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Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) vs Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Open Power Reserve (18k rose gold)
Ulysse Nardin's timepiece meets Zenith's chronograph
Quick Verdict
The Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Open Power Reserve (18k rose gold) ($10,000–$25,000) delivers El Primero 4021, 36,000 vph (5 Hz), column wheel, automatic technology in the tier below the Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) ($25,000+). The Chronomaster El Primero Open Power Reserve (18k rose gold) measures 42mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Hand-wound, Ulysse Nardin UN-171 flying tourbillon. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.
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Zenith
Chronomaster El Primero Open Power Reserve (18k rose gold)
$10,000–$25,000
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) | Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Open Power Reserve (18k rose gold) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25,000+ | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Case Size | 45mm | 42mm |
| Movement | Hand-wound, Ulysse Nardin UN-171 flying tourbillon | Automatic chronograph, Zenith El Primero 4021 |
| Caliber Type | UN-171, hand-wound, silicon escapement | El Primero 4021, 36,000 vph (5 Hz), column wheel, automatic |
| Power Reserve | About 170 hours (seven days) | About 50 hours, with indicator |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, sapphire caseback | Sapphire Crystal, sapphire exhibition caseback |
| Case Material | Titanium, black ceramic bezel | 18k rose gold |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Ulysse Nardin's design language vs Zenith's approach
The Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) features a Titanium, black ceramic bezel case at 45mm with Sapphire Crystal, sapphire caseback protection. The Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Open Power Reserve (18k rose gold) offers 18k rose gold construction at 42mm with Sapphire Crystal, sapphire exhibition caseback. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Hand-wound, Ulysse Nardin UN-171 flying tourbillon vs Automatic chronograph, Zenith El Primero 4021
The Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) runs the Hand-wound, Ulysse Nardin UN-171 flying tourbillon (UN-171, hand-wound, silicon escapement, About 170 hours (seven days) power reserve) at standard frequency. The Chronomaster El Primero Open Power Reserve (18k rose gold) uses the Automatic chronograph, Zenith El Primero 4021 (El Primero 4021, 36,000 vph (5 Hz), column wheel, automatic, About 50 hours, with indicator reserve) at standard. The Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
45mm vs 42mm — different wrist presence
At 45mm, the Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Chronomaster El Primero Open Power Reserve (18k rose gold) at 42mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Zenith sits in the lower tier
The Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) sits at $25,000+ and the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Open Power Reserve (18k rose gold) at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) uses Sapphire Crystal, sapphire caseback with About 170 hours (seven days), against Sapphire Crystal, sapphire exhibition caseback and About 50 hours, with indicator on the Chronomaster El Primero Open Power Reserve (18k rose gold). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)
The Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Chronomaster El Primero Open Power Reserve (18k rose gold) handles 100m (10 ATM). The Chronomaster El Primero Open Power Reserve (18k rose gold) offers superior water resistance.
Our Verdict
Ulysse Nardin
Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium)
Choose the Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) if you prioritize UN-171, hand-wound, silicon escapement engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At $25,000+, it delivers Hand-wound, Ulysse Nardin UN-171 flying tourbillon with About 170 hours (seven days) power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonZenith
Chronomaster El Primero Open Power Reserve (18k rose gold)
Choose the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Open Power Reserve (18k rose gold) if you value El Primero 4021, 36,000 vph (5 Hz), column wheel, automatic technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 42mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic chronograph, Zenith El Primero 4021 with About 50 hours, with indicator power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon 45mm (titanium) and Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Open Power Reserve (18k rose gold) represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Ulysse Nardin bringing Swiss Made tradition while Zenith delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.