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Introducing The Zenith Elite Classic

New case sizes and dials for Zenith's classic in-house time and date model.

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Quick Take

Zenith has released new versions of what might be its most straightforward and traditional watch line. The Elite Classic remains an attractive range of automatic watches with in-house movements and classic designs, but there are some updates worth knowing about. First off, the new Elite Classic comes in two new sizes. Whereas the existing models were billed simply as Elite Classic with a diameter of 39mm (there is also an Elite Lady with a diameter of 33mm), the new editions are being billed as unisex and are 40.5mm and 36mm. But I think more than the case size changes, it's the updates to the dials that make the bigger impression. 

Four new references were announced at LVMH Watch Week in Dubai, and each comes with a dial featuring a sunray pattern in one of two colors. A deep blue version is matched to the two stainless steel references, and a silver-toned version comes with the two editions that are cased in rose gold. The new dials have a sleeker and more modern look than the current wave of Elite Classics, which were a bit more sober in their design. 

The two 36mm versions are set with 75 VS brilliant-cut diamonds for a total of 0.60 carats, and all four versions come with the Elite cal. 670 SK, which we've seen previously in the Defy Classic. Caliber 670 SK notably features a silicon escape wheel and pallet lever.

Initial Thoughts

A press release from Zenith bills these new models as unisex. While I am the first to say that the old definitions of "men's watch" and "ladies' watch" are increasingly meaningless in the eyes of consumers, I do think that, at least in the U.S. market, the new larger size of 40.5mm is (as opposed to 39mm) is going to be on the slightly larger end of what many men (including myself) tend to gravitate toward.

But while the increase in size is not something that I personally find appealing, I haven't yet seen these watches in the metal, and I always think it's best to see a watch in person before allowing specs and numbers to shape your opinion too much about a watch. The implementation of the cal. 670 SK with its silicon-equipped escapement is a nice upgrade. 

All of the alligator straps that you see here come with a protective rubber lining on the inside. I've worn a watch from Zenith with this type of strap, and while you lose some of the suppleness of leather, the strap lasted a long time without showing signs of wear.

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The Basics

Brand: Zenith
Model: Elite Classic
Reference Number: Reference 16.3200.670/02.C832, stainless steel with diamond-set bezel; reference 22.3200.670/01.C831, rose gold with diamond-set bezel; reference 03.3100.670/02.C922, stainless steel; reference 18.3100.670/01.C920, rose gold.
Diameter: Reference 03.3100.670/02.C922 and reference 18.3100.670/01.C920, 40.5mm; Reference 16.3200.670/02.C832 and reference 22.3200.670/01.C831, 36mm
Case Material: Reference: 16.3200.670/02.C832 stainless steel with diamond-set bezel; reference 22.3200.670/01.C831, rose gold with diamond-set bezel; reference 03.3100.670/02.C922, stainless steel; reference 18.3100.670/01.C920, rose gold.
Dial Color: Reference 16.3200.670/02.C832, blue tone with sunray pattern; reference 22.3200.670/01.C831, silver tone with sunray pattern; reference 03.3100.670/02.C922, blue tone with sunray pattern; reference 18.3100.670/01.C920, silver tone with sunray pattern
Water Resistance: 5 ATM
Strap/Bracelet: Alligator with protective rubber lining


The Movement

Caliber: Elite 670 SK
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Diameter: 25.6mm
Power Reserve: 48 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph)
Jewels: 27
 


Pricing & Availability

Price: Reference 16.3200.670/02.C832: stainless steel with diamond-set bezel, CHF 7,900; reference 22.3200.670/01.C831: rose gold with diamond-set bezel, CHF 14,900; reference 03.3100.670/02.C922: stainless steel, CHF 5,900; reference 18.3100.670/01.C920: rose gold, CHF 12,900. 
Availability: Not yet announced

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