El Primero Only Watch de Zenith: A rock ‘n’ roll watch on behalf of scientific research

A loyal companion for all manner of human endeavours since its founding, Zenith naturally wished to associate with 40 or so other watch brands in Only Watch, a charity auction dedicated to the advancement of research on a serious degenerative neuromuscular disease. With a resolutely rock ‘n’ roll watch…

Only Watch: a unique opportunity

Created ten years ago, Only Watch is a biennial auction of one-of-a-kind timepieces from which the proceeds are donated to funding top-flight scientific research on the extremely serious Duchenne form of muscular dystrophy, discovered by French neurologist Guilllaume Duchenne in 1858. Only Watch is organised in collaboration with the Monaco Association Against Muscular Dystrophy (AMM) and benefits from the active support of his HSH Prince Albert of Monaco, who has always shown a keen interest in research and science. 2015 thus marks the 6th edition of this event that will kick off at the Monaco Yacht Show (23-26.09), set off for a world tour with stop-overs in Hong Kong (2-5.10), Beijing (9-12.10), New York (17-20.10) and London (24-27.10), before coming to a close in Geneva from November 5th to 7th 2015. Some 40 watch brands have responded favourably to the call of the founder Luc Pettavino. For this important event, Zenith will be presenting a truly unique timepiece.

Zenith: a unique Manufacture.

Through its 150 years of accompanying human conquests as well as an absolute record of 2,333 chronometry prizes won in pocket watch, onboard timer and wristwatch categories, Zenith has created calibres that have been landmarks in watchmaking history. El Primero is a prime example. At the time of its launch a few months before man’s first steps on the moon, this automatic movement was the first to incorporate a chronograph function of non-modular construction. Beating at the high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour and thus measuring time to the nearest tenth of a second, it was at that point and indeed still is the world’s most accurate series-made movement. Since then, it has constantly evolved to welcome complications and avant-garde mechanisms that have earned it numerous prizes. As part of this ongoing quest for excellence, all El Primero calibres destined for Open or Tourbillon models are now chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute).

The Rolling Stones: a unique group.

When stars share the same values of pleasure, daring and authenticity, their paths are destined to cross. Zenith, the brand with the guiding star and the English rock band The Rolling Stones, have indeed become partners. Several crucial factors naturally predisposed these five young musicians to founding a legendary group. Firstly, their talent: Brian Johns, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts soon asserted the power of an unmistakable style. Secondly, the era: the early 1960s, when England was discovering pop music and rock ‘n’ roll. Also the genre, rock ‘n’ roll, which made a strong contrast with the pop music of their rivals, The Beatles. And finally, the originality of their compositions, such as I can’t get no (satisfaction) released in 1965 and Angie, in 1973. The legend was in the making and would meet with planet-wide success. More than 50 years later, it is still going strong.

El Primero Only Watch: a unique model

This watch is distinguished by its El Primero 4052 W Striking 10th automatic movement, beating at the frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour and accurate to the nearest tenth of a second. In addition to its performances, the movement also stands out for its lightness and originality, since the main components are machined from titanium: the mainplate, barrel bridge, balance bridge, chronograph bridge, lever bridge and lever-wheel bridge. Combined with the use of silicon for the chronograph double-wheel, the lever and the escape-wheel, it is easy to understand why the movement is as light as a feather. The dial centre is also openworked to give a lighter touch as well as providing a clear view of part of the movement, which may also be admired through the transparent caseback. The oscillating weight is thus revealed, adorned with the famous “red tongue” Rolling Stones logo. Pierced and arranged on a ring around the dial circumference, the date numerals stand out on a red dot appearing in a window at 6 o’clock. The hours and minutes hand are shaped like the fretboard of the Fender Telecaster guitar used (and made legendary) by Keith Richards, one of the key members of The Rolling Stones. The facetted and hollowed hour-markers are coated with a luminescent material. The blue, anthracite and light grey counters at 3,6 and 9 o’clock respectively reprise the three colours of the original El Primero chronograph that have come to symbolise the brand, while the red central sweep-seconds hand features a tiny counterpoise shaped like a Zenith star.

The titanium case with its DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating features openworked lugs also contributing to the overall light feel of the model. Fitted with a black titanium triple folding clasp, the rubber strap features a black Barenia calfskin insert. It is personalised in the “colours” of The Rolling Stones and their native land: the logo (tongue) and British flag (Union Jack) are tone-on-tone heat-embossed on leather. Finally, the presentation box comprises an inner box bearing the handwritten logo of the rock band as well as that of Zenith, as well as the box itself adorned with the red tongue on the leather lining. The inside is also red to echo the dominant colour.