models water-resistant to 30 metres and measuring just 9.45 mm thick do not house any horological complications, they are driven by an Elite 681 ultra-thin automatic Manufacture movement beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and endowed with a minimum 50-hour power reserve. The movement and its oscillating weight, decorated with a Côtes de Geneve motif, may be admired through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback.

Since its founding in Le Locle in 1865, the Manufacture Zenith has constantly pushed the boundaries of precision. A quest notably expressed through the conception of the El Primero movement beating at the exceptional frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, followed by the invention of a gravity control system - the ultimate evolution of the marine chronometer. While the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane combines these two guarantors of absolute precision, it adds a third enhancement, this time based on the suppression of deviations from isochronism. Its fusee-chain transmission system guarantees constant force, resulting in rigorously stable amplitude throughout the running period..

THE RULE OF THREE
While Christophe Columbus discovered a land harbouring infinite possibilities, the Academy Hurricane named after him offers the key to handling the three challenges involved in ensuring the optimal precision in a wristwatch: achieving a high oscillating frequency for time sequencing; neutralising the effects of gravity detrimental to its rate; and eliminating variations in isochronism. In other words, the goal is to solve issues relating to the wearing of the watch (gravity) and to the duration of its operation (progressive loss of isochronism - the identical oscillations of the regulating organ - as the watch gradually discharges), while nonetheless achieving remarkably precise time measurement (governed by the speed of the balance movements).

FUSeE-CHAIN TRANSMISSION ENSURING CONSTANT FORCE
Whereas the majority of 16th, 17th and 18th century timepieces were equipped with a fusee to regulate the driving force transmitted to the going train, things are very different today. It took two years to Zenith to fine-tune the fusee-chain mechanism. This is because of the vast differences existing between the marine chronometers that inspired the Hurricane and a 45 mm-diameter wristwatch.

The gradual discharging of a mechanical watch causes a loss of amplitude and a corresponding loss of precision. On the contrary, with a fusee-chain transmission system, the driving force remains entirely stable throughout the duration of the power reserve. Whereas the spring at its heart imparts its strength to the barrel, the helicoidal shape of the fusee - stemming from a complex calculation performed specifically for the mainspring - compensates for the variations in force of the barrel that will progressively occur. The transmission between the barrel and the fusee of the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane is handled via an 18 cm-long chain composed of 585 parts. This extremely complex component features a construction based on alternating double and intermediate links, while the dimensions of the rivets are the object of sophisticated calculations designed to control their clearance. While handling the chain calls for infinite expertise and care, it is capable of withstanding over three-kilogramme tensile force once it is fitted in place.

Throughout the duration of the power reserve, the barrel transmits its force to the fusee via the chain that is wrapped around the barrel. By adjusting variations in tension, the fusee transmits its constant force to the going train that in turn imparts it to the silicon escape-wheel inside the gyroscopic carriage. While it takes over 50 hours - the entire duration of power reserve - for the chain to wrap itself entirely around the barrel, the stem-winding process is a fascinating sight. The few seconds it lasts provide a chance to see the fusee and barrel turning the opposite way in relation to the operating direction, so that the chain can once again wrap itself around the fusee and thereby wind its spring.

The shape of the fusee used in the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane was dictated by the optimal force with which the Zenith master-watchmakers wished to endow the barrel. Its grooved cone-like silhouette as well as its dimensions stem from careful calculations, notably combining theoretical force and the duration of the power reserve. These particularly complex calculations were performed for each of the seven stages involved in the construction. Without the integration of all relevant professions within the Manufacture Zenith, and particularly that of movement prototype-making, along with the use of sophisticated equipment, this fusee might well have proved impossible to create. This is a key strength for an integrated Manufacture, of which the swift responsiveness represents another significant asset.

GRAVITY CONTROL: CHALLENGING PHYSICAL LAWS
Along with its fusee-chain transmission that eliminates variations in isochronism, the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane also cancels out another phenomenon exercising a detrimental effect on the rate of a mechanical watch: gravity.
Working on the principle that maintaining the regulating organ in a horizontal position results in the best possible balance amplitude and thus generates the best timekeeping precision, Zenith conceived and patented a revolutionary Gravity Control system designed to ensure that the regulating organ and the escapement are permanently kept in this position. An avant-garde device revealing the brand's undeniable boldness, the Gravity Control system is also a tribute to history in that it is inspired by the marine chronometers historically produced by Zenith.

