Who has never dreamed of experiencing “zero gravity” or weightlessness? This fascinating sensation is now within arm’s reach… First introduced by Zenith in the spring of 2008, the world premiere Tourbillon Zero-G movement featured a groundbreaking self-regulating gyroscopic tourbillon carriage mounted on a cardan like a marine chronometer. By guaranteeing a flat position of the regulating organ, this gyroscopic carriage releases the mechanism from the effects of gravity and thereby considerably enhances its accuracy.
The zero gravity principle was thus in fact already at work in marine chronometers, formerly regarded as the ultimate “portable” precision instruments enabling ships to determine their position and thus contributing to safe maritime voyages. Zenith began developing this type of timepiece in the early 20th century and its historical models of this type are still highly sought-after collector’s items. The brand has consistently honed this expertise ever since as part of its ongoing quest for precision, right down to the Zero-G movement embodying a spectacular feat of traditional know-how, sophisticated miniaturisation and cutting-edge technology.
In the new Academy Zero Gravity Tourbillon model reaching the markets in autumn 2009, the mechanical perfection of this revolutionary movement is matched by a classically handsome Academy model belonging to the flagship Zenith collection embodying the quintessence of the watchmaking spirit and contemporary styling. Subtle aesthetic details such as the stepped double-godrooned case, the sword-shaped hands, as well as the barleycorn and wave guilloché dial patterns express unswerving dedication to fine craftsmanship.
A new take on a time-honoured principle
Moreover, just as the gyroscopic tourbillon offers a new twist on a device invented over two centuries ago, this tribute to horological tradition is enlivened by a number of original modern touches provided by the asymmetrical arrangement of the displays. The off-centred hours and minutes at 11 o’clock and the “Zero-G” Tourbillon module at 5 o’clock form the outline of a figure 8, a universal symbol of good luck and infinity; while the small seconds appears at 7.30 almost diagonally opposite the distinctively placed crown at 2 o’clock. Anti-reflective sapphire crystal plates on the front protect and enhance the visibility of the multilayered dial and its multiple indications along with the Zero-G module; while the transparent exhibition case-back ensures an optimal view of the stunning intricacies of the movement in operation.
The El Primero 8801 self-winding 43-jewel calibre powering the Academy Zero Gravity Tourbillon comprises a rotor in 950 PT platinum, as well as a 160-part gyroscopic carriage with 10 conical-geared wheels and 6 ball bearings. Like all Zenith El Primero movements, it naturally beats at the frequency of 36,000 vph, and offers a 50-hour power reserve.
Adjusted to the wrist by a black crocodile leather strap with silky alvazel calfskin lining and an 18-carat gold triple folding clasp, the Academy Zero Gravity Tourbillon comes in a choice of white or rose gold. All models are individually numbered.
As it prepares to offer enthusiasts a truly unique horological experience, this weightless wonder is fully equipped to meet the demands of the most discerning connoisseurs.
TECHNICAL DATA
Movement :El Primero 8801, Automatic Unique Gyroscopic system that ensures perfect horizontal positioning of the regulating organ
Gyroscopic cage made of 160 components, 10 conical-geared wheels (with 6 spherical wheels) & 6 ball bearings
Jewels : 43 Frequency : 36’000 V/h – (5 Hz) Power reserve : min. 50 hours
Excentered rotor in Platinum 950 PT
Case, Dial & Hands:
Material : 18-carat Gold
Unique Crown positioning at 2 o’clock
Diameter : 45 mm
Crystal : 4 front anti-reflective sapphire glasses
Case-back : 18-carat Gold case-back with 2 curved sapphire glasses that cover Zero-G module & the caliber
Water-resistance : 30 meters
Dial : Black or Silver “Grain d’Orge” Guilloché
with “Waves” Guilloché on the small second
counter
Indexes & Numerals : Applied numerals & indexes, 18-carat Gold
Hands : Faceted, 18-carat Gold
Functions :Hours and minutes excentered at 11 o’clock
Self-regulating module “Zero-G Tourbillon” at 5 o’clock
Small second display at 7.30
Strap & Buckle :
Strap : Black Crocodile Leather strap, lined with silky alzavel calfskin
Buckle : 18-carat Gold triple folding buckle
Strap : 27.00.2218.505 Black Crocodile Leather
Buckle :27.31.0009.940 White Gold ,27.17.0009.940 Rose Gold
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