What It Takes For Jenith To Be A Progressive Brand
CROWN Singapore|December 2019
Making considerable upgrades to Zenith since he took over the helm two years ago, CEO Julien Tornare muses about what it means to be a progressive 21st century watch brand
Alvin Wong
What It Takes For Jenith To Be A Progressive Brand

Prefacing answers with proclamations of “Absolutely”, “Sure”, or “Of course!”, Zenith CEO Julien Tornare fields our questions like a man bent on taking all comers – and one who is supremely confident that he’d come out on top, regardless of where the probe leads.

Tornare has every reason to feel assured. In the two years that he has taken over the helm at Zenith – a hot-potato position for his predecessors, given the huge expectations for a brand perceived to be one of Switzerland’s most eminent watch companies – he has given the erstwhile lukewarm brand an adrenaline shot to get it humming again.

From implementing the series production of a pioneering new, avant-garde high-frequency oscillator in the Defy Innovation collection, to overseeing the successful 50th-anniversary celebration of the legendary El Primero movement (and its hugely popular commemorative editions), the 46-year-old has had a busy and auspicious start to his Zenith career. Handpicked by LVMH’s president of watches Jean-Claude Biver, no less, Tornare is aware of the work that lays ahead despite the storming off the blocks. Zenith is a 154-year-old brand, after all, he says, and to maintain a culture of innovation and progressiveness is no small feat.

Speaking to CROWN at the Zenith ‘A Star Through Time’ exhibition in August, however, Tornare appears in a reflective mood as he takes stock of the recent accelerated developments and offers his take on taking the company into the future.

Let start with the El Primero chronograph movement, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. What does this mean to Zenith?

The El Primero is more than just a movement now. It is a philosophy, a school of thought. It is also ingrained in Zenith’s very own DNA.

What did you learn most about how the El Primero relates to the company?

This story is from the December 2019 edition of CROWN Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 2019 edition of CROWN Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CROWN SINGAPOREView All
Luminox Introduces The Pacific Diver Adventure
CROWN Singapore

Luminox Introduces The Pacific Diver Adventure

Luminox introduces the Pacific Diver Adventure that combines the brand’s penchant for robustness with a bit of shine

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 4 - 2021
Irresistible Chimes From Jaeger-LeCoultre's Reversible Icon
CROWN Singapore

Irresistible Chimes From Jaeger-LeCoultre's Reversible Icon

Irresistible chimes from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s reversible icon

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 4 - 2021
Chopard L.U.C's First Automatic Flying Tourbillon
CROWN Singapore

Chopard L.U.C's First Automatic Flying Tourbillon

A gorgeous rendition of Chopard L.U.C’s first automatic flying tourbillon on the occasion of the Manufacture’s 25th anniversary

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 4 - 2021
TAG Heuer Updates The Iconic Carrera Collection With Time-And-Date-Only Models
CROWN Singapore

TAG Heuer Updates The Iconic Carrera Collection With Time-And-Date-Only Models

TAG Heuer updates the iconic Carrera collection with time-and-date-only models

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 4 - 2021
Three Of A. Lange & Söhne's Most Unique Innovations Come Together
CROWN Singapore

Three Of A. Lange & Söhne's Most Unique Innovations Come Together

Three of A. Lange & Söhne’s most unique innovations come together in the Zeitwerk Honeygold ‘Lumen’

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 4 - 2021
Throwback-Inspired Watch That You Need This Year
CROWN Singapore

Throwback-Inspired Watch That You Need This Year

Bvlgari’s Gerald Genta Arena Retrograde 'Mickey Mouse' is the only throwback-inspired watch you need this year

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 4 - 2021
Desire A Tourbillon For Your Collection?
CROWN Singapore

Desire A Tourbillon For Your Collection?

Desire a tourbillon for your collection? Best go to the source.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 4 - 2021
Vacheron Constantin Brings Collectors To Time And Again
CROWN Singapore

Vacheron Constantin Brings Collectors To Time And Again

Excellence in astronomical and calendar complications isn’t so much a pursuit, but a promised land that Vacheron Constantin brings collectors to time and again

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 4 - 2021
Hue The World
CROWN Singapore

Hue The World

Blancpain’s new vibrantly coloured collection with mechanical sass

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 4 - 2021
Vacheron Constantin Miniature Enamel Painting
CROWN Singapore

Vacheron Constantin Miniature Enamel Painting

How does one start to appreciate Vacheron Constantin’s piece-unique Les Cabinotiers Westminster Sonnerie – Tribute to Johannes Vermeer pocket watch?

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 4 - 2021