Back in January, the WorldTempus editor-in-chief and myself had the opportunity to try out the Elite Chronograph Classic, a watch we both enjoyed wearing. So I was delighted to be given the chance to wear the new ladies’ version of the Elite, the Lady Moonphase, unveiled at Baselworld 2016, which is a contender in the Ladies’ Watch category of this year’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
To be frank, I rarely go for ladies’ watches, since I generally prefer more masculine timepieces with a broader diameter. And yet... I was completely won over by the Elite Lady Moonphase by Zenith.
On the wrist
The Elite model that I had the opportunity to try out comes in a rose gold case with a polished bezel. It’s more minimalist than the existing diamond-set model, and in fact I prefer it since it works in any context – at work, for evening wear, on holiday – with a smart outfit or more casual wear. In addition to its versatility, the Lady Moonphase has three more major points in its favour: simple lines, a clean dial, and a rock-solid movement – the automatic Elite 692 calibre, a 100% in-house movement made in Zenith’s Le Locle manufacture. These three criteria are, in my opinion, essential for any watch to stand the test of time.
In terms of design, I always look for that small detail that makes all the difference. Here, it’s the blued hand of the small seconds counter at 9 o’clock, which stands out against the delicate white mother-of-pearl dial and adds a contemporary touch to this classic model. I had my doubts about the small 36 mm diameter of the watch, but I very quickly got used to it, and it was with some reluctance that I handed the watch back to Zenith at the end of my few weeks’ trial.
The watch
The Elite Lady Moonphase is available in five versions, with an 18K rose gold or stainless steel case and diamond-set or polished bezel. The back of the pebble-shaped case opens to reveal the Elite calibre and its rotor decorated with Geneva striping. With a power reserve of over 50 hours, this 3.97 mm high extra-flat movement contains 195 components and beats at 28,800 vph. The mother-of-pearl dial, slender applied indices and poetic design of the moon phase display in its framed window together produce an effortlessly charming women’s complication. The watch is fitted with a rubber-lined black or brown alligator strap, with steel or rose gold pin buckle.
