An interesting partnership for sure between two of our favorite brands at WCL. An explosive, combination as Zenith and Land Rover join forces to create to gorgeous new chronographs. While when we first heard of the partnership we felt that it didn’t make much sense, now that we’ve received all the details and seen the replica watch, our opinion has changed. In 1969, Zenith unveiled the legendary El Primero chronograph and that same year, British car manufacturer Land Rover introduced the prototype of the very first luxury off-road vehicle, the iconic Range Rover —which hit the markets in 1970. Fired by the same pioneering spirit and the same ability to explore new horizons, these two original creations achieved legendary status. Almost 50 years later, Zenith and Range Rover are entering into an exceptional long-term partnership inaugurated by the new Zenith El Primero Range Rover Special Edition, a distinctive timepiece that is equally at home on city streets as it is on rugged is on rugged terrain.
Aldo Magada, President and CEO of Zenith mentioned when announcing the partnership: “The match between our two brands is very strong. Zenith and Range Rover are both pioneers in our respective industries, and we both create unique, innovative products. Through timeless design, both brands express authentic luxury. The Zenith team is very excited to start this long-term partnership with Range Rover, another superb brand and kindred spirit.” Since 1969, which witnessed milestone launches by both companies, their destinies have been intertwined. Three years later, the two companies crossed paths when explorer John Blashford-Snell crossed the Darién Gap — an inhospitable marshland and virgin forest area on the border between Colombia and Panama— at the wheel of an early Range Rover and with a Zenith El Primero chronograph on his wrist. During this Trans-Americas expedition, both models demonstrated their extreme maneuverability, their durability and their exceptional all-terrain capabilities.
Fitted with a 42 mm black ceramized aluminum case —a nod to the aluminum chassis on the Range Rover—, the replica watch features a gorgeous brushed grey dial with faceted rhodium plated markers and the inscription ‘Range Rover’ underneath Zenith at 12 o’clock. Throbbing at the heart of this special Zenith El Primero Range Rover edition is the automatic El Primero 400B movement. With its 36,000 vph it allows measurements to a tenth of a second and with its integrated column-wheel construction, it is one of the most accurate series-made chronographs developed by Zenith in 1969. This 326-part movement drives central hours and minutes hands, along with chronograph and tachymeter functions, while ensuring an over 50-hour power reserve. The sapphire case back bearing the “El Primero Range Rover/Special Edition” engraving, reveals an oscillating weight personalized with the Zenith and Range Rover logos.
Whether on the wrist of an intrepid explorer or an elegant gentleman, the new Zenith El Primero Range Rover Special Edition exudes an inimitably chic aura, enhanced by a rubber strap coated with ivory-toned perforated calfskin or as an option with a dark blue perforated calfskin. The leather on the strap is the same high quality hide used on Range Rovers and the strap is secured by a triple folding clasp in DLC-treated titanium.
Sticker Price $7,700 USD. For more info on Zenith click here.
