Details

Brand

Zenith

Reference

Piece Unique

Movement

Automatic 4035 B

Case

45 mm ex.crown

Metal

Ceramic

Circa

2019

Dial

Skeletonised

Bezel

Ceramic

Condition

Very Good

Box/Papers

Box and papers

About this watch

Band: Rubber Clasp: Steel (butterfly) Glass: Sapphire crystal Water Resistant: 30 m (3 bar) This Zenith Tourbillon chronograph from 2019 is a ‘piece unique’; a true one of one. The open-worked chronograph is based on the ref:49.2520.4035/98.R576 however this example features a custom blue colour-way. The tourbillon chronograph was released as a celebration of 50 years of the legendary El Primero movement. The calibre has been used by the likes of Rolex in their Daytona, Panerai with their Luminor chronograph and Ebel with their 1911. Based on the high-frequency automatic chronograph with one-minute tourbillon launched in 2016, the 45 mm case is crafted from black ceramic coated aluminium. This lightweight, highly scratch-resistant material maintains exceptional colour stability. The openworked dial reveals chronograph counters at 3 o’clock (30-minute) and 6 o’clock (12-hour), along with the one-minute tourbillon escapement at 11 o’clock functioning as the running seconds. A tourbillon (French for ‘whirlwind’), invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1801, averages out positional errors caused by gravity on the balance wheel and hairspring, enhancing chronometric performance. Both the front and exhibition caseback are fitted with anti-reflective sapphire crystals for optimum legibility and protection. Visible through the sapphire caseback is the legendary El Primero calibre 4035 B – an automatic column-wheel chronograph with lateral clutch and one-minute tourbillon, beating at 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz). Comprising 332 components, it offers a 50-hour power reserve and delivers the signature smooth sweep of the hi-beat seconds and chronograph hands. The watch is presented on a black rubber strap secured by a titanium and black PVD-coated folding clasp bearing the…