Zenith has launched its new El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow watch for 2013. The new model is a boutique exclusive, and it is issued in a 250-piece limited edition.
The very first Zenith Rainbow Flyback Model was built back in 1997 and its design was entirely based on technical requirements established for the French Air Force. Today, this model, originally developed for the Aero-Club De France, is a popular sport watch and a true cult classic. Zenith Rainbow Flyback models are rugged, robust, and developed to withstand even the most severe conditions. They are not only wristwatches, but rather genuine high-precision instruments of the top-notch accuracy.

Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow is powered by the famous El Primero movement, which was built back in 1969. Even today, El Primero is the world’s most precise series-produced chronograph. Back in the sixties, El Primero was the very first integrated automatic high-frequency watch, beating at the exceptional rhythm of 36,000 vibrations per hour and capable to measure events to up to 1/10th second precision.
This year's edition of Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow Boutique Edition is powered by the El Primero Calibre 405 B automatic movement and equipped with a date display, a telemetric scale, and the flyback function. The latter is especially meant for pilots, and it enables the wearer to instantly control the chronograph function. The flyback chronograph uses a single push of the button for stopping, resetting and restarting the function.
The watch is rather large, with its 45.5 mm diameter case made of black Alchron. This innovative high-tech material is actually an alloy made from titanium and aluminum, and it is typically used in aeronautics and automotive industries. Zenith was the first brand to use Alchron in the watch industry for their all-black El Primero Stratos model from 2011. The case is topped by a rotating bezel with black aluminum ring and a telemetric scale, while the open worked case-back reveals the fascinating mechanism.

The most distinguishing detail on the dial-side is the minute counter at 3 o’clock that appears in various colors. The purpose of the rainbow-type design is to enable night-time readings in cockpits lit by infrared light. The hours are displayed in a separate counter at 6 o'clock, while the small seconds indicator appears at 9 o'clock position.
Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow Boutique Edition is mounted on a black rubber strap with triple folding clasp. The watch is water resistant to 100 meters and it comes with a reference number 24.2063.405/21.R515. Available exclusively in Zenith boutiques for CHF 8,000.
Author: Marina Milojevic
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