First Look – The New Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition (Live from Geneva Motor Show)

Live from Geneva – Range Rover just revealed the Velar, its new mid-size SUV, filling the gap between the urban-oriented Evoque and the larger Sport model. This more luxurious variant by Range Rover debuts at the Geneva International Motor Show. This was the opportunity for Zenith to unveil a new special edition, in the same vein as the first limited edition: a sleek (no fuss) chronograph powered by the iconic El Primero. Please welcome the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition.

The partnership between Zenith and Land Rover was announced in September 2016 and was the opportunity for the Le Locle manufacture to release a superb El Primero special edition chronograph (read our hands-on review here), customized for the occasion but avoiding any loud co-branding cues.

The new Range Rover Velar, inspiration for the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition

The unveiling of the Range Rover Velar at the Geneva Motor show is a new opportunity to celebrate this partnership. The Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition shares the same style as modern Range Rover SUVs, with an unstoppable spirit and an overall impression of urban stealth. The black, light but sturdy ceramised aluminum case (a nod to the Range Rover chassis) features dynamic lines enhanced by mushroom pushers and a box sapphire glass. The triple-counter brushed grey dial features copper-toned details. On its periphery (on the inner flange) is a tachymeter scale, reminiscent of the car orientation of this watch.

The co-branding is even more discreet than for the first Zenith x Range Rover edition with no visible Range Rover logo on the face of the watch – the British car manufacturer name is engraved on the case back and rotor only.

Under the hood, the engine powering this special edition is familiar – Born in 1969 (just like Range Rover), the iconic El Primero integrated automatic chronograph, with column wheel and horizontal clutch, beats at 36,000 vibrations per hours (5Hz) and is personalized with a sober Range Rover caption.

The Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition is worn on a new black rubber strap coated with black-toned perforated calfskin, the same hide used on Range Rovers. It is fitted with a triple folding clasp in DLC-treated titanium.

Some people might disagree but I believe that seeing Zenith team up with Range Rover is great. And naturally, not all Range Rover Velar owners will want a Zenith Chronograph. Still, I think this new special edition chronograph is infused with the modern Range Rover spirit in a thoughtful way – I like the strap of the first Range Rover edition better but I applaud Zenith for not trying to dress up this partnership too much with the simple, unfussy, no-logo approach of the “Velar”.

Just like the first Range Rover special edition, this new Special Edition retails for Euro 8,900. For more information, visit www.zenith-watches.com.

Jean-Claude Biver, newly appointed CEO of Zenith, live from the Geneva Motor Show, with the new Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special edition on the wrist

Technical specifications Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special edition

• Case: 42mm diameter x 12.75mm thick – ceramised aluminium case – domed sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both sides – Sapphire case back – Water resistant to 100m
• Movement: El Primero 400B with automatic winding – 30.00mm x 6.60 mm – 50h power reserve – 36,000 vibrations/h (5Hz) – 31 jewels – hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph.
• Strap: black rubber coated with black-toned perforated calfskin with black DLC-treated titanium triple folding clasp.
• Reference: 24.2042.400/27.R799
• Price: Euro 8,900