After a month, Zenith finally revealed the watch in it's entirety.
For 3 weeks Zenith have been showing this watch in some sneak peak pictures that show snippets of the final product.
The El Primero Lightweight.
Available for a limited run of 100 pcs.
The watch is cased in a huge 45mm (sigh) carbon fibre with the inner case structure described by Zenith as "aluminium turned into ceramic"
Not quite sure what they are trying to say there...
Chronograph pushers are in titanium.
The movement is the same one found in the previous Striking 10th model the Caliber 4052... this time called the 4052W
Notable changes is that the mainplate and bridges have been milled from titanium instead of the usual brass thus shaving off 5.65 grams off the movement weight from 21.10 grams to 15.45 grams.
The purple part is a Silicon Double Chronograph Wheel.
The whole watch now weighs a measly 76 grams!!
The dial show part of the movement underneath.
Not much info here but I think the dial is transparent with the Zenith Star and Font printed on top or I could be wrong and it's printed on the underside of the crystal. Will confirm when I have the chance.
Subdials are the iconic tri colour design.
Date wheel looks pretty cool.
Looks like the date numerals are cut outs and the colour red is the background... nice
Zenith is able to conceal the small movement size by placing the date wheel at the outermost dial which is non transparent.
It's a cool release from Zenith.
Not a watch for everyone due to the case size.
But with the trends moving towards larger watches, I guess they will have to join in.
Priced at USD22,000
Another year have passed and I have managed to attend the Annual Jaeger Le Coultre Event hosted in conjuction with Cortina watches in Kota Kinabalu.
Venue of choice this time around is La Vintage Bar and Grill at Wisma Kinsabina.
Place is oozing with some vintage vibes.
JLC Themed desserts anyone?
A very healthy crowd.
Registration counter with girls handing out doorgifts and Time Werke JLC Magazine.
Entertainment for the night.
After a brief speech by Cortina Watch General Manager Mr.Jason Tham and Jaeger Le Coultre Asia Pacific Managing Director Mr.Alexis Delaporte, a video is shown explaining about the JLC Manufacture and also JLC's watchmaking values.
Models joined in soonafter wearing the 2013 Novelties.
My wife spotted something she liked in this cabinet.
It's the latest Reverso Ladies Duetto.
Full gold case... ouch... Diamond set bezel... double ouch...
Pink mother of pearl dial on one side.
One side in Sunburst Guilloche Arabic Numerals.
A very well made and stunning watch.
Retail price is at RM72,000
There is also a stainless steel version with a blue mother of pearl dial that retails for RM36,000
Some Tourbillions and Ultra thins in this cabinet.
Finally got to see the Tribute to Deepsea Alarm.
At one point I was lusting for it.
Unfortunately now my focus have shifted elsewhere.
Retails for RM42,000
Last years Novelty the Rendez Vous Collection is shown as well as the usual Reverso and Squadra models.
There was a Reverso Men Duetto that I got to try but still could not carry.
Something about the case shape just does not fit my wrists.
My wife seconded my opinion that it does not look good.
Fortunately there is always the Reverso Squadra that I absolutely adore.
Maybe one day.
There are 2 Novelties in this cabinet.
1st up is the Deep Sea Chronograph in Cermet (Ceramic in JLC term)
Absolutely top notch. Cermet feels light.
A surprise that the 44mm case size does not wear that big at all!
2nd one is one that caught my attention.
Dubbed the "game changer" and a "paradigm shift" in various watch publications and blogs.
It's the Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar shown here in Yellow Gold and White Gold.
Technical powerhouse and a very beautiful timepiece.
When one hears the perpetual calendar, one will be ready to pay at least a few hundred thousand ringgit for one.
This one?
The Yellow Gold model retails at RM94,000
The White Gold model retails at RM104,000
Some of you are asking what "game changing" traits this watch has?
Well, it comes in stainless steel as well!
The stainless steel model is reserved exclusively for the Boutiques only and retails in the region of RM60,000
Mind you that's a perpetual calendar we are talking about!
Having tried both the Yellow and White Gold models, I do find the Yellow gold model more attractive due to the off white dial giving the watch some character.
Both watches feel extremely comfortable on my wrist.
That's all.
I went home happy and felt sad in the morning.
Why?
My wife told me she started dreaming about the Reverso Duetto I was talking about earlier... dream on... :-)
Oh yeah... The door gift.
It's a powerbank.
All in all, a great event showcasing some excellent pieces from Jaeger Le Coultre.
During the recent Malaysia Day holidays, I got to visit Penang and was window shopping at Gurney Plaza.
Did a boutique sweep and found out quite a number of watch shops there.
Upon entering, I am greeted by a Rado booth.
Friendly service staff.
Saw the latest ceramic cased models in collaboration with Andy Murray.
They are actually very good looking in person.
Next up is the Rolex and Tudor boutique.
No sign of the new GMTIIc Blue Black.
No sign of the Tudor Black Bay and Pelagos as well.
Tag Heuer Boutique.
Well stocked and full range of watches available.
They also carry the Tag Heuer accessories like jackets, wallets and bags.
Tried out the 41mm Aquaracer Ceramic.
I like it. A very nice watch.
The Carrera Flyback Chronograph.
Also a very beautiful piece.
Caliber 36 is actually the Zenith El Primero caliber 405 (or 405B)
Toywatch boutique.
A booth selling only Cerruti 1881 watches.
Tissot Boutique.
Omega Boutique.
Wide range of selections available.
Spotted the 57 Speedmaster Reissue.
Quite pricey at RM27K+
Nice watch though... powered by a co-axial crhonograph movement with a silicon balance spring.
WatchShoppe.
Carries brands ranging from Tag Heuer, Longines, Mont Blanc, Maurice Lacroix.
Wide range of selection with good discounts.
City Chain.
Offers a myriad of affordable watches from Casio, Seiko and some fashion brands.
Tip Top Time.
Similar to City Chain but not a franchise shop.
Also carry affordable range of watches.
Also got the chance to meet up with 2 good friends in Penang.
Lucky to have caught up with them and have a good and filling breakfast of local "Penang Only" delicacies.
As of today, the Zenith FB page have released 2 more pictures a week apart from each other with the full reveal within the next 2 days.
This picture of the caseback shows a purple coloured part.
And most importantly, the engraving states the numbers 4052 which is the same caliber number as the movement found on the Striking 10th models.
This watch will most probably be a Striking 10th Carbon watch.
But wait, the next sneak peak shows the dial side.
Sports the iconic Tricolour subdials.
And looks to be a semi skeletonized or transparent dial like the one found on the 1969 New Vintage El Primero in DLC Titanium?
Official reveal will be in a day or two.
Can't wait to see the complete reveal.
