Zenith El Primero 36’000 VPH Chronograph
A legendary engine with inimitable tri-color counters, the new Zenith chronograph reveals the inner workings of a worldwide success named “El Primero”. Framed by an imposing steel case, the skeleton dial provides a stunning view of a peerless sports mechanism.
Inspired by a vintage Lightweight limited series much coveted by connoisseurs, the new El Primero 36’000 VpH fully lives up to its predecessor’s enviable reputation. Its open-worked dial with the three iconic counters is enlivened by red accents as this eminently virile chronograph boldly flaunts its impressive horological credentials, beating at an impressive 5 Hz frequency.
45 mm of steel and sapphire form the dynamic and vigorous exterior of the El Primero 36’000 VpH chronograph, whose athletic heart is visible through both sides of the case that is water-resistant to 100 metres.
The skeleton-style dial literally draws the gaze into this legendary Zenith mechanism. A trio of anthracite, blue and light grey counters adorn the open dial centre, while the date disc features stencil-type numerals outlined against a scarlet red background at 6 o’clock.
The slate grey inner bezel ring, bearing facetted luminescent hour-markers swept over by similarly facetted luminescent hours and minutes hands, is rimmed by a tachymetric scale pointed to by a slender star-tipped chronograph sweep-seconds hand.
Beating at the fierce pace of 36’000 vibrations/hour enabling a tenth-of-a-second display, its column-wheel movement is a worthy heir to the world’s most accurate series-made chronograph created by Zenith in 1969.
Delivering a blend of excellent performance and precision, the El Primero 400B calibre and its 326 components are powered by an oscillating weight adorned with “Côtes de Genève”. It drives the central hours and minutes, small seconds, chronograph, tachymeter and date functions, while ensuring an over 50-hour power reserve.
This chronograph is equipped with a perforated rubber strap secured by a triple folding clasp, or a stainless steel bracelet adding an additional sporting touch.
Technical details
Model: Zenith EL PRIMERO 36’000 VPH
Reference: 03.2522.400/69.R576
Movement
El Primero 400 B, Automatic
Calibre: 13¼“` (Diameter: 30 mm)
Movement thickness: 6.60 mm
Components: 326
Jewels: 31
Frequency: 36’000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power-reserve: min. 50 hours
Finishes: Oscillating weight with “Côtes de Genève” motif
Functions
Hours and minutes in the centre
Small seconds at 9 o’clock
Chronograph:
– Central chronograph hand
– 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock
– 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock
Tachymetric scale
Date indication at 4:30
Case and dial
Diameter: 45 mm
Diameter opening: 39.70 mm
Thickness: 14.05 mm
Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Case-back: Transparent sapphire crystal
Material: Stainless steel
Water-resistance: 10 ATM
Dial: Open-worked with three different-coloured counters
Hour-markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Strap
Black rubber strap
Stainless steel triple folding clasp
