ZENITH | El Primero Striking 10th Chronograph

ZENITH

With a rapidly rotating second hand

A groundbreaking chronograph that directly reads 1/10th of a second

Zenith has revived its traditional style. At Baselworld, they unveiled new creations that inherit and evolve past traditions, and even now, they continue to demonstrate an ambitious development approach.

By Yasuto Shibuya

El Primero Striking 10th
El Primero Striking 10th Chronograph

A mechanical chronograph that ticks at a high-beat frequency of 10HzChronographBased on the renowned "El Primero" movement, this groundbreaking new model features a 1/10th second measurement mechanism using a jumping second hand that completes a full dial rotation in 10 seconds—six times faster than standard models. This is the first time in history that a production mechanical chronograph can accurately read "1/10th of a second" from its dial. To achieve the high-speed rotation of the chronograph hand and reduce driving energy, a lightweight silicon double wheel is employed. The chronograph's braking mechanism has been fundamentally improved for precise stopping and display down to the 1/10th unit, making this a compelling timepiece for mechanical enthusiasts. The case and dial design, while based on the first El Primero model, have been refined with a modern touch, showcasing excellent craftsmanship.

Automatic winding, stainless steel case, alligator strap, 42mm case diameter, limited to 1,969 pieces worldwide, ¥924,000.

BRAND HISTORY
Zenith is an exceptionally rare brand in the watchmaking world, handling every process from movement production to watch assembly entirely in-house.

Its predecessor was the Manufacture d'Horlogerie SA, founded in 1865 by Georges Favre-Jacot. The company manufactured high-quality, cost-effective movements and developed a groundbreaking pocket watch movement with a crown-winding mechanism in 1900.

Watches equipped with this movement were named "Zenith," meaning "the highest point" in Esperanto, and won a gold medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle. The name was subsequently adopted as the company's name, and it was renamed Fabrique des Montres Zenith.

In the 1940s, Zenith developed the Cal. 135, still renowned today as a masterpiece, for submission to the Neuchâtel Observatory's precision competition in Switzerland. After setting a new record for high precision at the 1948 competition, the company also introduced its first automatic movement. At that time, Zenith's technical prowess had reached one of the highest levels in Switzerland.

Then, in 1969, they developed the "El Primero," a masterpiece movement that propelled Zenith to global fame. This automatic chronograph movement, boasting a world-leading frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, remains a long-selling flagship movement for the company to this day.

Since joining the LVMH Group in 1999, the quality of the entire lineup has been enhanced. The influence of Thierry Nataf, who became the new CEO, was particularly significant, and his excellent leadership profoundly changed Zenith's subsequent trajectory.

In 2003, they launched the mega-hit "Open." Furthermore, in 2006, they introduced the "Defy" sports collection to the market, successfully establishing a new image for Zenith that showcased not only its mechanisms but also its design. Zenith's elegant and capable creations are now developing rapidly, achieving remarkable success.

Founding Year: 1865
Place of Founding: Le Locle, Switzerland
Main Series Names: Chronomaster, Class, Port Royal, Defy
Inquiries: LVMH Watch & Jewelry Japan Zenith 03-3263-9620
Official Website: http://www.zenith-watches.com/