ZENITH Chronomaster El Primero On The Road Again

The Chronomaster El Primero Open Tour Auto Edition flexes its mechanical muscles as it accompanies competing crews in the 2017 Tour Auto Optic 2ooo. With its high-performance engine and timeless sporty look, this legendary chronograph flies high the banner of a human-driven adventure brimming with thrills and technical feats. And for the first time in the history of this iconic rally, following the traditional exhibition under the glass dome of the Grand Palais in Paris, it’s all aboard for Brittany on an exciting new route devised by Peter Auto for the 230 entrants in this 26^th edition. For the third year running, the Swiss brand is partnering one of the most prestigious European gatherings of prestigious cars: the “Tour Auto Optic 2000”. On this occasion, Zenith will pay tribute to the classic cars competing in the event by unveiling an exclusive watch featuring elegant bodywork, powerful engine and tricolour accents: the Chronomaster El Primero Open Tour Auto Edition. First as always to reach the finish line, this high-octane beast roars at a speed of 36,000 vibrations per hour, proudly flaunting the precision of the legendary El Primero 4061 automatic chronograph calibre!  Like a car bonnet raised to display state-of-the-art mechanics, the famous 11 o’clock dial opening reveals the beating heart of this 282-part COSC chronometer-certified movement - reliably driving central hours and minutes hands, chronograph and tachymeter functions, as well as a a tenth-of-a-second display, while ensuring a 50-hour power reserve. This high-performance ‘engine’ is housed inside the impressive bodywork of a 42 mm-diameter brushed steel case, topped by a slender polished bezel framing the slate grey dial decked out in vertical blue-white-red vertical stripes – a reference to the tricolour French rally banner picked up in several design details. The distinctive dial ensures optimal legibility in any lighting, while the exhibition case-back bearing the engraved race logo reveals an oscillating weight adorned with a “Côtes de Genève” motif.