While the El Primero and the Defy have been a major focus for the brand over the past year, Zenith has just revealed a total revamp of its most classical collection – the Elite.

The facelifted models are the Elite Classic and Elite Moonphase, both offered in a smaller 36 mm size with a diamond-set bezel for ladies, and the larger 40.5 mm – both in either steel or rose gold.

The remake of the Elite was thorough, encompassing both the case and dial. The redesigned case features a slim, polished bezel with tapered lugs that have a brushed top surface and bevelled edge for contrast and a more refined feel.

The Elite Classic

But the most visible change, however, are the dials, which have a stamped, radial pattern framed by a railway minute track, coupled with applied numerals. On the rose gold model, the result is reminiscent of the Rolex Cellini Moonphase.

Overall, the new details improve the look and feel of the Elite significantly, lending it much more finesse and character.

And while the original Elite had leaf-shaped hands and hour markers, the new model features dauphine hands paired with faceted markers, giving the watch a sleeker, more modern look.

Visible through a sapphire case back, both sizes of the Elite Classic are powered by the ultra-thin Elite 670 automatic, which runs at 4 Hz and has a 48-hour power reserve.

Slightly more complex, the Elite Moonphase has a small seconds at nine o’clock as well as a moon phase at six with a moon plated in gold or rhodium to match the case metal.

The 36 mm Elite Moonphase in stainless steel and the 40.5 mm version in rose gold

Inside is the automatic Elite 692, which is essentially an Elite 670 with the addition of the moon phase.

Key facts and price

Elite Classic
Ref. 16.3200.670/02.C832 (36mm steel case with a blue dial)
Ref. 22.3200.670/01.C831 (36mm rose gold case with a silver dial)

Ref. 03.3100.670/02.C922 (40.5mm steel case with a blue dial)
Ref. 18.3100.670/01.C920 (40.5mm rose gold case with a silver dial)

Case diameter: 36mm or 40.5mm
Material: Stainless steel or rose gold
Water resistance: 50m

Movement: Elite 670 (Elite Classic
Functions: Time and date
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour, or 4Hz
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 48 hours

Strap: Alligator leather strap

Availability: At both retailers and boutiques
Price: 7900 Swiss francs (36mm in steel); 14,900 Swiss francs (36mm in rose gold); 5900 Swiss francs (40.5mm in steel); 12,900 Swiss francs (40.5mm in rose gold)

Elite Moonphase
Ref. 16.3200.692/03.C833 (36mm steel case with a grey dial)
Ref. 22.3200.692/01.C832 (36mm rose gold case with a silver dial)

Ref. 03.3100.692/03.C923 (40.5mm steel case with a grey dial)
Ref. 18.3100.692/01.C922 (40.5mm rose gold case with a silver dial)

Case diameter: 36mm or 40.5mm
Material: Stainless steel or rose gold
Water resistance: 50m

Movement: Elite 692
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds; moon phase
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour, or 4Hz
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 48 hours

Strap: Alligator leather strap

Availability: At both retailers and boutiques
Price: 8900 Swiss francs (36mm in steel); 15,900 Swiss francs (36mm in rose gold); 6900 Swiss francs (40.5mm in steel); 13,900 Swiss francs (40.5mm in rose gold)

For more, visit Zenith-watches.com.