Zenith - El Primero Tourbillon
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
Antiquorum - The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
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.