Gravity Control derives from these legendary instruments the principle of gimbal suspension, a kind of pivoted support first introduced on marine compasses in the 16th century and designed to enable them to turn and maintain their horizontal position, even when they were no longer aligned due to the pitching and rolling of a ship.
With the subsequent emergence of pocket-watches, these same means could no longer be applied, because they would have required fitting a voluminous 50 mm mechanism inside a pocket. The tourbillon was therefore invented to compensate for the variations in rate of the watch, based on the principle that it remained in a vertical position inside a pocket and that only the winding-stem shifted from side to side.

Today, classic wristwatch tourbillons continue to correct for the various positions by equalling them out along the four vertical axes every minute. Inclined or multi-axis tourbillons establish even more positions, even though they only remain briefly in a horizontal position and only in fact correct the sum of several errors induced by numerous wrist movements.

With its self-regulating gyroscopic mechanism, the Gravity Control system serves to keep the escapement permanently in a horizontal position, whatever the slant of the wrist, and thereby embodies the ultimate evolution of the marine chronometer.

A FASCINATING MECHANISM EPITOMISING THE SPIRIT OF TRAVEL
Because Zenith consistently reconciles boldness and authenticity with aesthetic pleasure, the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurriscane is not only an unprecedented accomplishment in terms of precision, but also a constant visual delight. Its all-of-a-piece sapphire crystal showcases the shining mechanical refinement of the fusee-chain system, revealing the barrel and the fusee around which the chain progressively wraps itself. At 6 o'clock, the gyroscopic carriage, a magnificent 173-part horological gem, enchants the admiring gaze with its ethereal whirling motion. The roundness of the dome is echoed by the curves of the openworked hour and minute dial at 12 o'clock, while the hand-guilloche small seconds and power-reserve displays are also subtly convex. On the bridge side, the sapphire crystal reveals a globe motif laser-engraved on the counterweight of the gyroscopic module, paying a glowing tribute to the spirit of travel epitomised by Christophe Colombus. A truly perfect symbol of this exceptional timepiece issued in a 25-piece limited edition!

GMT No 28 - Summer 2012

Sports, motor racing and aviation for example, have long held an irresistible attraction. The requirements of the various disciplines in terms of useful information have encouraged watchmakers to come up with new ideas for mechanical functions or to devise new materials. The resulting innovative solutions often go way beyond the limits of the original application. The wrist or cockpit instruments made for such aviation pioneers as Louis Bleriot testify to Zenith's decades-long involvement with these outstanding adventurers. The brand's new Pilot collection recalls the fl ying hours accumulated since the company's foundation in 1865. The Pilot Doublematic is the model reviewed here.

ON THE OUTSIDE

The exterior of the watch is often considered a purely stylistic feature, but it also plays a major technical role. This is particularly true of pilot's watches. The most important criterion is to have a dial that is easy to read. The recognised aviation standard is a black dial with white hands and numerals — a combination that provides the best clarity in all lighting conditions. The Doublematic model complies with this standard and provides a clear indication of the time on a rather cluttered dial. Its matt black surface makes a nice contrast with the eff ective luminous coating of the hands and numerals in snowy white.

The steel case, also available in pink gold, measures 45mm in diameter, just enough to display the indications distinctly and accommodate the various control buttons around the caseband without resorting to a cumbersome lump of metal. The bevelled sapphire-crystal glass rises a generous 2mm above the bezel for visual effect, protecting the latter from scratches. The crown and the chronograph buttons are on the right of the caseband; on the opposite side can be found a crown to set universal time and another, equipped with a button, controls the alarm functions. The combination looks ready for action and the design is modern with the stylistic features going back to the early days of the El Primero movement.

THE WORKS

Among the many movement calibres produced by the Le Locle manufacturing company, the high-frequency El Primero chronograph movement vibrating 36,000 times an hour is undoubtedly the star. The impressive feature of this movement here is its mechanical efficiency, despite having to drive a large date, universal time and an alarm in addition to its usual chronograph functions. The chronograph does without an hours counter and running seconds. In addition to the central chronograph seconds hand, the function includes a 30-minute counter in its usual position at 3 o'clock. We needn't go into the basic movement and the chronograph functions since these are well known and have already been reviewed. Nevertheless we can point to the column-wheel that orchestrates the functions and to the fact that this was the first chronograph that measured the tenths of a second. The additional functions are more worthy of interest, starting with the universal time for a flight crossing several timezones. This is arranged around the edge of the dial with the names of the cities in full for optimal legibility.

Appearing above the 30-minute counter, the large date has all the attributes of greatness. The disc for the tens is concentric with that of the units, which is pared down to bring them to the same level. This construction avoids the inelegant step between the two discs and allows an unbroken aperture in the dial. It furthermore prevents the two discs going out of phase because of tight clearances. Opposite are the essential alarm indications. The alarm hand is in the centre so that the time can be set exactly. A small aperture at 8 o'clock indicates whether the alarm is turned on or off. One useful, if not indispensible feature, is an indication of the power reserve available in the spring powering the alarm. The sapphire-crystal caseback reveals the movement's impeccable finish.

