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Zenith - El Primero Zero-G

El Primero Zero-G made by elite watchmaker Zenith is now available. The starting price is €350,000.

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Finding the system that will do for wrist watches what the Tourbillon did for pocket watches is one of the great challenges of the 21st Century. Since the beginning, the best watchmakers have tried to defy the effects of gravity, that sworn enemy of accuracy. In a veritable technical revolution, ZENITH Manufacture has devised the Zero-G system, in other words zero gravity! The gyroscope cage Tourbillon comprises an escapement mounted on cardan joints rather like marine chronometers. The instrument, which is sensitive to changes of position, is kept in a constant horizontal position, thereby ensuring optimal amplitude for the spiral balance-wheel. Coordination is provided by an invention patented by ZENITH: a second gear train is the reference point for the swinging of the escapement axles and a differential gear with inverter compensates all the relative movements of the framework. The Zero-G Tourbillon, whose cage alone comprises 166 of the 294 parts that make up the device, 10 conical geared wheels with spiral teeth and 6 ball-bearings, was developed from the El Primero automatic caliber that beats at the record speed of 36,000 vibrations an hour.

Bringing the Tourbillon Zero G and the Defy Xtreme range together produces an unforeseen design, a perfect alchemy of engine and bodywork. A figure 8 on its side, symbolising infinity or a lucky number, is drawn around the hours and minutes display at 11 o’clock and around the opening of the phenomenal Tourbillon at 5 o’clock. A multi-layered dial of Hesalite glass, carbon fibre and aluminium beneath two sapphire glasses, a blackened titanium case that is waterproof at 1000 meters, a black shot-peened titanium case, a protected crown, helium valve and titanium bracelet with Kevlar inserts and high-temperature resistance are the features that make this an extreme sports timepiece. A new star at the zenith of the firmament, available in a numbered series and with the 2008 millésime.

Defy Xtreme SEA

The first of the three-part limited edition, Defy Xtreme SEA is fully equipped to face the wind and waves. Designed to withstand the most extreme situations, the case is built to disperse and absorb shocks whilst the helical shape of the hands allows energy to be discharged. The movements have been stiffened with several axles in ZENITHIUM, an exclusive alloy three times harder than steel that combines titanium for strength, aluminium for lightness and niobium for shape memory.

Water-resistant down to 1000 meters, with a new bezel made of black titanium with carbon inserts, a dial with blue hands, a new titanium bracelet with a blue central link and lateral inserts in blue composite, the Defy Xtreme SEA range is a deep dive into the world of the sea.The range, available in a limited edition, comprises 4 models: a Tourbillon, an Open, an El Primero Chronograph and an Elite Power Reserve.

Defy Xtreme Open Grande Date Stealth

Inspired by the Stealth Bombers that no radar can detect, the Defy Stealth did not in fact go unnoticed when it took the Public Award at the Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie in Geneva. This year, ZENITH is pushing the boundaries even further, and presenting a new, even more extreme version. Cased entirely in black or grey titanium, this timepiece features an unexpectedly sporty design picked out in extreme colours, a matte red that highlights the balance-wheel bridge and the helical hand of the 30-minute counter.Incorporating shock-resistant technology and ZENITHIUM bridges, the Defy Stealth includes the new Open Grande Date 4039 SX movement and an El Primero Chronograph with a 3-disk Grande Date, a unique, patented system.Offered as a limited edition of 250 pieces in each colour, this futuristic timepiece cannot leave anyone unmoved. The future is now.

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