This year Zenith is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the legendary El Primero. This chronograph became known for its high frequency of 36.000 Vph/5Hz, which meant that it could measure up to 1/10th of a second. The movement was so exceptional that it was even adopted by brands such as Rolex, Ebel, Concord and Daniel Roth for the use in their watches, either in its original configuration or slightly modified.

It was hard to know what to expect, as so much would be different this year at Baselworld. With the attending brands now down to just over a hundred, the show is more compact, yet the new fair management also took the opportunity to make good use of this space. Greenery, indoor ponds and more luxurious culinary options have given the fair a more upscale appearance, one that is matched by the amazing watches that are presented here!

Hublot is a brand of colors. Not only are they not afraid to experiment with different color gemstones, but also the creation of colored ceramic and enamel holds no secrets for them. This is all due to a great technical prowess, which results from a focus on research and development, something that has always been one of the pillars of the brand.

Zenith has always had a passion for fine cigars. Although a completely different product from watches, the craftsmanship, knowledge and passion needed to create a top quality product isn't. It is, therefore, no wonder that Zenith joined Habanos in celebrating the 50th anniversary of their Trinidad cigars with four very special Pilot Type 20 Chronographs to mark the occasion.

When the Zenith El Primero hit the market, now fifty years ago, it immediately gained the status of being a benchmark. This is not only because it was the first automatic chronograph, but also because it combined this with an integrated column wheel and a high frequency of 36.000 vibrations per hour. This made it possible for the watch to measure time with an accuracy of 1/10th of a second.

While there are quite a few watches that command the status of an icon, there are fewer movements that can do the same. Even when they can do that, the vast majority is only known among a group of very dedicated collectors and no so much to the mainstream consumers. There is, however, an exception to this rule. A name that is often used synonymously for both the movement, as well as the watch that it powers: Zenith's El Primero!

Zenith supports the 2018 Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride, in honor of The Movember Foundation, which backs prostate cancer research and men's mental health.

Ever wonder how a watch looks that has nothing left to prove? Then look no further than the Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic! An utterly understated creation that will elevate the pulse of those people who know, but will probably be completely ignored by those who have little passion for watchmaking. That by itself can be a reason to strap this watch around your wrist, but there are so many more!

Zenith has been making impressive watches since 1865, but many of us know the brand especially because of the El Primero. Launched in 1969, it was the world's first integrated, automatic chronograph movement, and because its balance oscillates at the frequency of 36.000 vibrations per hour, it can measure time up to a tenth of a second. For Zenith this accomplishment was however only an inspiration to push the envelope even further, which results today in a collection that is as extensive as it is impressive, and their following watches are Haute Time favourites!

Zenith's collaboration with premium cigar manufacturer Cohiba recently got a new chapter with two Pilot Type 20 special editions. It is quite extraordinary to sense the synergy between the watches and the cigars as their alignment doesn't seem like a stretch for either brand. They naturally complement each other.

Baselworld is always a place full of surprizes, some large and some small. One of those big surprises is the Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante Minute Rétrograde. This watch combines a jumping hour with retrograde minutes and a unique flying tourbillon.

It was one of the highlights of last year’s Baselworld: the Zenith Defy El Primero 21. While the El Primero itself has already set the standard of its chronograph to 5Hz/36.000 bpm in 1969, allowing you to measure with a 1/10th of a second accuracy, the El Primero 21 exceeds this tenfold. Running at a staggering 50Hz, the chronograph measures up to 1/100th of a second, and does so with a central seconds hand, which makes this accomplishment all the more tangible.

With the Heritage Cronometro TIPO CP-2 Zenith created a homage to one of the most desirable pilot chronographs ever created.

Continuing where we left off in Part I, these are the last of our ten favorite watches from this year's Baselworld watch fair!

The now legendary El Primero from Zenith was presented in January 1969 after seven years of development. It still takes nine months to make one today, but that comes with the territory when you are an icon.

The Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition unities the the tradition and innovation of Zenith and Range Rover.