From 21st to 25th April, three connoisseurs of mechanical beauty and speed will set off, along with their co-drivers, under Zenith's banner. On their wrists, the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Edition, a sporty model specially designed for the event.
Following his record freefall which earned him a definitive place in history, Félix Baumgartner will now get behind the wheel of a 1955 Mercedes Benz 300 SL to take up the speed challenge on behalf of Zenith.
To be there on the starting line, in one of 230 unique sports cars, in a legendary competition is a childhood dream that Felix will see realised.
However, he won't be the only one driving with and on behalf of Zenith.
The competition also features Dominique Vananty at the wheel of a 1965 Porsche 911, Daniel Spadini in a 1964 Jaguar E Type 3.8L and his co-driver, Aldo Magada, President and CEO of Zenith.
To mark the event and celebrate its partnership with the Tour Auto, Zenith has designed an exclusive timepiece. Haute Horlogerie and collector's cars are linked by fastidious expertise, as well as a desire for perfection and elegance: The El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Edition joins them forever by combining the revolutionary chronograph movements for which the Le Locle Manufacture has become famous, with a subtile automotive design.
The watch is equipped with the El Primero 4061 self-winding chronograph movement for an added sporty touch. The design of its open dial reflects the spirit of competition and the world of classic cars, with an aperture at 11 o'clock that provides a view reminiscent of the impressive sight that greets you when you open the bonnet of a racing car.
Subtly arranged, the blue, white and red that evoke the French flag are symbolic. The mushroom-type push-pieces for the chronograph functions each have an undercut, blue for the chronograph start and red for the reset. The case has brushed horns and middle hoops for a resolutely sporty look. With its triple deployant buckle, the strap recalls the gloves worn by classic car drivers: perforated blue calfskin with a protective black rubber lining for an immediate association with sports and performance cars.
The Tour Auto logo (on the crystal) and the watch number in the series appear on the steel case back. The cover of the special box features the Tour Auto logo, and its blue interior matches the watch's predominant colour.
The brand has activated its Zenith Hub to allow spectators to get up close and personal to the event. Over the course of 2000 km, including several timed sections on circuits and closed roads, as well as friendly stages, right up to the final on the Basque coast at Biarritz, the web platform will feature a live broadcast of all social media feeds on Zenith and the Tour Auto.
