These Classic Chronographs Make the Perfect Gift

Few watch companies carry the cache the Zenith does. The manufacture is known for its impeccably constructed chronographs, like the El Primero column-wheel chronograph, which occupies the number 20 slot on out list of the greatest watches of all time. Few timepieces strike such a delicate balance of style, function and form as the Zenith chronographs — anyone, watch enthusiast or not, would be happy to unwrap an El Primero this holiday season. Whether you’re looking for something classic, modern or design-forward, Zenith makes an El Primo that fits the bill.

Chronomaster Revival Shadow

Zenith

The Chronomaster Revival Shadow is the ultimate blacked-out chronograph. It features a microblasted titanium case, the original 1969 case diameter of 37mm and is powered by an automatic El Primero column-wheel chronograph. For the modern watch enthusiast who appreciates a nod to the past, look no further.

Price: $8,200

Chronomaster Revival A386 Manufacture Edition

Zenith

The Chronomaster Revival A386 Manufacture Edition could be the coolest watch that Zenith makes. Its dial was inspired by vintage unreleased prototypes that were found in the attic at the manufacture. Like the Chronomaster Revival Shadow, this watch features the original 1969 case diameter and hides an automatic El Primero column-wheel chronograph behind the dial.

Price: $8,700

Defy 21

Zenith

Where the previous two timepieces we’ve mentioned are fairly traditional in their function, the Defy 21 takes horological innovation to the next level. The Defy 21 features two escapements, one for the time and one for the chronograph function. The time escapement retains the El Primero’s 36,000 bph operating frequency, but the chronograph escapement runs at an insane 360,000 bph, which allows it to record times to the nearest hundredth of a second. All that, and it’s a certified chronometer, to boot.

Price: $13,100

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