At Baselworld this year, Zenith introduced a limited edition El Primero Chronomaster timepiece as a tribute to the Rolling Stones.
The El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tribute To The Rolling Stones Limited Edition case measures 45 mm in diameter by 14.05 mm thick, is made from titanium with a black DLC coating. The timepiece features flat chronograph pushers, and uniquely hollowed-out lugs, similar to the El Primero Lightweight. The bezel and lug edges are polished while the rest of the case is satin-brushed. A domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides protects the dial.
Matching the case is a matte black dial adorned with black ruthenium-plated applied, facetted hours markers that have been coated with black luminous material. The wide hands are also black ruthenium-plated with black luminous material. In between 9 and 11 o’clock on the dial is an opening the reveals the balance wheel and bridge, along with the small seconds display. At 3 o’clock is the 30-minute chronograph counter and at 6 o’clock is the 12-hour counter, both with an azurage finish. Chronograph seconds are displayed by the black central seconds hand that features a star-shaped counterweight and red tip the coincides with the flange marked with 0-60 graduations allowing to read the chronograph with 1/5th of a second accuracy. The chapter ring has an azurage finish with whit minute transfers.
Powering the time display and the chronograph is an El Primero caliber 4061 automatic movement. Oscillating at 5Hz (or 36,000 vibrations per hour) the movement is regulated to COSC chronometer standards, which is signified on the oscillating weight. The oscillating weight is also adorned with Côtes de Genève motif and the Rolling Stones logo. Consisting of 282 total components and 31 jewels, the movement has a power reserve of 50-hours. To improve efficiency, the lever and escapement wheel are made of silicon.
Each timepiece El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tribute To The Rolling Stones is presented on black rubber with Barenia calfskin insert adorned with British flag and the Rolling Stones logo in tone-on-tone mode, and a black PVD-coated titanium triple folding clasp. Water-Resistance is 100 meters. Limited to 1000 pieces.
Verdict
The mostly matte-finished black titanium case looks great, especially with the hollowed lugs and flat chronograph pushers. Further enhancing the aesthetic is the blacked color scheme of the dial and the cool Rolling Stones motifs on the rotor and strap. There is a lot to like about the watch, even if it is a rock band-themed limited edition.
