Only Watch 2015

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Only Watch 2015 - Zenith
Zenith offers a "Rolling Stones" 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, the charity auction dedicated to the advancement of research on a serious degenerative neuromuscular disease. With a resolutely rock ‘n’ roll watch, the one-of-a-kind El Primero Only Watch timepiece.

This watch houses the 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. 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.

Zenith

The dial centre is 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 adorned with the “red tongue” Rolling Stones logo.

The hours and minutes hand are shaped like the fretboard of the Fender Telecaster guitar used by Keith Richards. 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, 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: the tongue and British flag are tone-on-tone heat-embossed on leather.

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.

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