Zenith is one of the most decorated watchmakers in the business. For 150 years, it has been quietly chipping away, winning awards with magnificent products, sometimes without the beating of chest and the shouting that accompanies achievements of the large brands. We have a hands on review of the Zenith Elite 6150 with live photographs taken in the Zenith booth.
Their Elite movement is one of the interesting automatic movements, which have received less publicity than their famous El Primero, and this year, at the BaselWorld, they re-introduced it.
The new Zenith Elite 6150, with a smooth, slim case in stainless steel. Classic looks which promises to be everlasting.
The new Zenith Elite 6150 movement is introduced in a classic case, measuring some 42mm. The case is rather slim at only 10mm thick. The case design utilizes smooth lines and avoids sharp edges, to create an almost organic feel and makes it look and feel rather smaller than the dimensions suggest. We understand this is the styling of case which Zenith will continue to use in their Classic line. The dial is simplicity itself. The silver toned dial is plain sans date, and equipped with elegant hands and bar markers which are slim and rhodium plated. A sweep center seconds hand completes the austere look. We do feel that though the overall look is very low contrast, it is rather suitable for a dressy watch.
The Zenith El Primero Classic shown here as a wrist shot bears the same classic, clean, smooth lines as the new Zenith Elite 6150. Seems to be a winning formula. The significant difference between the watch pictured an the Elite being reviewed is the pictured watch carries the El Primero movement, and sports the chronograph function. Also photographed watch is in gold.
The new Zenith Elite 6150 is a revision of the award winning Elite caliber first introduced in 1995 (Movement of the Year of BaselWorld 1994). Zenith added an additional barrel making the power reserve 100 hours (up from 55 hours), and kept the movement thin at 4mm.
The Zenith Elite 6150 movement. Automatic winding , 100 hours power reserve, 28,800bph.
This movement is finished to a high engineering standard without superfluous decorative embellishments to keep the lines clean. As a result, the visual impact of the movement is not one which evokes emotion. But rather one which impresses as efficient. The anglage on the bridges are very minimal, and the rotor sports the Zenith star and is finished with Côtes de Genève.
The watch still debuts at €5800 in stainless steel, before taxes.
Zenith Elite 6150 Specifications
Movement
Automatic Elite 6150 calibre
195 parts
35 jewels
Frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz)
100-hour minimum power reserve
Functions
Hours and minutes
Central seconds
Case, Dial, Hands
Stainless steel, 42mm in diameter
10mm thick
Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Water resistant to 3 ATM
Silver-toned dial
Baton-type hands
Hollowed hour-markers form delicate grooves
Strap and Clasp
Black alligator leather with protective rubber lining
Steel triple-blade folding clasp
