To Be Confirmed...

but it has been mentioned online at Watch U Seek and Business Montres, and spoken about by now hundreds, it seems that Aldo Magada has resigned his position as the head of Zenith.  What the motivations might have been are, of course subject to speculation.  And to repeat, this is news that is yet unconfirmed.  But if the buzz is to be believed, it will be none other than Jean-Claude Biver stepping into the breach and become the shot-caller at Zenith.

In recent times, Zenith has been the red-headed step child of LVMH.  There really is no other way to put it.  Beautiful products, rudderless direction.  A lot of potential, but not a lot of attention paid.

This is the brand that has given us the El Primero and the Elite.  They provided movements to Rolex, Ebel, Concord and others.  And it is said when people lose their jobs be it by their own choice or the invisible push.  But Zenith has a ton of potential.  Let's hope that some of it can be realized.

The Elite Moonphase

From Zenith -

Courtesy of Zenith

As 2016 is not yet over, I did not want to risk putting a jinx on the remaining members of the Rolling Stones, so thought I'd talk about this one instead ; )

In all seriousness, the Rolling Stones El Primero is to fine watch making as Thomas Kinkade is to fine art.  But despite a deeply misguided PR / Marketing department's best (or worst) efforts, Zentih still makes some JAW-DROPPING watches.  And for my money, this is one of them.

Hours, minutes, small off-set seconds, large date and a moonphase.  All housed in a case that measures 40 mm in diameter and is of rose gold, with a sapphire crystal display case back.

This one is right in my wheelhouse.

It might not be super-sexy, but then again, have you looked at Ronnie Wood lately?

The Elite Power Reserve

From Zenith.

Courtesy of Zenith

I know that everyone gets excited about the El Primero, but the truth is that the Elite is for my money even better for its elegant restraint.

Courtesy of Zenith

40 mm of stainless steel.  Hours, minutes, off center seconds at 9 o'clock and power reserve at 2.  Date at 6 o'clock.


The movement is Zenith's Elite 685 automatic.  It boasts a power reserve of 50 hours.

I want one!

Zenith's Heritage Ultra Thin Lady Moonphase

Courtesy of Zenith

This is the Zenith Heritage Ultrathin Lady Moonphase

Here are the specs from Zenith -

MOVEMENT

Elite 692, Automatic

Calibre : 111/2 ``` (Diameter: 25.60 mm)

Thickness : 3.97 mm

Components : 195

Jewels : 27

Frequency : 28,800 vph – (4 hz)

Power reserve : min. 50 hours

Finishing : oscillating weight with

“cotes de Gene`ve” pattern.

FUNCTIONS

Hours and minutes in the center

Small seconds hand at 9 o’clock

Moonphase at 6 o’clock

CASE, DIAL & HANDS

Material : 18-carat central hour and

minute hands

Diameter : 33 mm

Diameter opening : 28.30 mm

Crystal : cambered sapphire crystal with

anti-refl ection treatment on both sides

Case-back : cambered sapphire crystal

Water-resistance: 3 Atm

Dial : mother-of-pearl set with diamonds

Hour-markers : 11 diamonds

Hands : gold-plated rhodium, faceted

DIAMONDS

Carats : ~0.5 cts

Bezel : 72 VS brilliant-cut diamonds

Dial : 11 VS brilliant-cut diamonds

STRAP & BUCKLE

Shiny brown alligator leather strap with

protective rubber lining

18-carat gold pin buckle