Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition

In 1969 the Rover car company embarked on a project that would go on to define a new category combining luxury and all-terrain capability in a vehicle - the premium SUV was born. The new vehicle wore Velar badges in testing, taking its name from the Latin velare - translated "to veil" or "cover" - before being christened Range Rover at launch in 1970.

That same year, Swiss watchmaker Zenith presented a fully working prototype of the world’s first self-winding chronograph movement, which is named "El Primero" - "the first". Capable of recording elapsed times down to one-tenth of a second with its "high beat" oscillator, it was the most accurate wristwatch ever made.

Almost half a century later, this spirit of innovation continues as an integral feature in the DNA of both brands, with the simultaneous introduction of the all-new Range Rover Velar mid-size luxury SUV, and that of a complementary new time-piece. In Geneva, the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition - the second product in a long-term partnership between the two - was presented for the first time.

The Range Rover Velar brings a new dimension of modernity, elegance and a touch of glamour to the Range Rover family. The Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar, created with these very same principles, comes with a bloodline like no other and is refined for every occasion. It will stir the emotions.
Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer

Specially co-developed by design and technical engineering teams working in close harmony, the El Primero Velar chronograph features a custom ceramised aluminum case and a high beat movement of 36,000 vibrations per hour (VpH). El Primero Velar is a wrist-worn symbol of the lightweight high performance, elegant simplicity, and visually seductive qualities of the all-new member of the Range Rover SUV family.

Following the first co-developed chronograph from the two brands’, the El Primero Velar maintains its position as the most precise series of mechanical movement on the market. The El Primero Velar features a 42mm case finished in high contrast burnished copper, a brushed slate grey dial, three chronograph sub-dials, date indicator at six o’clock, and a robust winding crown paired with two functional push-pieces.

Zenith stands for art, tradition, culture and precision timekeeping. It is essential that we preserve these qualities, as they all belong to our more than 150-year-old DNA. The Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar shows how both companies share a determination to find a harmonious way of connecting our tradition to the future, while showing respect for our iconic products.
Jean-Claude Biver, Zenith CEO and President of LVMH Watch Division

The underside of the watch reveals the Range Rover and Velar names engraved on the oscillating weight and the retaining ring of the transparent case back. El Primero Velar is presented with a new co-developed strap, in sustainable rubber and coated in with dark grey diamond-perforated calfskin. The strap’s calfskin is of the same fine Scottish leather as featured in acclaimed Range Rover interiors, secured with a triple folding clasp in DLC-treated titanium.

Mirroring the glamour, modernity, and elegance of the Range Rover Velar SUV, the El Primero chronograph has been designed following an unwavering philosophy of reductionism, while incorporating groundbreaking technology, compelling style and absolute attention to detail.  Perfectly optimized proportions and functionality symbolize the elegant simplicity, sophistication, and refinement befitting the Velar nameplate.