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Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

For all-around watch nerdiness, both are compelling timepieces but clearly different. Both also share a fondness for silicon – which Zenith is backing in a big way these days. Silicon is what makes movements like the ZO 342 even possible. Replacing metal with silicon is how these parts are able to move quickly and reliably. Unlike metal, silicon isn’t affected by temperature or magnetism, and because it has much lower friction, it doesn’t require lubrication. More so, the ability to cut very small, very precise parts allows for mechanisms not previously available when metal was more or less the only material option. These manufacturing options combined with computer modeling software have allowed for a new generation of mechanical watch movements such as the ZO 342 that combine traditional concepts of how a small machine tells the time, with a lot of modern know-how.

If you want a modern Zenith El Primero watch that combines the heritage of the famed “hi beat” mechanical chronograph and modern materials in a classic looking package then these new for 2017 El Primero watches will be right up your alley. Black and white “panda dial” watches are enduringly beloved by us watch nerds, especially when brands don’t ruin them with too much extra color. What are these pretty looking new Zenith watches called? Unfortunately the names are rather derivative being the “Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH.” Because, you know, that narrows them down to every single El Primero watch ever made. Or you can refer to them by their “watch latin” reference names of 24.2041.400/21.R576 and 24.2041.400/01.R576.

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

At 42mm wide the cases of the El Primero 36,000 VPH watches pictured here are ideally-sized, in my opinion. The cases are remarkably light being aluminum, but are  coated in ceramic. Zenith calls them “ceramicised aluminum,” which is important because aluminum scratches easily and ceramic coatings do not. Don’t worry, you aren’t the first one to read that term and at a glance think we are talking about circumcised metal cases.

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

The matte black color is sporty and the 42mm case is just 12.75mm thick with 100 meters of water resistance in traditional El Primero style. Note the “box style” sapphire crystal which gives the watch a vintage look. I know I am harping on it at this point, but I really wish these watches had a more distinctive name… I’m thinking about just calling these models the El Primero Black & White, and the El Primero White & Black. You can decide which is which.

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

The standard El Primero dial style is marked by a mostly monochromatic color tone with the lightest hint of red in two of the chronograph hands. The timeless, classic look of black & white “panda dials,” make sporty chronograph watches like the El Primero 36,000 look their best. It also has the versatility to be suitable with a lot of attire options. That’s really the beauty of black and white… that it goes with pretty much everything. More so, rather than three distinct high-contrast subdials, you have three overlapping subdials which makes it look like you have an uplifting homage to Mickey Mouse on your wrist at all times. Zenith, the most El Primero place on earth!

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

Inside the Zenith watches on sale Replica El Primero 36,000 VPH is the in-house made Zenith caliber 400B automatic column-wheel movement. You can see the movement through the rear of the case’s sapphire crystal exhibition window. The movement operates at 5Hz (36,000 bph), which Zenith prefers to say is 36,000 vibrations per hour (“vph”). The date window is located 6 o’clock – and is among the more attractive date window on dial integrations on a sport watch you’ll find out there.

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

Attached to the matte black ceramicised aluminum case is a perforated black rubber strap. While it is comfortable on the wrist, I am not a big fan of how it looks. There are seemingly many interesting replacements that could work well on a watch like this. I’m thinking a shiny alligator strap with silver (to match the dial’s light colors) stitching. Note that strap runs pretty large as well, so if you like this watch and have wrists my size, you’ll need to get a shorter strap, anyway.

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Black & White Watches For 2017 Hands-On

My personal favorite of the two is the Zenith watches defy lab price Replica El Primero 36,000 VPH with the black dial and silvery white subdials that is the reference 24.2041.400/01.R576. Though that and the silver white with black subdial reference 24.2041.400/21.R576 is cool, as well. Price for each is $8,600. zenith-watches.com