Monochrome Watches
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Zenith x Bamford Chronomaster El Primero Radar

A boutique-exclusive, limited edition of the legendary chronograph, co-designed with Bamford Watch Department.

| By Xavier Markl | 1 min read |
Zenith x Bamford Chronomaster El Primero Radar

About a year ago, Zenith Watches teamed up with Bamford Watch Department to present the Chronomaster El Primero Solar Blue for MR PORTER. The success of this limited edition has encouraged the manufacture and the watch customiser to join forces once again. Meet the Chronomaster El Primero Radar, an unusual, bold and modern take on the iconic automatic chronograph.

The Chronomaster El Primero Radar draws its inspiration from Zenith historical design cues, reinterpreted in a modern way. Like the Solar Blue edition, it features a gradient dial framed by white, radiating markers on the periphery of the dial – something unique to Bamford creations. Yet, the most striking element is, without doubt, the eye-catching red “radar” chronograph 30-minute register contrasting with the dark background.

Zenith x Bamford Chronomaster El Primero Radar

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To reproduce a “night vision” effect, it glows in the dark thanks to the application of Super-LumiNova. According to the press release, the inspiration comes from the striking red accents of a 1916 Zenith pocket watch George Bamford stumbled upon during a visit to the manufacture in Le Locle. The target small seconds framed by concentric circles is also inspired by vintage Zenith watches.

Zenith x Bamford Chronomaster El Primero Radar

To complete the modern look of the watch, the 42mm case comes in micro-blasted steel with a matte finish all over. The rubber strap is embossed with a cordura effect and has red stitching matching the radar counter. It is secured to the wrist with a triple folding clasp.

The Zenith x Bamford Chronomaster El Primero Radar is a boutique-exclusive limited edition of 50 pieces. It retails for CHF 7,900. The first maintenance service will be complimentary.

For more information on Zenith, visit www.zenith-watches.com.

https://monochrome-watches.com/zenith-x-bamford-chronomaster-el-primero-radar/

7 responses

  1. I feel this one loses the classic character of the normal (non-openworked) Chronomasters, in a way that the Silicon Valley club one managed not to. I’m guessing, is this what Bamford usually try to do?

  2. Endless limited editions just using different crayons on the same watch, no actual development… Just to make the collectors wet their trousers, those, who don’t realise there is nothing special about it.

  3. This one looks actually quite cool. Why always so much hate in comments?

  4. Nice watch, very readable and don’t forget Zenith was the calibre supplier for the Rolex Daytona in the 90’s. 36.000 vps is not so common.
    What about the maintenance costs nowdays?

  5. The reason for the hate is that watches are lot like the comic book business , first issues, special issues , no real development, just making things rare for the sake of moving a few more units at retail. Makes the whole Swiss watch hobby a bore and it has been showing for awhile now.
    Money grabs are obvious to people in the hobby of even just looking at fine things, there used to be interesting advancements in even just styling of watches. I think the Swiss are having a horrible time figuring out how to attract new user, so they keep rising prices to the old user and playing with one off le’s to keep the same people buying and buying.

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