In 2009, ZENITH celebrates the 40th anniversary of the El Primero which was created in 1969. This occasion is marked by the launch of two special series celebrating the 1rst timepiece to be  tted with the legendary El Primero caliber: The Originals and New Vintage 69. The El Primero caliber for these Anniversary series has been named the 469 in nodding acknowledgement of the year in which the original model was created. The tribute is orchestrated in 3 parts, with three materials for the same (40 mm) case design directly inspired by the original model, in a collector's limited edition series. The 1rst series, named « The Originals », is faithful to the vintage design, but with a subtle twist for the counters which meet and almost touch at the centre of the dial. The second collection, « New Vintage 1969 », comprises models also inspired by the original model. The El Primero Anniversary logo on the dial at 7 o'clock is echoed in the engraving on the transparent sapphire back of the case - a special detail that immediately commands attention. The dials in this series are crossed by an unusual band of light. The ray of energy also through the Open El Primero 4021 icons in every Chronomaster, Class, Defy and Port Royal collection that will be re-issued in rose gold and stainless steel with a silver guilloche dial for this 40th anniversary.

Developed in 1969, rapidly becoming the benchmark of matchmaking, the El Primero 400 illustrates the creative genius and subtlety of ZENITH Manufacture. Unrivalled to date, El Primero is the only chronograph movement capable of measuring short periods of time with 1/10th of a second accuracy, a performance made possible by using a balance that oscillates at 36,000 vibrations per hour. This absolute accuracy means that the movement passes the tests of the COSC (Swiss Of-  cial Chronometer Testing Institute. As a double push-button chronograph with over 50 hours of autonomy, this movement – which also has an instantaneous jump calendar – can accept other complication add-ons: Triple Calendar, Moon Phase, Flyback... Tourbillon, Open versions, power reserve, Grande Date, Flyback are the complications that have transformed, completed and perfected this exceptional movement. The caliber requires a total of nine months of work, needs 5 to 50 separate operations per piece, demands 50 separate grinding operations for the bridge dimensions. Twenty watchmakers are actively involved in making one movement and no fewer than 18 different metals are used. Always copied but never equaled, the El Primero today is a watch movement philosophy that comes in 23 versions. They are the basis for collections such as ACADEMY, CHRONOMASTER and CLASS for the classical models, DEFY and PORT ROYAL for the modern lines, and STAR and STARISSIME for the ladies timepieces.

ChronoMaster
Perfect marriage of Tradition and Modernity

Timeless in style, this collection threads its way between Tradition and Modernity. This icon of the ZENITH Manufacture, inspired by the neoclassical, is a celebration of Time. From the double goudron case to the authentic barleycorn guilloche, it has a look that harks back to the great watchmaking tradition. Its boldly innovative design allows the 36,000 vibrations per hour of the mythical El Primero chronograph to be glimpsed at the heart of the movement. This collection, timeless yet strikingly modern, which now joins the Haute Horlogerie universe along with the ChronoMaster Open Grande Date Moon & Sunphase, has been enriched with new complications over the years, thus writing new chapters in the history of the ZENITH brand.

El Primero 4039 Manufacture caliber

In 2008, the Chronomaster collection was endowed with a new fully-mastered complication, the ChronoMaster Open Grande Date. This innovative timepiece stands out because of its design as well as its sophisticated technical features. The three patented disks for the Grande Date at 2 o'clock can be seen as a result of the outstanding transparency of the dial. This translucent and unbreakable material – the result of space research - lightens the perspective, making it seem as though the numerals are  oating.

El Primero 4047 Manufacture caliber

Masterpiece of the ChronoMaster 2009 collection, this unique complication of a Grande Date, Moon and Sunphase chronograph reveals a new El Primero 4047 caliber, with 332 components and 41 rubies, through the opening in the dial.

Class
Classic and Classy

By merging the ultimate in re ned design with the grand tradition of watch making complications, the Class collection has given itself a signature look unlike any other. Its distinguished yet modern aesthetic style is rooted in classicism and discreet luxury. It is a celebration of the Manufacture's know-how with multiple variations of the mechanism based either on the El Primero chronograph or the Elite movement. New to the Multicity range this year is a unique complication: the Class Traveller Open Multicity Alarm. Also, you will discover a new sport version look of the Multicity this year in titanium.

Class Traveller Open Multicity Titanium
El Primero 4037 Manufacture calibre

The Multicity Open collection that already has an El Primero Chronograph and a Grande Date now also comes in a Titanium thoroughbred sports version. This ultra-resistant timepiece has a 46 mm sapphire glass-backed case and the dark grey alligator strap to match the dial has red overstitching to echo the hour hand. This sport version has a unique look: a "must see".

Class Traveller Open Multicity Alarm
El Primero 4046 Manufacture caliber

Multicity Alarm 2009 is distinguished by a unique complication. In addition to the ability to display the time whatever the time zone, this exceptional timepiece also includes an alarm that is adjustable over a 12 hour-period. With 439 components and 41 rubies, El Primero 4046 is the  rst automatic movement to incorporate a column wheel chronograph, a Grande Date, a world timer, a double barrel and an alarm. The two barrels have separate functions, one dedicated to the alarm and the other focusing all its energy on the watch. The crown at 8 o'clock allows the alarm to be set and the watch to be rewound manually. The crown also has a push-button to switch the alarm mechanism on and off. This masterpiece is available, in the purest of watch making traditions, in rose gold, with a silver guilloche dial and integral black alligator strap with brown overstitching, or in a more contemporary style in stainless steel with a black dial and integral strap with dark blue overstitching that echoes the colors on the dial.