The maximum loss of amplitude after 24 hours was less than 25°. 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. Its 5Hz frequency has given it an exemplary precision since it was launched in 1969. The quality of the El Primero movement is generally acknowledged. The sapphire-crystal caseback reveals the movement's impeccable finish.Īs 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. One useful, if not indispensible feature, is an indication of the power reserve available in the spring powering the alarm. A small aperture at 8 o'clock indicates whether the alarm is turned on or off. The alarm hand is in the centre so that the time can be set exactly. Opposite are the essential alarm indications. It furthermore prevents the two discs going out of phase because of tight clearances. This construction avoids the inelegant step between the two discs and allows an unbroken aperture in the dial. The disc for the tens is concentric with that of the units, which is pared down to bring them to the same level. This is arranged around the edge of the dial with the names of the cities in full for optimal legibility.Īppearing above the 30-minute counter, the large date has all the attributes of greatness. The additional functions are more worthy of interest, starting with the universal time for a flight crossing several timezones. 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. We needn't go into the basic movement and the chronograph functions since these are well known and have already been reviewed. In addition to the central chronograph seconds hand, the function includes a 30-minute counter in its usual position at 3 o'clock. The chronograph does without an hours counter and running seconds. 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 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.Īmong 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 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 bevelled sapphire-crystal glass rises a generous 2mm above the bezel for visual effect, protecting the latter from scratches. 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. Its matt black surface makes a nice contrast with the eff ective luminous coating of the hands and numerals in snowy white. The Doublematic model complies with this standard and provides a clear indication of the time on a rather cluttered dial. 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 most important criterion is to have a dial that is easy to read. This is particularly true of pilot's watches. The exterior of the watch is often considered a purely stylistic feature, but it also plays a major technical role. The Pilot Doublematic is the model reviewed here. The brand's new Pilot collection recalls the fl ying hours accumulated since the company's foundation in 1865. The wrist or cockpit instruments made for such aviation pioneers as Louis Blériot testify to Zenith's decades-long involvement with these outstanding adventurers. The resulting innovative solutions often go way beyond the limits of the original application. 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. Sports, motor racing and aviation for example, have long held an irresistible attraction.
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