Watch enthusiasts and regular readers of MR PORTER will no doubt remember the limited-edition Zenith Solar Blue watch, which we launched in 2018. It was the first collaboration between the venerable Swiss watchmaker and British maverick Mr George Bamford. It was issued in an edition of 25 and sold out almost immediately. All the more reason, then, to get excited about the latest offering from Mr Bamford, Zenith and MR PORTER – a new, exclusive reference, out today, which takes the partnership to another level. It brings together experimental materials, classic stylings and, the cherry on the cake, a deep blue dial. Scientists have yet to come up with an explanation as to why it is almost impossible for watch geeks to put a blue dial down once they’ve picked it up.

The Edge Of Space limited edition is a modern take on the classic Zenith A384. Developed and produced in-house at Zenith’s manufacture, it neatly marks the 50th anniversary of the world-famous El Primero movement, which made its debut in 1969 in the A384 case. As this is also one of Mr Bamford’s favourite historic case shapes, this was an obvious starting point for the limited edition. The Zenith team, led by head of product Mr Romain Marietta, set to work on digitising each component of the original 37mm case to produce it in an uber-modern bead-blasted titanium, which makes it incredibly light and stealthy on the wrist. “It’s such a joy working with a guy who is so passionate about watches,” says Mr Marietta. “He didn’t want to customise for the same of customisation. He wanted to honour the past and still be relevant in our way.”

As with the Solar Blue, this watch is as much of a looker as it is technically impressive, thanks to its deep blue dial, with black counters (the original A384 had black counters as well). The blue colour variation of the chronograph hand is a subtle detail, again authentic to the original. Not everything about it is completely classic, however. Where the original A384 had a closed caseback, the Edge Of Space has an open one through which one can admire the calibre. On the dial, the baton-style markers of the A384 have been replaced by beautifully delicate superluminova dots. As for the name? Edge Of Space is a wonderful nod to Zenith’s founder, Mr Georges Favre-Jacot, who was inspired by the solar system in 1860s when he named the brand, hence the star that floats above its logotype.

The Edge Of Space is a shining example of what passion and a harmonious vision can achieve. It’s a watch that pays homage to history, but uses the best of modern technology to create something truly standout. Or, as Mr Bamford puts it, “This edition feels almost like a prototype straight out of Zenith’s Skunk Works.” And if that sounds appealing, our advice is to act fast. As of today there are just 50 pieces available, exclusively on MR PORTER.