Being among the legendary names of traditional watchmaking, Zenith redefines the dress watch category according to the norms of modern times with its Moonphase 40.5mm model from the renewed Elite Collection.
Having devoted the last year to the iconic movement Caliber El Primero, which celebrated its 50th anniversary, Zenith has gained great popularity with its wide product range exclusively designed for the occasion. The famous brand, which participated in Dubai Watch Week 2020, which is perhaps the only lucky watch event of this year, also gained appreciation with the new Elite Collection presented to the taste of watch enthusiasts during the organization. The collection, which contains many alternatives ranging from different color and material options to gem-set versions, is under the spotlight with its moon phase model today.
The brand, which has been on the agenda in recent years with its sportier models and pilot watches, continues to be in the modern/classic dress watch segment since 1994 with the Elite Collection. The brand, which has won the "Best Movement of the Year" award in 1994 with the Caliber Elite 670, a manual winding three-hander, is expanding its product range with new-generation models.
The model we have here for review comes with a case designed with a diameter of 40.5mm and a height of 9.35mm. Despite its larger diameter for a classic dress watch, the case, which is made of 18K pink gold, does not compromise its elegant appearance. On both sides of the case, where matte and glossy surfaces are used together, scratch-resistant sapphire crystals are used. The water pressure resistance value of the case, which is accompanied by a hefty winding crown with the Zenith logo, is set at 50 meters.
It is possible to come across many different versions within the Elite Collection. The model, which is the guest of our review corner, comes with a silvery dial with sunbeam pattern. The dial, which has a strong and modern stance with faceted baton-style hour markers elongating towards the center and sword hands, has a small second’s counter at 9 o'clock and a moon phase indicator that gives the model its name at 6 o'clock. There is no phosphor application on the dial, in which blue and gold accents are used.
Inside the model is the Elite Caliber 692, which has been developed in-house, in service. The 27-jewels/195 parts ultra-thin automatic movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800vph) and can offer up to 50 hours of power reserve when fully wound. The movement, with a total height of 3.97mm, is wound by a full-size perforated rotor and can be viewed through the sapphire crystal display case back.
Zenith Elite Moonphase (Ref. 18.3100.692 / 01.C922) comes with an alligator strap crafted in harmony with the blue details used on the dial and a Zenith signed standard buckle made of 18K pink gold.
The new Elite Collection takes its place as a successful option in its segment with its rich alternatives consisting of modern perspective and different versions brought to the classic dress watch concept, which is known for its elegant designs.
