2010s Zenith Elite Chronograph 42mm Automatic 03.2270.4069

Here we have a 2010s Zenith Elite Chronograph Automatic 03.2270.4069 featuring a curvaceous 42mm polished stainless steel case that sits comfortably on your wrist with curved flat-ended lugs. Its soft, rounded flanks lead to a lug-to-lug length of 50.5mm and a case thickness of 12mm. Down the right side, we have the rectangular pushers and a signed, deep knurled crown in the centre. A smooth, polished bezel holds a domed sapphire crystal AR-coated above a stunning sunburst silver bicompax dial. An outer minute track, precisely executed, features elegant double and single applied indexes marking the hours, at 3 o’clock a 30-minute register and at 9 o’clock a running seconds, each delicately printed with a blued stick hand. Beautifully sculpted, polished steel leaf hands are complemented by a tapered chronograph hand. At noon, the applied Zenith motif completes this sophisticated sports watch. On the reverse, a screwed-down sapphire exhibition case back, engraved with the details of the watch around its edge, inside an automatic Zenith El Primero Cal. 4069, 31 jewels, beating at 36,000 beats per hour. It has a base of the Zenith El Primero 400. The skeletonised rotor is decorated with Côtes de Genevè; this column-wheel movement features 254 parts. It comes paired with its Zenith 21mm leather strap and signed folding clasp. This watch is sold with its original Zenith box and booklets.

This watch is sold with its original Zenith box, swing tag and booklets. It comes paired with its Zenith 21mm leather strap and signed folding clasp. The watch is from Circa. Late 2010s and is in worn, but overall it is in very fair condition, as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months Warranty.

The Zenith Elite Chronographs offer incredible value for money in today's market if you are after a mechanical chronograph from a brand with unrivalled chronograph history. This is the reference 03.2270.4069, which features a wonderful silver-tone dial with blued highlights, and at 42mm, it's large but very wearable. Powered by the automatic Zenith Cal. 4069, which is visible through the exhibition case back. I wouldn't hesitate to snap this up and add it to your collection today!

Reference : 03.2270.4069/01.C493
Movement : Automatic Zenith Cal. 4069
Age : Circa. Late 2010s
Year : Circa. Late 2010s
Case Size : 42mm
Case Thickness : 12mm
Lug to Lug : 50.5mm
Lugs : 21mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Booklets
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Zenith was established in 1865 by the ambitious 22-year-old watchmaking prodigy Georges Favre-Jacot. The company established its manufacturing base in Le Locle, a picturesque town in the Swiss Jura Mountains known for its rich horological heritage. The brand gained international recognition in 1909 when the pioneering French aviator Louis Blériot wore a Zenith watch during his historic flight across the English Channel, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. Zenith's watches have adorned the wrists of remarkable adventurers, including the legendary Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. He made history by being the first person to reach both the South Pole in 1911 and the North Pole in 1926. As the company approached its centennial celebration in 1965, Zenith’s designers sought to confront the most challenging technological hurdle facing the watch industry: the creation of a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement. Their efforts culminated in the development of the legendary El Primero movement, which was released in 1969. The El Primero, known for its high-frequency escapement and remarkable accuracy, went into production in 1975 and saw a re-issue in 1986. However, the 1960s were turbulent for Zenith due to ongoing litigation regarding naming rights. To navigate through these challenges, the Zenith watch company merged in 1968 with Movado, another respected Swiss brand. This strategic alliance allowed Zenith to leverage Movado’s extensive distribution networks in the United States and stabilise its presence in the market. In 1971, the Zenith Radio Company, which had previously been in conflict with its Swiss counterpart, opted to buy Zenith Watch Company, effectively uniting two entities under the same brand during a challenging period known as the Quartz Crisis. In 1975, Zenith's leadership made the drastic decision to transition entirely to quartz watch production, marking a significant shift in their manufacturing philosophy. This included the controversial decision to destroy all mechanical watch components and blueprints, including those related to the historical El Primero movement. However, thanks to the courageous actions of Charles Vermot, a senior engineer in Zenith’s movement-making department, the company's rich mechanical heritage was saved. Together with a small group of loyal colleagues, Vermot secretly hid the El Primero blueprints and parts in a concealed attic at the factory, preserving them for potential future use amidst the pervasive quartz trend. Vermot’s foresight bore fruit in the 1980s as the market shifted back toward mechanical watches. Prominent brands like Ebel and Rolex reintroduced mechanical chronograph styles, paving the way for Zenith’s revival. The carefully safeguarded El Primero re-emerged as the driving force behind Rolex's hugely successful Daytona series. In 1978, Zenith was acquired from Zenith Radio Company, which is now part of LG Electronics, by Dixi, a company specialising in machine tools based in Le Locle. This transition marked a new chapter for Zenith, which began reintroducing its El Primero-equipped chronograph watches to meet the rising demand for high-end mechanical timepieces. In 1999, Zenith became part of the prestigious LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) group, aligning itself with other luxury brands such as TAG Heuer and Hublot. Even today, Zenith stands out as one of the few Swiss manufacturers that not only produces mechanical watches but also crafts its own movements.