THE TESTS

As an indication of the confidence Zenith has in the quality and reliability of this new model, the watch made available for testing was a prototype, in which no fault could be found. The quality of the El Primero movement is generally acknowledged. Its 5Hz frequency has given it an exemplary precision since it was launched in 1969. The horizontal balance amplitude remained above 285° whether the chronograph was running or not and did not drop below 250° when the balance was vertical. The maximum loss of amplitude after 24 hours was less than 25°. The measured rates stayed between 0 and +8 seconds a day with a variation of 5 seconds — well within the requirements for a chronometer certificate.

The additional complications, whether the large date or the universal time, take very little energy. The alarm, of course, has its own power source. There is no reduction in zenith's indicated power reserve of 50 hours. Two measurements showed that the power reserve in fact exceeded the manufacturer's figure by two or three hours. The Doublematic sits comfortably on the wrist and the outsize controls for the timezones and the alarm are cleverly positioned so as not to get in the way— provide the watch is worn on the left arm.

The unexpected novelty from Zenith is the alarm — a useful, though rare, complication. The alarm is rung on a gong, which gives a crystal clear sound loud enough to awaken you in a quiet environment. The duration of the alarm, which is often insufficient in his type of movement, is astonishing. The space taken up by the alarm's barrel and mechanism seems insignificant in a watch of this size, yet it rings for a full 35 seconds. The escapement for the alarm has thus been designed and adjusted for a perfect compromise between duration and volume.

IN CONCLUSION

Pilots do not really need a wristwatch to plan or navigate their flight. Furthermore they do not time a given period, but set a time for an event such as a change of course. Nevertheless, wearing a reliable and accurate watch is one of those extra precautions that make flying the safest way to travel. Even if you're not a pilot, it's worth choosing a watch reputed for its accurate timekeeping and made by a company with a long and varied experience in this kind of instrument. Those who make that choice can be assured of precision and peace of mind, as well as a few hundred grams packed with legendary exploits on their wrist.

One of the most difficult feats to perform in watchmaking is constructing a tourbillon. This mechanical element improves precision by counterbalancing perturbations created by the Earth's attraction on the balance's regularity. The correction is made by having the balance and the escapement turn on themselves. In Switzerland these days, you could count on one hand the number of watchmakers capable of constructing it. So, a "homemade tourbillon" is a sure sign that the company possesses and masters watchmaking know-how. ZENITH is no longer content to resolve just one difficulty, no matter how complex it may be. Our tourbillon is combined with a chronograph calibre with a calendar - another watchmaking complication - and a high frequency, a third challenge. It is the only watch on the market with such a complex mechanism, aiming to attain the most precise chronometric performance possible. Furthermore, its value for the money is unequalled on the market, for a truly exceptional piece of timekeeping that joins the family of Zenith 's iconic models — taking pride of place.

This tourbillon is unique in more than one way: it shows off its rotating carriage in the upper left-hand part of the dial, including a built-in calendar. This asymmetry aesthetically highlights the tourbillon's mechanism, visible through an opening in the dial, while maintaining fine proportions and elegant lines. The date is displayed - in a patented system - by means of a disk around the circumference of the carriage. The El Primero chronograph's automatic calibre is the heart of the movement. While the high frequency assigned to this exceptional motor generates greater precision, it also demands increased power. To protect performance, ZENITH designers have developed an in-line escapement that shifts the balance spring to the outer edge of the rotating carriage. The result is a tourbillon and a high-frequency automatic chronograph with over 50 hours of power reserve. The calibre is composed of 381 components, including 67 for the rotating carriage. Yet, it is barely 1 mm thicker than the original El Primero.

The only tourbillon on the market that operates at high frequency
The tourbillon comes in two models: steel or rose gold, with counters at three and six o'clock. The seconds hand in the tourbillon carriage rotates with it in 60 seconds. A true mechanical masterpiece and a technical exploit, to date, the ZENITH tourbillon is the only one to beat at a high frequency, with a quarter more vibrations of its balance than other constructions.

Let us examine the unique characteristics of the ZENITH tourbillon. The case's middle is formed using a double stamping process, which creates one curve at a time along the length and depth. The olivette makes it easier to grasp the crown. The magic of the calibre in movement can be seen through the Sapphire glass. So, if you love chronometric feats, you are going to adore this watchmaking creation.

