Over the course of history some dates are more recognizable than others, like 1492, 1789... And 1969. No only it was the year of the first human steps on earth, the inauguration of the first supersonic concord flight... it was also the prime year of watchmaking improvements. The year 1969 is considered to be the year of chronographs as several brands released iconic chronograph models. Today Kronos360 team wants to show you three of these models that became the most notorious.
OMEGA SPEEDMASTER « MOONWATCH »
Omega realized the most powerful marketing move in the watch history by making the astronauts of Apollo 11 wear Speedmasters during their mission. The speedmaster earned the nickname "Moonwatch" as a reward to have accompany these astronauts on their first steps on the moon.
TAG HEUER MONACO
The Heuer Monaco is one of these watches that are directly recognizable, most likely due to its unique square case. This chronograph watch is now equipped with the caliber 11, and has the particularity to be the first squared case watch to be fully waterproof. Bu the watch doesn't find a great success at its launch, and had to wait until 1971 to be categorized as iconic after Steve McQueen wore it int the movie "Le Mans".
ZENITH EL PRIMERO
Without a doubt the most iconic chronograph of 1969 is Zenith's El Primero. The watch is equiped with the El Primero that is considered to be the most precise chronograph mechanism in the world. This mechanism is that accurate the Rolex has equipped its notorious chronographe Daytona until the year 2000. the Zenith El primero is a technological jewel with its high frequency movement of 36 000 vibrations per hour. This allows it to be prtecise to the 1/10th of a second.
