Zenith EL PRIMERO series, Руководство по эксплуатации

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This instrument, which was crucial for survival,
remained horizontal even under the effect of rough
waves. The system was subsequently adopted on
all marine chronometers. It was this principle that
Zenith drew on to free itself from the effects of
motion and weight. The gravitational field exerts a
downward force on the escapement components
which, due to their positions, do not function
identically. Friction between the components also
varies depending on the angle and this, in turn,
impacts the regularity of the balance.
THE BEST POSITION FOR
AN ESCAPEMENT IS HORIZONTAL
This position guarantees optimal amplitude and
regularity of the balance. On a classic tourbillon,
the gravitational field is corrected on the basis
of the error average. The system corrects four
positions out of six, which increases accuracy,
but the gain is only partial. In the quest for high
precision, Zenith's complication purely and simply
eliminates the detrimental effects of weight on
the regulating organ: the system represents the
ultimate step beyond the tourbillon system. The
mechanism was named in honour of Christopher
Columbus, the first explorer to confront the seas
head-on, while others were content to track the
coastlines. The fearless navigator took the decision
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