The time: 7:00 PM
The watch: Zenith El Primero Skeleton Chronomaster
There are birthdays that pass quietly and then there are birthdays that leave an impression. For mine, I chose to celebrate at Herbs & Rye in Las Vegas, a steakhouse and cocktail haven that has built a reputation not just for its excellent food but for its moody, old-school atmosphere and mixology rooted in history. To elevate the evening, I paired the experience with the Zenith El Primero Skeleton Chronomaster, a watch that thrives on visibility, rhythm, and bold presence. Together, they made for an unforgettable night, much like my other Las Vegas dining experiences.
We began the evening with cocktails, each one offering a window into Herbs & Rye’s celebrated mixology. The first was the Paper Plane, a modern classic built on equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice. Balanced, vibrant, and precise, this cocktail mirrors the flawless calibration of the El Primero’s 36,000 vibrations per hour, a reminder that when ratios are perfect, the result is harmony in every sip, or in every tick.
The second drink, Weekend at the Waldorf, drew from history, first appearing in Ted Saucier’s Bottoms Up! in 1951. A mix of rum, lime, orange curacao, and strawberries, it delivered a layered complexity that felt timeless yet refreshing. This blend of history and vibrancy connects directly to the El Primero’s heritage. Since 1969, the movement has redefined what a chronograph can be, reinvented for modern tastes while never losing its classic foundation.
We then moved into the food, starting with the Carpaccio, thin slices of raw beef draped elegantly across the plate, accented with balsamic glaze, cherry pepper aioli, arugula, capers, parmesan, and a drizzle of truffle vinaigrette. It was a dish that revealed its beauty in layers, each ingredient adding depth while still allowing the vibrant beef to shine through. Much like the Skeleton Chronomaster’s openworked dial, the carpaccio doesn’t hide its core but instead invites you to admire the artistry of what lies beneath. For those who love skeletonized designs, you can also discover more skeletonized masterpieces here.
Next came the Cacio e Pepe, a humble yet exquisite presentation of housemade bucatini pasta swirled with pecorino, parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper. This dish thrives on restraint, proving that when technique is flawless, simplicity becomes luxury. In the same way, the El Primero’s 36,000 vibrations per hour demonstrate that mastery doesn’t always require complication, sometimes it’s about executing the essentials at the highest possible level.
The Bone In Pork Chop, a dish I always order whenever I go to Herbs & Rye followed, arriving with a seared crust and an aroma carried by fresh rosemary. Juicy, hearty, confident, and always made to perfection, the chop was a statement of substance and structure. Here, the connection to the Chronomaster’s 45 mm black ceramic case was clear. Both are bold, both command attention, and both prove that strength can be elegant when shaped with care.
Of course, no evening at Herbs & Rye would feel complete without a steak, and we chose the New York Strip. Perfectly grilled, its marbling and texture represented balance in its purest form. This balance mirrors the precise harmony maintained by the El Primero’s balance wheel, the heartbeat that defines Zenith’s legacy. Just as the strip embodies the standard for steak, the El Primero remains the benchmark for high-beat chronographs, as shown in another unforgettable Zenith El Primero pairing.
To finish, the table lit up with birthday doughnuts, dusted with powdered sugar and served with white chocolate and caramel dipping sauces. Sweet, warm, and celebratory, they reminded me of why special occasions are worth savoring. The Chronomaster, with its skeletonized display of beating gears, carries that same spirit of joy, a celebration of mechanical artistry that makes you pause and smile each time you glance at your wrist. For more ways Time & Taste marks milestones, see how we celebrate birthdays with luxury watches and cuisine.
The Pairing
Choosing to wear the Zenith El Primero Skeleton Chronomaster to my birthday celebration at Herbs & Rye feels natural. Both blend tradition with boldness, and both know how to mark a special occasion in style. The watch, introduced in its Intense Black ceramic case, delivers a dramatic stage for one of horology’s most respected movements. Its high-beat cadence and openworked dial connect perfectly with the layered flavors and vibrant atmosphere of Herbs & Rye. Wearing it that evening felt like the finishing touch to an experience that was already extraordinary. To explore available Zenith timepieces, visit Bespoke Luxury Heroes.
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