El Primero, the self-winding chronograph calibre designed by Zenith and launched in 1969, is still one of the best movements in watchmaking history. Accurate, reliable and with a long battery life (approx. 50 hour-power reserve), it is continuing to make its mark by becoming a tourbillon. The understatedly named El Primero Tourbillon collection has three models which play on classic/contemporary combinations in the metal (45mm case in rose gold, steel or platinum), shape (traditional “mushroom” or oblong chronograph pushers) and colour (black, white or slate grey lacquer dial with a brushed metal centre). The high frequency tourbillon fuelled by the self-winding 4035D calibre lies off-centre at 11 o’ clock and its cage is surrounded by a date display and hand. The chronograph counters have an unusual position on the dial; the hour counter lies at 6 whilst the minutes are at 3. Price: 54,500 CHF (steel) – 64,500 (titanium) – 74,500 (rose gold). Sharmila Bertin
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