When Zenith first created the El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow Aviator-Oriented Wristwatch it was made specially for the French Ministry of Defense, and has amazing attributes. Through the years the brand developed several similar chronographs, but none as brilliant as the original, until now.
The launch of the first chronograph in this collection reflected the bright colors that shine in the sky after a refreshihg shower delivered by mother nature. Back in 1997 the brand first brought us the black, grey and white version, and then two years later they shared a version with a colorat shield sub dial, a red second hand and a parital red colored bezel that also reflected the colors in the rainbow. Each piece showcased the 45.5 mm case, the water-resistance up to 100 meters, and of course the latest limited edition 250 piece collection.
Exclusively released to Zenith boutiques, the El Primero Stratos is powered by the Caliber 405B automatic movement built around the column wheel. The timepiece is equipped with a date display, a telemetric scale and of course the famous flyback function. Because the watch is aviator-oriented, this famous function allows the pilot to stop, start, and restart the chronograph with a single press on the push-piece, that normally requires three presses on a standard chronograph.
Crafted of black Alchron, a lightweight, and scratch resistant titanium and aluminum alloy, the timepiece is built with artistic elements that are aesthetically exqusite. Sitting atop the 45.5 mm case is a rotating bezel with the scratch-resistant ring. The dome shaped sapphire crystal is located on the fuselage's dorsal ridge, allowing for the astronavigation feature. The sapphire case-back is transparent and provides the view of the breathtaking mechanism of the world's more accurate series-produced calibre.
Zenith didn't disappoint on any aspect of this collection, even the dial is colorful and elegant. The minutes counter sits at 3 o'clock and is colored such that it allows for easy reading in day or night, in infrared-lit cockpits, or out. The inputs from a fighter pilot helped to develop the original version and provided for invaluable information. The black of the dial and case is a perfect contrast to the white superluminova hour markers, and certainly allows the chronograph sweep seconds hand to shine in red like one hot fire. The inner bezel ring which houses the telemetric scale is what gives the depth effect to the timepiece. To finish off this amazing watch, the sporty black strap fits naturally on the wrist and closes with a black PVD-coated folding clasp. Pilot or not, everyone can find the perfect time with this one.
