They radiate an imposing and distinguished presence. 45 mm of black ceramic frame a skeleton dial, in an impressive architectural display showcasing the intricacies of El Primero mechanisms. These are complicated models with a fiery temperament: the first combines a tourbillon with a high-frequency chronograph, while the second deploys the spirited energy of a classic “El Primero” chronograph.

Stunning view

A new arrival at Zenith, ceramic no sooner enters the collection than it relinquishes the starring role to the legendary ‘engines’ inside: the El Primero Calibre 4035 automatic chronograph tourbillon movement; and El Primero Calibre 400B, heir to the world’s most precise series-made chronograph developed by Zenith in 1969. Both are revealed through a deep black openworked dial enlivened by red accents. Their swift-paced 5 Hz cadence drives the ruthenium-blackened, facetted and luminescent hands sweeping over matching hour-markers. Openworked counters and a minute ring screw-secured to the movement enhance this three-dimensional display.

Black ceramic armour

Fashioned from black ceramic, their 45 mm-diameter case framing a skeleton dial conveys the image of perfectly mastered complexity. The El Primero Skeleton Tourbillon model associates the tourbillon with a high-frequency chronograph in resolutely futuristic mode. The tourbillon carriage performing one rotation per minute is offset at 11 o’clock, while the openworked chronograph counters form a figure eight. Also beating at 36,000 vibrations per hour enabling a tenth-of-a-second display, the El Primero Skeleton chronograph movement powers central hours and minutes, small seconds, chronograph and date functions. Both models have an over 50-hour power reserve.

The strong character of the El Primero Tourbillon Skeleton and El Primero Skeleton is accentuated by a black rubber strap – perforated for the tourbillon version and carbon fibre-coated for the chronograph – fitted with a titanium and black PVD-treated triple folding clasp.