Getting back to the 2013 Stratos Rainbow and we see something which is very much between the original Rainbow and the Defy version. The case is the standard 45.5mm wide Stratos case in the black Alchron titanium and aluminum alloy case. It is light and very nice looking with its polished sections. You can’t help but love the ceramic bezel, which mind you is slightly sloped making it much more technically challenging. The red colored markers are part of the Rainbow theme.

What is different is really the dial. Which is very distinct from the standard Stratos dial. For one thing you have raised lume-filled Arabic hour numerals versus baton hour markers. Next, the Stratos name is removed from the dial, and it is a bit more matte in color than some of the other Statos models. All the chronograph and subsidiary hands are unique, and the chronograph sub dials look different. For one thing they don’t overlap as the chronograph hour sub dial is smaller. For those who are irked by the overlapping sub dial thing, this is a great compromise. Last… you of course have that iconic chronograph minute counter with white, red, green, and yellow sections. I can still never understand why starting with the original Rainbow Zenith decided to put a telemeter around the dial. It doesn’t get into the way, but why is it there?!

From 405Z to 400FC, the Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow includes the standard 405B (405 B) automatic chronograph flyback movement of the standard Stratos. Note that this is distinct from the movement in the Stratos Striking 10th watch. You can see the movement through the exhibition case back window. It has a power reserve of 50 hours and operates at 36,000 bph (5Hz). Given the official name of the watch – “Boutique Edition” – I think it is pretty obvious where you will exclusively be able to buy one of these. The good news is that the price of the Stratos Rainbow will be pretty much the same as the standard black Stratos with no or very little premium (maybe $200 or so). I think it is great to see the return of the Rainbow, but it is a bit unfortunate that it will be available as a limited edition only. Zenith could have easily added it as a flavor of Stratos as there are so many right now, and have probably done pretty well with it.

Available now or very soon, the Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow Boutique Edition watch Ref. 24.2063.405/21.R515 will be limited to just 250 pieces and priced at 8,000 Swiss Francs. zenith-watches.com