Thanks to Felix Baumgartner, the Austrian skydiver who dared life itself by launching himself into a freefall from the stratosphere, Zenith has become the first watch manufacturer to flaunt a timepiece that was able to withstand a speed beyond that of the sound. Yes, the famous daredevil wore a Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Striking 10th chronograph while breaking the record for the highest skydive ever.
Baumgartner broke three world records wearing the watch: he was part of the highest manned balloon flight, the highest ever freefall, and he broke the sound barrier for the first time in history as a standalone human – no aircrafts or other machines involved. The timepiece faced near space conditions and came back on Earth fully functional and ready to amaze us all.
The caseback bears two remarkable inscriptions: one that sais “First watch to break the speed of sound – Mach 1.1”, and another that sends a powerful message to the humankind: “Learn to love what you have been taught to fear.” Felix’s portrait and the words “El Primero” are also visible on the back of the watch. Completely stunning performance from Zenith.
