As the embodiment of both tradition and modernity, mastering the latest engineering techniques even as it continues to cultivate ancestral skills, Zenith is proud – this year more than ever – to partake of both History and the Avant-Garde. Through careful renovation of the Manufacture’s main building, the brand has proven its attachment to its watchmaking heritage, just as it has contributed to honouring the addition of Le Locle’s industrial architecture to UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The creative daring that has always defined the brand will henceforth find expression in the most modern 19th century workshops that could possibly exist, where very traditional tools rub elbows with the most sophisticated binocular microscopes, and manual gauges with digitally-controlled machines. After-sales service remains capable of repairing any timepiece made since 1865, even if it has to re-create a unique component from scratch. But the new watchmakers also know how to make the best use of silicon’s properties. While it has never stopped paying tribute to the visionaries of the past whose destinies were tied to the brand, Zenith also supports the boldest adventurers of our day. The brand has jumped from the stratosphere with Felix Baumgartner and has never stopped turning heads at shows, or winning Fine Watchmaking’s most coveted awards. These multiple strengths have given us material on which to draw as the basis for authentic renewal: a new website, a novel marketing campaign, and a revamped collection – all in the run-up to the much heralded 150th anniversary celebrations.

Over 600 movements

Since 1865, the over three hundred patents registered by Zenith have punctuated the major breakthroughs in the measurement of time – from onboard instruments and pocket watches to wristwatches. The company archives encompass more than 600 movement variations testifying to the impressive wealth of expertise built up over the years. Doubtless more so than in any other domain, Zenith has successfully distinguished itself in that of chronometry or precision timing, earning no less than 2,333 prizes. This fierce determination to be a leader in terms of precision, combined with a tradition of innovation, have made the El Primero the most legendary chronograph of all time. It now holds its own place within a complete collection bearing its name.

Pilot Montre D’Aeronef Type 20 GMT


The new Pilot is the noble descendant of the first Zenith aviator models. Featuring a generous 48 mm diameter, it comprises all the same visual characteristics: a broad crown, imposing Superluminova-enhanced Arabic numerals along with a matt black dial. The back is composed of a medallion stamped with the effigy of Louis Blériot’s plane. Propelled by an Elite 693 automatic movement, this steel model displays the hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o′clock and GMT function.

El Primero 36.000 VpH


The El Primero 36’000 VpH combines the powerful signature codes of the legendary model launched in 1969 with the specific nature of its exceptional mechanism: an automatic integrated column-wheel of which the high frequency – 36,000 vibrations per hour – ensures 1/10th of a second precision.

Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane


The Manufacture Zenith has constantly pushed the boundaries of precision – a quest notably expressed by the development of the El Primero movement beating at the exceptional frequency of 36,000 vibrations/ hour, followed by the invention of the gravity control system. The latter consists in a gyroscopic module that enables the regulating organ to remain in a constant horizontal position – whatever that of the watch – and thus releases the mechanism from the effects of earthly gravity. This principle ensures enhanced regularity of the escapement, without the position of the watch interfering with the smooth running of the movement, thereby heightening its precision. The Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane thus combines the high frequency and the gravity control system, while adding a third improvement, in this case designed to eliminate variations in isochronism. The fusée-chain transmission with which it is equipped guarantees constant force that is synonymous with rigorously stable amplitude throughout the running duration.