Hands on at Zenith Baselworld 2019: El Primero 50 Years, The Pilot Range, Defy

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Link to written article with photos →→→→ https://www.watchgecko.com/the-zenith-el-primero-50th-anniversary-at-baselworld-2918/

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Hands on at Zenith Baselworld 2019: El Primero 50 Years, The Pilot Range, Defy + Double Tourbillon

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WatchGecko
Published on Mar 24, 2019

2019 is an important year for many brands celebrating anniversaries of icons. One of which is Zenith and 50 years of the El Primero.
This was reflected visually at Baselworld in the form of the number of people at the Zenith stand. Turning up to our 3 pm meeting and walking into the stand it was clear something special was happening.

This was the place to be. Although it's 50 years of the El Primero this didn't mean Zenith held back on just focusing on a special edition this year. Let's get into it.

First up, the Zenith Defy Inventor.

This is an insane place to start. You may remember back in 2017 Zenith introduced the Defy Lab watch. This was fitted with the Zenith Oscillator which essentially replaced the balance wheel, lever and balance spring totally around 30 parts of the movement. Fast forward to today and we have the Defy Inventor. A new model which makes the most of said technology on a commercial level.

This model does come in at 44mm wide and 14.5mm thick case, however, on the wrist, it looks incredible. The brushed titanium case with aeronith bezel creates a very unique look and style. The strap fitted to the watch is actually a rubber with an alligator top, meaning you get the durability of rubber but with the style and class of leather.

Combine that with the mesmerizing movement and the result is a seriously badass watch.

The Zenith Pilot 20 Adventure

The biggest talking point here with these new models is the new green dials and bronze cases. These new models combine quite an urban style with heightened versatility. The large case, bold indices, hands and oversized crown really suit the direction Zenith are looking to take this range. The Khaki green coloured dials almost a dark grey in certain light. Very cool stuff.

A very unique approach to a popular Zenith model. Yet again we see the brands giving some love to replacement straps as well, as when you buy either the time only model or the chronograph El Primero movement option you get a camouflage style leather or a dark green/grey strap as standard.

My personal favourite is the time only Pilot 20 Adventure on the grey / green simple leather. Nice and legible, and less cluttered meaning that amazing dial texture and colour can really shine through. Sticking with the Pilot line…

The New Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Silver

Not only has Zenith had a crazy busy year with all El Primero related recently, but they also decided to introduce their first ever timepiece with a solid silver case. With only 250 being produced, this version of the watch offers an interesting approach effectively summarising the Pilot range.

El Primero A386 Revival 50th Anniversary

The start of easily two of the best releases of Baselworld 2019. Zenith decided to celebrate 50 years of the El Primero by releasing three different models of the A386. These three models are insanely close to an OG A386 apart from one main difference. One is white gold, one is yellow and one is rose gold.

Last but most definitely not least… The Defy El Primero Double Tourbillon.

7 words. Chronograph. Double tourbillon. Carbon case. 14mm thickness. Need we say anymore?

Here we have a very very special double tourbillon watch. As standard one tourbillon oscillates, doing its thing. On the click of the chrono-pusher, the other tourbillon jumps into life.

 
Saw this on person at Cellini, thanks to Gavin/darkoverlord. Love the Zenith Pilot type 20 silver. Not much into pilot/aviator styled TIMEpieces but this was beautiful! and I got a chance to try on some of the models.
 
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