Christmas with Zenith: A Season of Precision

As the festive season casts its magical glow, there is no better time to celebrate moments that matter. Zenith, master of chronographs and precision, brings brilliance to this time of year. From their iconic chronographs to contemporary marvels, each Zenith timepiece is a reminder to cherish every second.

Santa’s not the only one who knows how to keep perfect time. Meet the Master of Chronographs!

Zenith’s legacy in precision chronometry takes centre stage this festive season with a trio of chronographs that epitomise the art of timekeeping, blending heritage with contemporary elegance. Across Zenith’s family of creations, the El Primero remains a constant throughout, existing as the pride and eternal soul of the Le Locle-based manufacture.

The Chronomaster Sport Green Dial is a vibrant tribute to Zenith’s pursuit of precision. Its striking green ceramic bezel and matching lacquered dial are paired with the iconic tricolour counters in shades of grey and blue. Whether the watch is fitted on the classic steel bracelet or the green rubber strap, this sporty yet refined chronograph is ideal for those who appreciate precision and performance​ in one compelling watch. For those seeking the extraordinary, the gem set Chronomaster Sport redefines opulence. A rose gold case adorned with baguette-cut diamonds, sapphires, and spinels and a meteorite dial bring celestial sparkle to your wrist.

Conversely, the Pilot Collection channels the adventurous spirit of aviation pioneers. The Pilot Automatic, featuring a 42.5mm black microblasted ceramic case, horizontal-grooved dial, and oversized crown, merges precision with timeless style. The high-frequency El Primero 3620 movement ensures flawless timekeeping accuracy, while the quick-change strap system adds versatility, making it a perfect companion for dreamers and adventurers alike​.

Architectural design meets high-performance engineering in the DEFY Skyline Chronograph. Its 42mm stainless steel case features a dodecagonal bezel, reflecting an urban and edgy aesthetics. The “starry sky” patterned dial is rendered in captivating shades of blue, black, or silver tones that pair perfectly with the watch’s geometric design. The exceptional high-frequency El Primero 3600 movement boasts a 1/10th-second chronograph and delivers a 60-hour power reserve that can keep up with even the busiest holiday schedules.

“How fast is too fast? Discover El Primero’s lightning speed, faster than that of a reindeer on Christmas Eve!”

When it comes to sheer precision and unmatched chronograph recording speed, Zenith’s chronographs are in a league of their own. At the heart of it is Zenith’s iconic high-frequency El Primero chronograph movement designed for those who thrive on dynamic energy and cutting-edge performance. This festive season, embrace the exhilaration of perfect timing with models that exemplify Zenith’s El Primero ethos that is as swift and spectacular as Santa’s sleigh.

Housed within the extraterrestrial-like fully mirror-polished stainless steel exterior of the DEFY Extreme Mirror is the pinnacle of Zenith’s chronograph innovations, the El Primero Calibre 9004. The double escapement movement features two independent high-frequency regulating organs for the timekeeping (5Hz) and chronograph function (50Hz) that offer unparalleled levels of precision. While the extra 1Hz over industry standards of 4Hz does not seem much, the current holders of the world’s fastest automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre in production will certainly be a party trick to impress Christmas guests. Once activated, the chronograph hands whizzes in double quick time and can record 1/100th of a second.

The most recently launched DEFY Extreme Jungle houses the same El Primero Calibre 9004, albeit in a different case execution. The monolithic design makes way for an expressive design reminiscent of jungle scapes with a green and brown colour combination. Part of the collection’s allure is incorporating exotic materials into the case structure, which sees the dodecagonal bezel and pusher protectors fashioned from precious tiger’s eye quartz. While the burly 45mm timepiece might seem like a wrist weight, its titanium case significantly reduces heft without compromising robustness and toughness.

Zenith’s Watches & Wonders 2024 poster child, the DEFY Extreme Diver, rounds up the Le Locle manufacture’s high-frequency movement showcase. Unlike its two counterparts, the DEFY Extreme Diver is powered by the 5Hz three-handed El Primero 3620 SC movement. This might raise an eyebrow or two, but not all El Primero calibres are chronographs after Zenith introduced the time-only iteration of the calibre in 2022 DEFY Skyline. Given the watch resides firmly within the DEFY Extreme lineup, much of its aesthetic appeal lies in the robust construction and the characteristic dodecagonal bezel. Water resistance is naturally higher since this is a dive watch, coming in at 600m, three times that of the chronograph duo mentioned here. 

“Time to reach for your star? The limited and boutique edition watches might just outshine the Christmas star.”

The holidays are a time to celebrate brilliance, and Zenith’s exclusive creations embody the spirit of reaching for something extraordinary. These limited and boutique edition watches are more than just timekeepers — they are celestial statements that capture the magic of the season. And as apt as Zenith’s slogan “Time to reach your star” gets, it is time to gift yourself or a loved one a piece of the stars.

After Zenith unveiled the DEFY Skyline Chronograph at Watches & Wonders 2024, the slate grey and gold iteration takes the honours as the collection’s first-ever boutique-exclusive edition. The collection known for its “starry sky” dial sees gold stars, watch hands and hour indices juxtaposed against a slate grey base. While this combination is not new in the watch world, it is still a unique enough palette that departs from Zenith’s bread-and-butter blue, black and white trio and lends a touch of sophistication to the sports chic chronograph.

One of Zenith’s “return to form” sees the iconic Chronomaster Triple Calendar reprise its appearance amongst Zenith’s contemporary offerings. The Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar takes the much-loved double complication, a chronograph and triple calendar, and makes it even better with a neo-vintage touch. An olive green reverse panda chronograph execution reserved solely for Zenith boutiques comes in a 38mm case in line with its 1969 predecessor’s blueprint. Within the watch lies the high-frequency El Primero Calibre 3610.

Blue is one of Zenith’s signature colours, and it only fits that the boutique exclusive Pilot Automatic, imagined for the skies and horizons, comes in a deep blue dial. The revamped Pilot collection sees all but one detail changed: the “Pilot” signed dial, which only Zenith holds the right to mark its dials with the term. Apart from that, the telling differences include a rounded stainless steel case with a flat-top round bezel and a corrugated-inspired grooved dial with a big date. The patented complication is powered by the El Primero 3652, which is geared to allow the date change to jump and stabilise within 0.007 and 0.02 seconds, respectively.

“Did you know Zenith watches get special treatment too? Wrapped with care, straight from Santa’s elves to your wrist!”

Pop by the Zenith Marina Bay Sands boutique to discover the wide range of chronographs for yourself. There is something truly magical about unwrapping a Zenith watch during the festive season. With thoughtful packaging and a touch of holiday charm, each timepiece is prepared with the same care Santa’s elves give to their most cherished gifts. Let Zenith’s craftsmanship make your celebrations unforgettable, right down to the details. 

Visit the Zenith Marina Bay Sands boutique at Marina Bay Sands Singapore, 2 Bayfront Ave, B2M-205 Bayfront MRT Exit C, Singapore 018955

This article was first seen on Men’s Folio Singapore.

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