To celebrate the launch of the new Range Rover Velar, the fourth member of the Range Rover family, Swiss watchmaker Zenith has unveiled the new Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition watch.

In 1969 the Rover car company embarked on a project that would go on to define a new category combining luxury and all-terrain capability in a vehicle – the premium SUV was born.  The new vehicle wore Velar badges in testing, taking its name from the Latin velare – translated ‘to veil’ or ‘cover’ – before being christened Range Rover at launch in 1970.

That same year, Swiss watchmaker Zenith presented a fully working prototype of the world’s first self-winding chronograph movement, which it named ‘El Primero’ – ‘the first’. Capable of recording elapsed times down to one-tenth of a second with its ‘high beat’ oscillator, it was the most accurate wristwatch ever made.

Almost half a century later, this spirit of innovation continues as an integral feature in the DNA of both brands, with the simultaneous introduction of the all-new Range Rover Velar mid-size luxury SUV, and that of a complementary new time-piece. Today in Geneva the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition – the second product in a long-term partnership between the two – was presented for the first time.

Specially co-developed by design and technical engineering teams working in close harmony, the El Primero Velar chronograph features a custom ceramised aluminium case and a high beat movement of 36,000 vibrations per hour (VpH). El Primero Velar is a wrist-worn symbol of the lightweight high performance, elegant simplicity and visually reductive qualities of the all-new member of the Range Rover SUV family.

Following the first co-developed chronograph from the two brands’, the El Primero Velar maintains its position as the most precise series mechanical movement on the market. The El Primero Velar features a 42mm case finished in high contrast burnished copper, a brushed slate grey dial, three chronograph sub-dials, date indicator at six o’clock, and a robust winding crown paired with two functional push pieces. 

The underside of the watch reveals the Range Rover and Velar names engraved on the oscillating weight and the retaining ring of the transparent caseback. El Primero Velar is presented with a new co-developed strap, in sustainable rubber and coated in with dark grey diamond-perforated calfskin. The strap’s calfskin is of the same fine Scottish leather as featured in acclaimed Range Rover interiors, secured with a triple folding clasp in DLC-treated titanium.

Mirroring the glamour, modernity and elegance of the Range Rover Velar SUV, the El Primero chronograph has been designed following an unwavering philosophy of reductionism, while incorporating groundbreaking technology, compelling style and absolute attention to detail.  Perfectly optimized proportions and functionality symbolize the elegant simplicity, sophistication and refinement befitting the Velar nameplate.