Zenith is hoping to wow the market with a new vintage series inspired by a 1960s watch fully equipped with an El Primero movement.
The Heritage 146 chronograph features a retro look, a tropical brown or blue dial, a 38 mm-diameter steel case and a column-wheel El Primero movement chronometer.
The piece is a subtle reinterpretation of an historical model and a nod to Zenith’s 150-year watchmaking credentials. The company regularly celebrates its heritage by relaunching some of its iconic vintage models.
The 1960s model was equipped with Calibre 146D featuring a balance-wheel oscillating at a rate of 18,000 vibrations/hour, ensuring a 38-hour power reserve and displays of the hours, minutes, with small seconds at 9 o’clock.
Like the HODINKEE limited edition in 2016, the new Heritage 146 offers a chronograph with central sweep-seconds hand and 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, as well as a tachymetric scale.
This two-counter dial, without a date window, reflects a configuration typical of 1960s chronographs.
The case of this exclusive edition now frames two dial options: tropical brown or blue sunray-patterned with rhodium-coated baton hands.
However, its key difference lies in the fact that it beats to the rhythm of 36,000 vibrations per hour, dictated by the automatic high-beat El Primero Calibre 4069.
Regulated and adjusted to meet chronometer standards, this 254-part column wheel chronograph calibre – wound by an oscillating weight adorned with
‘Côtes de Genève’ – drives an extremely accurate tenth-of-a-second display and has an over 50-hour power reserve.
A racing-style strap is available in a choice of brown or blue rubber-lined calfskin leather.
