In 2018 I was looking for a watch to celebrate my son’s birth. A piece I will pass to him in 18 years or so, not mainstream, although not necessarily a limited edition. Then I stumbled across the El Primero Solar Blue.

The Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Solar Blue was the first cooperation between Zenith and Bamford Watch Department. It is a limited edition of 25 pieces based on the Zenith Heritage 146. The outstanding attribute of this LE is its unique dial. I have handled a lot of watches, but I had never seen such a dial before. It is blue, literally. The center is light blue and turns into a steel blue on the outside framed by a contrasting white tachymeter scale. A red small second hand running inimitable smooth is positioned at nine and a totalizer framed by a white 30-minute track at three o’clock. The dial is plain without any sunburst effect which results in an ever constant but never boring appearance.

In contrast to the 146 the dial is perfectly readable except for darkness due to the absence of lume. Besides that, the Solar Blue shares all the strengths of its sibling: The high-frequency caliber 4069 automatic movement with column wheel chronograph runs at 36’000 VpH. The 38mm stainless steel case is identical to the original El Primero reference A386 from 1969 apart from the use of a sapphire crystal and an open caseback. The finish is a mix of polished and brushed surfaces and is simply excellent.

A dark blue Alcantara strap perfectly matches the dial. Unfortunately, the Alcantara shows vast signs of wear very fast. So, I changed the strap which is not easy since the spring bars are curved. And it is even harder to find a strap matching the 19mm lug width.

After owning this piece for two years now I am still in love with it and enjoy wearing it. This watch is a keeper for sure and I did not regret buying it at any time.