FROM 21ST TO 25TH APRIL, ZENITH WILL LINE UP FOR THE START OF THE TOUR AUTO OPTIC 2OOO
Legendary competition, legendary driver.
Following his record freefall which earned him a definitive place in history, Félix Baumgartner will now get behind the wheel of a 1955 MERCEDES BENZ 300 SL to take up the speed challenge on behalf of Zenith. From the stratosphere to the tarmac, he needed a new arena in which to test his limits by competing against other champions, with his sights set on performance right up to ultimate victory, maybe…
Driver in the Tour Auto. To be there on the starting line, in one of 230 unique sports cars, in a legendary competition… a childhood dream that Felix will see realised. Zenith, which since 1865 has been partnering with men and women who truly live and breathe their passion, is every bit as excited as the man himself at the prospect of this new adventure. The second episode in the story of this duo for whom adrenaline and courage are their lifeblood.
However, Felix won’t be the only one driving with and on behalf of Zenith …
The competition also features Dominique Vananty at the wheel of a 1965 PORSCHE 911, Daniel Spadini in a 1964 JAGUAR E Type 3.8L and his co-driver, Aldo Magada, President and CEO of Zenith.
They will all start on 21st April under the Zenith star, aiming to make it shine it with the brilliance of record times, cheered on by all fans of mechanical beauty!
And what better way to start this performance race than with a little miracle of precision on your wrist?
To mark the event and open this unprecedented sporting chapter, Zenith has designed an exclusive model which crystallises the spirit of its partnership with the Tour Auto. Haute Horlogerie and collector’s cars are linked by fastidious expertise, as well as a desire for perfection and elegance: The El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Edition joins them forever by combining the revolutionary chronograph movements for which the Le Locle Manufacture has become famous, with a design whose finely nuanced colours and symbolic elements reveal a subtle automotive influence.
The watch is equipped with the El Primero 4061 self-winding chronograph movement for an added sporty touch. The design of its open dial reflects the spirit of competition and the world of classic cars, with an aperture at 11 o’clock that provides a view reminiscent of the impressive sight that greets you when you open the bonnet of a racing car.
Subtly arranged, the blue, white and red that evoke the French flag are symbolic. Another detail that connoisseurs will not fail to notice: the mushroom-type push-pieces for the chronograph functions each have an undercut, blue for the chronograph start and red for the reset. The case has brushed horns and middle hoops for a resolutely sporty look. With its triple deployant buckle, the strap recalls the gloves worn by classic car drivers: perforated blue calfskin with a protective black rubber lining for an immediate association with sports and performance cars. The Tour Auto logo (on the crystal) and the watch number in the series appear on the steel case back. The cover of the special box features the Tour Auto logo, and its blue interior matches the watch’s predominant colour. A dream of a model for drivers and connoisseurs of classic sports cars, the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Edition is available in a limited edition of 500 pieces.
A hub to connect live and follow the Tour Auto in real time.
With the competitors lined up and an Haute Horlogerie watch dedicated to the event, this promises to be an extraordinary spectacle. The brand has activated its Zenith Hub to allow spectators to get up close and personal.
Over the course of 2000 km, including several timed sections on circuits and closed roads, as well as friendly stages, right up to the final on the Basque coast at Biarritz, the web platform will feature a live broadcast of all social media feeds on Zenith and the Tour Auto.
