This year marks the silver jubilee of the first ‘Tour Auto Optic 2000’ with 240 participants joining the legendary event, driving all the way from Paris to Cannes from 18th to 24th April. The grand opening was held at the Grand Palais with three renowned French Michelin-starred chefs took a watchmaking ‘class’ focused on Zenith’s new El Primero Tour watch.

Aldo Magada, CEO & president of Zenith claimed the brand wanted “to be far more than a sponsor and instead a real partner”. Under this circumstance 500 pieces of El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Edition has been released, bringing the classic rally onto the wrist. This 42mm limited edition looks typically French with the trademark Tricolour running vertically down the fabric strap as well as on the pushers and the small seconds trident. The 11 o’clock dial opening reveals the 282-part El Primero 4061 automatic chronograph movement which is fitted with a silicon lever and escape-wheel, roaring at a speed of 36,000 vibrations per hour. The timepiece is COSC chronometer-certified with the precision of a tenth-of-a-second display. The back of the watch is also highly crafted, with the oscillating weight with “Côtes de Genève” motif being revealed through the exhibition back.