Zenith recently announced a new version of their 45 mm skeletonized El Primero Chronograph, similar to the version we showed you earlier this year, and the carbon fiber model that was launched in 2013 – except now the El Primero is presented in black ceramic case and with additional material cut-away. In particular, the subdials have been redesigned with just rings, allowing a view straight through to the movement. And, the sundial hands have been changed from baton style to syringe hands.

The 5Hz automatic caliber 400B still powers the watch, offering a 50-hour power reserve and 1/10th of a second chronograph accuracy.

With skeleton watches designers can easily get carried away, resulting in a watch that has so much of the component material removed it becomes gaudy. In this case, I think Zenith has done an excellent job with the overall design. And I especially like that they left that exposed date wheel disc, which surrounds the dial on the inside of the chapter ring, with cut-outs for each day of the month including a red date indication at 6 o’clock.

The matte ceramic case is 14.05 mm in thickness with a domed sapphire crystal and 50 meters water resistance. The chapter ring is screwed to the movement and has hour indexes that are ruthenium-plated, faceted, and coated with luminous material. Each watch comes with a black rubber strap with carbon fiber coating and a black PVD-coated titanium triple folding clasp. The retail price is $10,600. (Ref. 49.2520.400/98.R578)