EL PRIMERO TOURBILLON
New 44 mm diameter Tourbillon Chronograph
Automatic movement with the unique and patented Date around Tourbillon carriage
El Primero 4035 D Caliber : 381 Components, 35 jewels & 36'000 VpH

Watch enthusiasts poured into Antiquorum's auction room Wednesday evening, October 20th to get a closer look at and bid on the outstanding timepieces offered at the Mission: MS sale, the first of a planned annual watch auction, organized by Philip Duffell and conducted by Antiquorum Auctioneers benefiting The National Multiple (MS) Sclerosis Society. Antiquorum together with Mission: MS raised an exceptional $ 253,000 for research and programs funded by The National MS Society whose mission is to create a world free of MS. Active bidding came from all over the world including from the Russian Federation, China, Hong Kong, Italy, Switzerland, Germany as well as the United States.

"We are delighted to have raised $ 253,000 tonight for the first Mission: MS auction. The proceeds from this evening's sale will support ground-breaking research and important programs funded by The National MS Society. We would like to thank all the participants whose support have made this auction a spectacular success and help spread awareness across the globe," said Evan Zimmermann, President & CEO, Antiquorum.
MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system for which there is no cure. Every hour someone is diagnosed with this disease. MS interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and can stop people from moving. For some, this means living with unpredictable symptoms that can come and go, like numbness and blurred vision. For others, there is more permanent damage, like paralysis. "I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for the first of what will be many Mission MS: Watch Auctions", says Philip Duffell, Founder of Mission: MS. "Because of the generosity of the brands participating and the incredible support from Antiquorum, this year's event has been a true success and will help change the lives of those living with multiple sclerosis."
The highlight of the sale was the highly anticipated Hublot "Piece Unique Big Bang Aero" designed by Hublot's North American Sales Director Michael Margolis . The unique, semi-skeletonized, ceramic 18K gold chronograph sold for $23,000 after heated bidding between the internet and phone bidders.

In addition, the Zenith was also in demand at the Mission: MS auction. There was fierce competition for the newly released El Primero Striking 10th "Jean - Louis Etienne" no. 1/500 . Ultimately, the world's first automatic chronograph capable of registering 1/10th second increments sold for $10,000 to an internet bidder.

Also of interest was the A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Moonphase . The exquisitely made wristwatch featuring an off-center hour dial, oversized date, power-reserve indication and continuously driven moon phase achieved $19,000 for the National MS Society.

IWC also obtained a noteworthy result for its Portuguese Chronograph Limited Edition watch . The large self-winding stainless steel wristwatch with chronograph and register sold for $ 6,400.
Wempe also did well in the sale with the Zeitmeister Limited Edition No. 088/100. The limited edition ceramic chronometer with chronograph, register and tachometer obtained $4000 at the charity auction.

Celebrating the eccentricity and enchantment of the Mediterranean, infinitely magnifying the colours and voluptuous shapes of a magnificent world, waking up to the pleasure and the joy of living: the Haute Couture universe is the ultimate expression of Bertolucci's creativity. Free, impertinent inspiration based on the expertise of an ancient craft. Bertolucci's Haute Couture is a luxurious, daring combination, revealing the jeweller's expertise in prestigious pieces crafted entirely by hand with the most precious of materials. Tradition gives birth to audacity and exception.
Structured and startling, GIOCO was born as a result of the perfect alliance between the traditional high-end jewellery and the candid interpretation of feminine fantasy. It marries without inhibition a timeless style with a refined extravagance to become an astounding piece of true luxury.

Gioco celebrates the hypnotic beauty of women, whose unique appearance illuminates the evenings and captures the entire attention. Dedicated to adorn the wrist of the most elegant and discerning, each model is created in a limited edition of only five pieces. True objects reflecting the art of bespoken jewellery, entirely crafted by hand, both the Gioco pieces emphasize the mystery of seduction with such a pure dial, which seemingly slides indefinitely into a swirling abyss of 18 carat gold.
Once again, Bertolucci draws upon the arts of watch-making and jewellery with an unchallenged craftsmanship to achieve a true work of high-end jewellery. An innovative and complex construction gives life to a bezel made of 6 different elements, set one by one and assembled by hand on the dial. A totally new and daring architecture for a watch with a unique charisma.
At the zenith of sunny days on the Riviera, the rose gold model set with 177 diamonds equalling almost 4 carats, takes all its grandness and plays with incomparable lustre and tantalizing charm. At dusk on magic Italian evenings, GIOCO glitters in white gold combined with its case, dial and buckle adorned with 527 full cut diamonds, which sparkle amidst the warm, enlightened evenings.
Ultimate refinement, the time setting of the Swiss movement is done by a corrector discretely positioned on the case back.