Chronomaster El Primero Solar Blue Limited Edition

Swiss watchmaker Zenith teamed up with British watchmaker Bamford Watch Department and British fashion one-stop menswear website MR PORTER to officially release the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Solar Blue exclusive limited edition watch on November 15, 2018.

Designed by Zenith and BWD founder Mr. George Bamford and his team, this watch was developed and produced entirely by the brand watchmaker. This is the first time these three partners have jointly created such projects and products of this performance. Based on the Zenith Heritage 146 model, this watch draws inspiration from the brand’s many traditional design elements. These subtle features include a speedometer inspired by the 1971 El Primero, a red seconds hand, a vintage chronograph case and a central small dial that resembles the old Zenith recorder and motion-sensing clock.

Its unique Solar Blue dial is fitted in a 38mm stainless steel case with a navy blue Alcantara synthetic leather strap, and the white stitching on the strap echoes the white hour markers on the dial. And it is built-in El Primero 4069 high-frequency automatic winding movement. Combining all the highlights, Zenith, Bamford Watch and MR PORTER create a Zenith El Primero Solar Blue 38MM Stainless Steel Automatic Limited Timepiece with new, classic and contemporary look.

MR PORTER Managing Director Mr. Toby Bateman

“This is the first time MR PORTER has worked with Zenith and Bamford watches, and we are very excited about the results. Zenith’s modern watchmaking method and George Bamford’s focus on contemporary customization create a unique timepiece. Our customers and readers will love and appreciate it. Go deep into Zenith’s archive for technical reference, and this collaboration will showcase real creativity and legend – this will undoubtedly make this watch stand out in the next few years.”

Mr. Julien Tornare, the CEO of Zenith

“The partnership with the custom specialist Bamford Watch Division (BWD) last year has validated the wide range of creative possibilities that this collaboration offers. This is the first time we have produced a BWD-designed product entirely in-house. In 2015, Zenith is also the first Swiss luxury watch brand to enter MR PORTER.COM. This world-class retail e-commerce sales network does not need to be described. The result of this tripartite effort may resonate with fashion men around the world.”

Mr. George Bamford, Founder of Bamford Watch

“Since becoming an official customizer for Zenith last June, I have considered this project with MR PORTER. I am happy to see it implemented, and both brands design and promote the same project, which is always a good fortune. Zenith’s craft team opened my eyes, because the beautiful blue on this unique dial is so lively, with retro design and ingenuity to make it look really different.”

These limited-edition watches feature a special open case back cover with a pattern engraved on them, numbered individually from 1 to 25. Exclusively sold by MR PORTER, limited to 25 pieces, priced at $7,500.