It takes guts to balance on the sashimi knife edge of what is possible in horology, and that is what Zenith has been doing for a couple of years. Well, to be fair, it has been more than a couple of years, but Zenith is one of those watchmaking brands where it truly is complicated, in that famous Facebook status way.
Most recently, the manufacture promised a revolution in mechanical watchmaking – not an uncommon affair in Swiss watchmaking. Zenith even adopted a bold mantra under the magnetic leadership of Jean-Claude Biver: the future of tradition. Plenty of watchmaking brands dare to talk the talk, but most just quietly walk away from the spotlight. To its credit, Zenith made good on its motto and promises, delivering the first new mechanical escapement since Christiaan Huygens developed the balance spring in the 17th century.
Leading the way is CEO Julien Tornare, a man we have met several times since he took over from Biver in 2017. On this occasion, he was in Singapore to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the El Primero calibre, for which Zenith threw a big party and held an exhibition called “A Star Through Time” that engaged the public as well connoisseurs. Exhibitions like that one at Ngee Ann City are vitally important to let the public get in on the inner workings of watch brands.
With regards to the tagline, Zenith has looked towards the future of watchmaking a few times — you could even look at Charlie Vermot hiding the El Primero equipment as an example of forward thinking. How does Zenith remind the world about this unique legacy?
This story is from the March 2020 edition of MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2020 edition of MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Time Splitter
The TAG Heuer Monaco's latest incarnation at Watches & Wonders Geneva personifies Haute Horlogerie D'Avant-Garde.
One More Dance
Dior heads to one of Venice's most important bays for the Naumachia Ball, designed as the maison's third tribute to the glorious Italian city.
Life, In A Slow Dive
Despite the contradictions and opposing forces acting against Slowdive, the shoegaze pioneers have reunited a little more comfortable in their skin, a little surer in their voice, lifting their chins up a little higher to look into the bright-eyed, blissed-out audience that stand beyond their feet.
Turn A New Leaf
ZEGNA documents its essence in Born in Oasi Zegna: The Book-a vessel for legacy, a conduit for conversation through time, and a plethora of nature's amusements to inspire generations to come.
Setting The Scene
The introduction of the M Social brand in Europe makes staying at century-old European hotels anything but a stuffy, old-fashioned experience. Their secret? A refurbishment in 2021 that has varnished historical, opulent spaces for the interest of the youth, as seen at M Social Hotel Paris.
Italian Decadence
For its second instalment of Kingdom Collection, Royal Salute pays tribute to the magnificence of Italy.
Razor Thin
Piaget demonstrates their technicity in ultra-thin watchmaking with the Piaget Ultimate Concept Tourbillon.
Grade 2x-5
Bell & Ross renders the Bell & Ross BR X-5 with a monochromatic black and grey take.
Nature's Affinity
Grand Seiko's dressy variant of the much-loved \"White Birch\" materialises at Watches & Wonders Geneva with an alternate dial motif.
In Conversation With Laurent Lecamp
Montblanc Watch Division managing director Laurent Lecamp dissects the underlying message of this year's novelties.