ZENITH VELAR FACE TO

ZENITH VELAR FACE TO FACE For the second time, two legendary luxury brands have joined forces to create an exciting new watch: meet the Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar WORDS S I E M S L U C K W A L D T 76

Ceramised aluminium case, perforated strap: Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition 2017. Below: Rear view of the of the El Primero 400 B timepiece which has 326 separate components “THE LEVELS OF PRECISION ACHIEVED IN SWISS WATCH MAKING IS TRULY INSPIRATIONAL” GERRY MCGOVERN, LAND ROVER CHIEF DESIGN OFFICER “Our partnership with Zenith is a true collaboration between two brands with a rich heritage of innovation,” says Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer at Land Rover. “We make it our aim to work together on all design aspects in order to maintain the complete integrity of these two iconic brands.” A logical attitude. Firstly because fans of unique cars tend to appreciate the ability to read the time from the dial of an automatic chronograph and secondly because Land Rover and the Swiss watch manufacturer Zenith share the luxury sector’s most important values: “The desire to create a highly coveted product that works with absolute perfection, i.e. that lives up to what it promises – and constantly excites,” says Gerry McGovern. The ‘Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition 2017’ brings together the aesthetics of the watch and automotive worlds. The ceramised aluminium case with a diameter of 42 millimetres adopts the colour and design of the luxury SUV, while coppertoned body details are reflected in the dark-grey, brushed dial. The strap pays further tribute to both innovation and technology. Made of rubber with a calfskin coating, this is perforated with the same diamond pattern as the seats of the Range Rover Velar. “This makes the strap more breathable and also more comfortable,” says McGovern. It is not just their meticulous craftsmanship and uncompromising commitment to quality that Land Rover and Zenith have in common. 1969 was a landmark year for both brands. In Switzerland, it was the year in which the master watchmakers developed the automatic chronograph ‘El Primero’. Even today, many watch aficionados still regard this as the most precise automatic movement ever. At the same time, Land Rover presented the first Range Rover prototypes. Jean-Claude Biver also regards Land Rover as an ideal partner: “We both nurture our history and our brand DNA. By joining forces, we aim to preserve traditions while also finding the best way to take them forward into the future – all without losing sight of the importance of our iconic products.” Land Rover fans have also been known to get excited about exquisite timepieces. Gerry McGovern, himself is a passionate watch collector: “We very much want to build and maintain our long-term partnership with Zenith and learn from one another. The level of precision achieved in Swiss watch making is truly inspirational; Land Rover designers are currently visiting the Zenith Research and Development centre in Le Locle, Switzerland, to share creative ideas about material innovation opportunities.” It will be fascinating indeed to observe the fruits of this collaboration over the years to come. 77