Zenith Academy Tourbillion El Primero Quantieme Perpetuel

The Zenith Academy Tourbillion El Primero Quantieme Perpetuel is only the latest in a cavalcade of high-end Swiss watches to feature a tourbillion escapement.  In this case, as with all other wrist watches, a tourbillion escapement is strictly an exercise in mechanical complication, as the whole purpose of a tourbillion is to prevent a pocket watch's regulator from settling and thus losing accuracy.  Wrist watches eliminated the need for this type of system, as they don't sit in the same position all of the time, like their predecessors.  

This watch, however, takes everything a step further.  On top of the already elaborate and difficult to engineer tourbillion, the Zenith ads a perpetual calendar and chronograph to the 35 jewel 492 component automatic movement, which vibrates at a strong 36,000 vibrations per hour for 55 hours.  

This amazing and complex movement is set in a beautiful 45mm 18k rose gold case with an ornate guilloche dial.  Frequently, complicated and grand-complicated focus much of the design efforts on the movement, to the expense of the case and overall look of the watch.  They can often be quite boring.  This is not the case with the new Zenith.  This watch is beautiful.  A black leather band sets off the cream colored and rose gold dial very nicely.  

Elegant enough to wear with a tuxedo and stylish enough for every day use, this watch is truly special.  The only draw back to this watch is its size. At 1.8 inches wide, it may be too large for some wrists. 

The Lux Report gives the Zenith Academy Tourbillion El Primero Quantieme Perpetuel an 8 out of 10.