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ENRUJPDEESIT FR ZTZHAR
In front of you is the El Primero 21 movement. It is the only
mechanical 1/100th of a second chronograph movement.
The El Primero 21 movement is a masterpiece of modern
engineering. Constructed using state-of-the-art methods and
finished using the newest technologies and materials, this
movement fulfils two objectives: a finish of the highest possible
quality, and optimum performance and accuracy on the wrist.
First released in 1969, the world’s most accurate series-made
chronograph entered a new era of mechanical timekeeping with
the El Primero 21 movement.
An impressive frequency of 360,000 vibrations per hour is
testament to the groundbreaking ingenuity of Zenith, and enables
precise measurement of time periods to a hundredth of a second.
The jump from tenths to hundredths of a second is a quantum leap
in terms of watchmaking performance and engineering.
For Zenith, accuracy is the absolute priority. To avoid any risk
of the chronograph affecting the accuracy of the time display,
the El Primero 21 movement is equipped with a “double-chain
structure”.
1 > EL PRIMERO 21 MOVEMENT
This means that the time display and chronograph each have
their own completely independent mechanism with its own
barrel and high frequency escapement.
For the chronograph, this oscillates at a breathtaking 50 Hz
(360,000 VpH). As standard for the El Primero, the time display
calibre oscillates at 5 Hz (36,000 VpH).
Key features
El Primero 21 (Calibre 9004)
Diameter: 32.80 mm (14 ¼)
Thickness: 7.90 mm
Number of components: 293
Number of jewels: 53
2 barrels:
> Watch power reserve: 50 hours
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
> Chronograph power reserve: 50 minutes
Frequency: 360,000 VpH (50 Hz)
Unidirectional automatic winding for the watch and manual winding for
the chronograph.
Functions:
> Hours, minutes and seconds
> 1/100th of a second central chronograph
30-minute counter at 3 o'clock
60-second counter at 6 o'clock
Chronograph power reserve at 12 o'clock