ONELIFE #35 – American English

Ceramized aluminum case, perforated strap: Chronomaster
El Primero Range Rover Velar Special Edition 2017.
Below: rear view of the of the El Primero 400 B timepiece
which has 326 separate components
“THE LEVEL OF
PRECISION
ACHIEVED
IN SWISS
WATCHMAKING
IS TRULY
INSPIRATIONAL”
GERRY MCGOVERN,
LAND ROVER
CHIEF DESIGN OFFICER
“Our partnership with Zenith
is a true collaboration
between two brands with a
rich heritage of innovation,”
says Gerry McGovern, Chief
Design Officer at Land Rover.
“We make it our aim to work
together on all design aspects
in order to maintain the
complete integrity of these
two iconic brands.”
A logical attitude, firstly
because fans of unique cars
tend to appreciate the ability
to read the time from the dial of an automatic
chronograph and secondly because Land Rover and
the Swiss watch manufacturer Zenith share the luxury
sector’s most important values: “The desire to create
a highly coveted product that works with absolute
perfection, i.e. that lives up to what it promises –
and constantly excites,” says Gerry McGovern. The
‘Chronomaster El Primero Range Rover Velar Special
Edition 2017’ brings together the aesthetics of the
watch and automotive worlds.
The ceramized aluminum case with a diameter over
1.5 inches adopts the color and design of the luxury
SUV, while coppertoned body details are reflected in
the dark gray, brushed dial. The strap pays further
tribute to both innovation and technology. Made of
rubber with a calfskin coating, this is perforated with
the same diamond pattern as the seats of the Range
Rover Velar. “This makes the strap more breathable and
also more comfortable,” says McGovern. It is not just
their meticulous craftsmanship and uncompromising
commitment to quality that Land Rover and Zenith
have in common. 1969 was a landmark year for both
brands.
In Switzerland, it was the year in which the master
watchmakers developed the automatic chronograph
‘El Primero.’ Even today, many watch aficionados still
regard this as the most precise automatic movement
ever. At the same time, Land Rover presented the first
Range Rover prototypes. Jean-Claude Biver also
regards Land Rover as an ideal partner: “We both
nurture our history and our brand DNA. By joining
forces, we aim to preserve traditions while also finding
the best way to take them forward into the future – all
without losing sight of the importance of our iconic
products.” Land Rover fans have also been known to
get excited about exquisite timepieces.
Gerry McGovern himself is a passionate watch
collector: “We very much want to build and maintain
our long-term partnership with Zenith and learn from
one another. The level of precision achieved in Swiss
watchmaking is truly inspirational; Land Rover designers
are currently visiting the Zenith Research and
Development center in Le Locle, Switzerland, to share
creative ideas about material innovation opportunities.”
It will be fascinating indeed to observe the fruits of this
collaboration over the years to come.
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