March 19, 2024

Another significant goal for us was to avoid the overlapping dials located in a lot of contemporary Zeniths. These are often criticized by collectors, even fellow Zenith fans, although I’ve never personally found it to be bothering. The overlapping sub-dials matched the simple avant-garde nature of the tri-color El Primero very well, being nearly flippant with its design. That sort of brashness works nicely on overtly sporty models, if a brand be gutsy enough to really try it, but for a much dressier, more austere model such as the Classic Chronomaster Heritage it would not do. Naturally, we wouldn’t dare alter the El Primero within to space the sub-dials out farther, so we were necessarily limited as to where the sub-dials must be found. The answer was self-evident: that the sub-dials had to be somewhat smaller. Although reduced in size, they’re now as big as they can potentially be without overlapping, and to aid in legibility, there is a subtle ring, a change in feel, around each sub-dial that helps distinguish it from the surrounding dial without need for an outline or applied marker.One of the other crucial modifications we made was shifting to a new case. We picked the Heritage 146 instance owing to its size and classic design. As is so often the situation for our small variations, we opted to use a 38mm size. Generally, we utilize 38mm cases because we find it to be quite a versatile size, and also in a small run limited edition we would like to reach the broadest variety of collectors potential. The A273’s crown was also fairly thick, but again, we believed that the slightly thinner crown was more consistent with its dressier picture. You’ll also notice that the pushers have a small groove inside, another subtle difference from the original.

The biennial Zenith Watches Kuwait industry charity auction Only Watch, which takes place in Geneva on November 11, will feature unique timepieces donated by the world’s most prestigious maisons.

Twenty-seven watchmakers are donating a one-off timepiece specifically made for Only Watch or a one-off version of an iconic model.

At the November sale, unique experiences and collaborations will be added to some of the lots including an experience with  an ambassador of the brand or attending a special event such as a Formula 1 race, film festival or fashion show.

At the auction, run by Christie’s, prices are expected to range from tens of thousands to several millions of Euros.

Proceeds from the auction are donated to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a charity that funds research into the disease.

“Over the years, thanks to this exceptional charity event that combines the generosity and savoir-faire of numerous actors — watchmakers, partners, auction houses, and of course, bidders — we have raised over 25 million Euros, allowing research to reach new heights and get closer to a cure,” says Luc Pettavino, founder of Only Watch.

Watches and experiences are being donated by:

Andersen Genève, Armin Strom, Arnold & Son, Audemars Piguet, Barbier Mueller, Bell & Ross, Blancpain, Boucheron, Bovet Fleurier, Breguet, Carl F. Bucherer, Chanel, Chopard, Christophe Claret, Chronoswiss, De Bethune Dewitt, F.P. Journe, Fabergé, Frédérique Constant, Girard Perregaux, H.Moser & Cie, Harry Winston, Hautlence, Hermès, Hublot, Jacob & Co, Konstantin Chaykin, Laurent Ferrier, Urwerk, Jaquet Droz, Louis Moinet, Louis Vuitton, Maurice Lacroix, MB&F, MCT, Montblanc, Moritz Grossmann, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Rebellion, Ressence, Speake Marin, Tag Heuer, Tudor, Ulysse Nardin, Voutilainen, and Zenith.

The event  is  organised  by  Association  Monégasque  contre  les Myopathies (Monaco Association against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) and is supported by His Sovereign Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.