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IMPRESSIVE FIGURES
Making an El Primero
movement involves:
> 9 months of work
> 296 expert craftsman
> 2,500 operations
> 50 milling operations
on the dial side
> 77 other milling operations
on the bridge side
> 18 different metals in
the classic version
Characteristics
> 13-
ligne calibre. 30 mm diameter
> 36,000 vibrations/hour
> Minimum 6.5 mm thickness.
> Minimum of 280 components
and 31 jewels
> Index assembly with
fine adjustment
> Power reserve of over 50 hours
> Central rotor with ball bearings
> Automatic winding in
both directions
> Fast date adjustment
> Chronograph function
(except Synopsis models)
> Column-wheel chronograph
control centre
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THE EL PRIMERO MOVEMENT
LOOK AT IT CAREFULLY!
Before you is the most famous movement in watchmaking
history, one which every watch enthusiast around the world
is capable of naming.
It is currently the world’s most accurate series-produced
movement. Its secret lies in the cadence of its balance. Whilst
other movements generally perform 8 vibrations per second
at best, the El Primero calibre beats 10 times in that same
second. Its development has been accompanied by a number
of breakthrough innovations, including dry lubrication that
ensures excellent long-term stability, and the power reserve
that had to be optimised to match the higher and more energy-
consuming frequency. All Zenith watches are equipped with a
proprietary Zenith movement.
Few brands in the world can lay claim to such a rigorous
approach. When you opt for a Zenith timepiece, you enjoy the
absolute certainty of owning a watch produced from start
to finish in the Manufacture of Le Locle. This fundamental
requirement entails a need for calibres that has resulted in
the creation of more than 600 different movements.
