Zenith introduced its new model designed in collaboration with Bamford Watch Department via an event held at its boutique in Le Bon Marché.
The Swiss luxury watchmaker Zenith is one of the first to collaborate with the British watch customization brand Bamford Watch Department. Bamford, who signed different projects with more than one brand afterward, recently sat at the same table with Zenith and introduced a new model, Chronomaster El Primero Radar, which will be available through Zenith boutiques only.
The models in the brand’s archive inspire Chronomaster El Primero Radar, which is limited to a span of only 50 pieces. The pocket watch from 1916 that was noticed by George Bamford’s first visit to Zenith was the inspiration for the Radar series with its red details scattered across the dial. Instead of recreating the past, the duo, who always aims to innovate, chose to design the Chronomaster El Primero Radar, a perfect example of retro-futuristic aesthetics.
The Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Radar comes in a 42mm stainless steel case. The entire case, including the winding crowns and pushers, has a matt finish. Equipped with a sapphire display case back, the model is water-resistant to 100 meters.
The model reproduces Zenith’s trademark complication chronograph with a brand new design code while preserving its DNA. The watch’s tri-compax dial uses burnt brown, darkening from the center to the edges, for a stunning visual impact. The radial design of the white tachymeter scale, which was previously used in many El Primero models, is also present in this model as well. All three chronograph sub-dials are different; the small second dial on the left has circles reminiscent of the design of George Bamford’s favorite vintage Zenith watches. The hour counter at 6 o’clock is a more traditional Chronomaster design, while the minute counter at 3 o’clock features a dark red Super-LumiNova glowing in the dark for better nighttime legibility. Rhodium-plated hour-and-minute markers and hands are all Super-LumiNova applied. A double side anti-glare treated scratch-resistant sapphire crystal covers the dial.
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Radar is powered by the self-winding Caliber El Primero 400 B, which offers a minimum power reserve of 50 hours when fully wound.
The final touch that makes the watch different and highlights the overall theme is the strap made of rubber with the ‘Cordura’ effect. Red thread double stitches, which became more like an obsession for George Bamford, are among the details that complete the design of the watch.
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Radar (Ref. 03.2082.400 / 02.R830) will be available in Zenith boutiques as of November.
