SJX has posted this http://watchesbysjx.com/2017/06/bre...-reveals-radical-new-regulator-at-zenith.html I recall seeing on watchestv a new watch on Biver's wrist during Basel 2017, and now more info forthcoming from SJX, kudos to them for the apparent scoop (or planned Biver leak) What amazed me (complete watch movement layman) was the following: Jean-Claude Biver (JCB): It’s a regulator that has no hairspring, no balance wheel, needs no oil, where friction does not exist, and is accurate to one second in 24 hours – the most accurate mechanical watch ever. And it is a regulator that has 100% amplitude when it is fully wound, but also 100% amplitude one minute before the power reserve is empty. JCB: The 10 pieces will be called Defy Laboratory. These are the 10 experimental watches and an experimental watch is of course more expensive than an unlimited production watch where we do 5000 per year. But the final watch, which will be launched at Baselworld 2018, will retail for around 8000, 9000 Swiss francs. So those will be in the normal Zenith price range. @Archer: O would love to hear your opinion on this...is this Biver hubris or do you think Zenith are really onto something new / interesting here?
Agreed. The problem I think is that Biver has determined that elegant designs at Zenith are associated with more traditional movements such as the El primero, Elite 6150. On the other hand, the new Zenith technology has to be "Hublot wrapped" and in a large look-at-me case to generate a loud wrist presence. Still I do think that if this is a revolutionary movement in terms of accuracy, power reserve and maintenance (with a 5 or +5 yr warranty), it will be a big thing for Zenith. Who knows...in a few years time it might trickle down to something more elegant I have mentioned this before...I believe Biver is aiming Zenith chronos at the Omega +8KUSD Metas certified product range. IF they get a good design language in place and improve their distribution channels, they will become a new threat to Omega
Well as he has not risen to the occasion, I can only assume Al (@Archer) is too tired of all the Swiss watch technology hubris to comment. What a shame. I really consider Al to be my watch guru. So much so I even printed a poster of his OF avatar and had it hung up in my office... Next to the Keep Calm and Carry on Trolling poster that was looking rather tired