Blue Ceramic Chronograph Trilogy: Zenith celebrates its 160th anniversary and introduces three chronographs in blue ceramic
The 160th anniversary of the Zenith brand brought not only celebrations but also a horological showcase of uncompromising technical perfection. On the occasion of this historical milestone, the manufacture presents a trio of chronographs in ceramic. This entire trilogy embodies the brand's relentless pursuit of high precision and top-notch innovations in materials.
The anniversary edition consists of these three models: CHRONOMASTER Sport, DEFY Skyline Chronograph, and PILOT Big Date Flyback. Each of them forms a cornerstone of Zenith's chronographic mastery and is now newly rendered in Zenith's exclusive blue ceramic. From each model, 160 numbered pieces will be produced in this blue ceramic attire. These anniversary references are much more than just a visual expression. They are technical showcases offering contemporary collectors the best that modern watchmaking can provide: robust and extraordinarily precise movements, quick time display mechanisms, and wearability adapted to a high-paced and demanding lifestyle.
We offer you a closer look at the mechanical innovations behind this trio.
CHRONOMASTER SPORT 160th Anniversary Edition
Reference: 49.3102.3600/51.M3100
Movement: El Primero 3600, automatic
Frequency: 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations/hour)
Power reserve: 60 hours
Chronograph precision: to the tenth of a second
The CHRONOMASTER Sport watch is a modern embodiment of Zenith's high-frequency chronograph. It is equipped with the El Primero 3600 caliber, an evolution of the iconic 1969 movement, boasting a unique capability: the central chronograph second hand completes a full rotation in 10 seconds. This high-speed movement allows time readings with tenth-of-a-second precision, directly marked on its own scale on the bezel.
From a technical standpoint, the architecture of the El Primero 3600 uses a horizontal clutch and column wheel, traditional elements that ensure smooth operation of the stopwatch button and mechanical reliability. The stopwatch mechanism allows precise time synchronization, enhancing both technical utility and collector appeal.
The watch is housed in a 41 mm case made of blue ceramic, a material patented by Zenith. The model offers both useful sports functions and elegant design. The ceramic itself is not lacquered or coated but integrally pigmented during production, ensuring color stability and scratch resistance. The alternately brushed and polished surfaces of the case and bracelet are meticulously crafted, proving that the use of ceramic does not compromise luxurious details.
The dial retains the familiar layout, including three overlapping circular sub-dials in contrasting tones. In the current reference, the sub-dials have a sunburst brushed finish. The dial features a date indicator at the 4:30 position. Through the transparent case back, you can observe the oscillating weight inscribed with "160 years," crafted in-house with a satin finish.
DEFY Skyline Chronograph 160th Anniversary Edition
Reference: 49.9502.3600/51.I001
Movement: El Primero 3600, automatic
Frequency: 5 Hz (36,000
vibrations/hour)
Power reserve: 60 hours
Chronograph precision: to the tenth of a second
The DEFY Skyline Chronograph shares similar functions with the CHRONOMASTER Sport model. Again, it is a highly precise and functional chronograph with the El Primero movement, but this model presents a radically different aesthetic and ergonomics. The case has a diameter of 42 mm, but thanks to the angular integrated bracelet design, it appears compact. It is made from the same blue ceramic as the CHRONOMASTER Sport, but the DEFY Skyline model emphasizes its architectural sharpness. This reflects the design ethos of the original DEFY model from 1969. The bracelet features end links that allow for quick exchange, and the watch is delivered with both a ceramic strap and a textured rubber strap. The latter is adorned with a repeated four-pointed star motif, a symbol of the Zenith brand.
The dial is distinguished by a geometric engraving with a repeating star pattern. It resembles guilloché decoration but is a laser engraving that guarantees visual depth and texture under different lighting conditions. The transparent sapphire crystal case back reveals the chronograph mechanism with a column wheel and also features a hand-engraved inscription honoring the brand's 160th anniversary.
Additional enhancements include a screw-down crown that ensures increased water resistance (up to 100 meters), rhodium-plated hands and indices with SLN C1 Super-LumiNova luminescence, and a date aperture located at the 4:30 position. The use of silicon in the escapement improves the chronograph's anti-magnetic properties and enhances its long-term durability.
PILOT Big Date Flyback 160th Anniversary Edition
Reference: 49.4002.3652/51.I009
Movement: El Primero 3652, automatic
Frequency: 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations/hour)
Power reserve: 60 hours
Main complications: flyback chronograph + two-digit date indicator
The PILOT Big Date Flyback is arguably the most technically refined model in this trio. It is powered by the El Primero 3652 caliber, a sophisticated adaptation of the El Primero base, but includes both a patented date indicator mechanism and a flyback chronograph function.
The two-digit date display function uses a dual-disc architecture with a flexible mechanism that allows an instantaneous date change in just 0.007 seconds. This surprising speed ensures that the date changes without delay or misalignment of the numbers on the discs. The quick activation system of the indicator is powered by a system of flexible arms that absorb kinetic load and immediately re-engage after activation. This is a technical achievement rare even in haute horlogerie. The flyback function is a nod to the tradition of pilot chronographs, allowing the chronograph to reset and restart with a single button press. This simplifies interval timing for navigation or tracking flight paths. The operation of the flyback, controlled by a column wheel and clutch system, can be observed through the transparent case back.
Aesthetically, this model considers the codes common to pilot watches, so you will find oversized Arabic numerals coated with SLN C1 luminescence, a textured wavy dial whose finish ensures optimal readability, and rectangular pushers that are used intuitively. The 42.5 mm ceramic case with a microblasted finish is complemented by a titanium crown and a pair of rubber straps with a Cordura effect (blue and white). The straps can be easily exchanged thanks to the integrated quick-change system.
How Blue Ceramic is Made: A Challenging Material
Developing colored ceramics in non-neutral shades presents significant challenges. Take blue, for example: Unlike black or white ceramics, which are relatively easy to pigment, blue requires a special blend to ensure the color is stable and rich. Zenith's engineers worked closely with material experts to create a mixture that maintains color depth while withstanding high-pressure sintering, the process of fusing powder materials, and extreme temperatures during production. Each component of the ceramic case, whether it's the case, bezel, bracelet link, or pusher, is individually molded, sintered, machined, and hand-finished to achieve alternating glossy and matte textures. The result is a durable and hypoallergenic surface that rivals precious metals in luxurious appearance while offering greater long-term wearability.
One Manufacture, Many Expressions
