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Zenith Elite Captain Central Second (ref. 18.2020.670/01.C498)The new Zenith Elite Captain Central Second automatic watch is one of the most affordable dressy timekeepers powered by superbly-designed in-house movements.Those of you who keep an eye on the Swiss watch manufacture Zenith, probably know, how bad was the brand’s financial situation in the midst of the world economic crisis.While their eccentric ultra-luxury models priced about $500,000 each were selling like hot pancakes in the first half of the year 2008, the year 2009 was simply disastrous. Sales of LVMH’s watches and jewelry plummeted 19 percent to 764 million euro with Zenith leading the way with 25 percent decline in sales.By the time, Zenith had 16 main collections with around 800 models. The manufacture’s workforce counted 250 people with 25 métiers, 15 engineers, and 12 watchmakers devoted to complications. It was good when the brand’s sales were skyrocketing, but when the recession stroke, someone had to clear the mess consolidate the business. In the middle of the year, LVMH bid farewell to Zenith’s “worldwide President” Thierry Nataf and appointed Jean-Frederic Dufour, former production head at their another premium brand Chopard, as a new CEO.In his efforts to save the business, Mr. Dufour was so enthusiastic that he immediately fired around 70 of his employees and reduced the total number of models from 800 to only 150 divided in four main collections: heaute horlogery line Academy, which includes high complications; Chronomaster and Class line, all powered by their El Primero movement; Defy, the sporty line targeting the same customers as Hublot; and the entry-level Elite series.Starting as low as $4000, the Elite seems to be one of the most affordable Swiss watches powered by a real manufacture-made movement, not some redecorated mass-produced job from ETA, Soprod, etc.Their latest addition to the collection is the new Zenith Elite Captain watch. The watch is powered by the automatic Zenith caliber Elite 670 with a central second hand and a small date functions (the movement is also capable of showing the power reserve, but the watch comes without this useful complication.) The caliber has been produced since 1994 and has already proved its reputation of a highly reliable and accurate movement.Measuring around 25.6 mm in diameter and only 3.465 mm in thickness, the movement is compact enough to enable Zenith’s engineers create very thin watches. The Elite Captain, for example, is produced in a stainless steel body that is 40 mm in diameter and only 8 mm in height, which makes the watch look good even on a very skinny wrist.Judging by the company’s online catalogue, the watch is delivered in four color / strap variations: two versions come equipped with a silver sunray dial and gold-plated hour and minute hands, and two more sport black dial with stainless steel hands. Both models are available either on an alligator leather strap with stainless steel pin buckle or on a metal bracelet with stainless steel triple folding buckle.Too bad there is no version in rose gold with a chocolate brown dial and rose gold hands. That one would truly own my heart.Plain and simple, the Elite Captain is almost an ideal dressy watch for today’s cash-strapped consumer.

*Click for a larger imageThe 16th edition of this classic car show, took place in the majestic surrounding of Parc de Saint Cloud, in Paris. This is Zenith's third year as a corporate sponsor. The company entertained more than 300 guests at its booth."Zenith became a house of luxury watchmaking today by rediscovering its past, finding its pride, and by imagining its future, created its present" declared Thierry Nataf, President of Zenith International SA. In order to reward the "Automotive works of Art" symbolizing a journey through time, this year Zenith chose to present its most recent offering, a Grande Chronomaster Open. As underlined by Thierry Nataf, "afterall, wearing a luxury watch is like driving an exotic car: it feels a little special".9/22/03