Taking the banner from Hublot, Zenith is the official timekeeper of the Tour Auto Optic 2000. To mark this occasion, Zenith launched El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Edition, a sporty model specially designed for this event. This 500-piece limited edition pays tribute to classic cars and houses the El Primero 4061 movement. This high-frequency calibre beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour and ensures 1/10th of a second precision.
The design of the watch’s open dial reflects the spirit of 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. The iconic Zenith star sits at the one o’clock hour while the red, white and blue stripes evoke the French flag. There are two complications – the 30-minute and 12-hour counters at the three and six o’clock hours. On the back, the Tour Auto name sits on the sapphire crystal encasing along with a serial number and the xxx/500 limited-edition numerical notation. The strap is modeled after racing gloves featuring perforated blue calfskin with a protective black rubber lining.
The 24th edition of the Tour Auto Optic 2ooo will be held from 20th to 25th April 2015. The event starts in Paris and ends in Biarritz in Southwestern France, with stops along the way.