Zenith the Guiding Star.

"Beauty, Exclusivity and Precision"

It was Georges Favre-Jacot who realised his vision in 1865 to house all different watch trades under one roof. Thus making it the first manufacture in the world. It may seem logical and almost a necessity to work with al different departments in one building, but this was not the case back in the days. The advantages of this collaboration are quite straight forward. It speeds up research and development, production and assembly. But perhaps the most important reason for his choice was to be able to make more precise movements. It was until 1911 that the company officially took on the name Zenith. Referring to the highest point reached in the sky by a heavenly body. Also known as “The Guiding Star”.

Precision

Over the years Zenith has made some record breaking movements. For instance the  Zenith 135 Cal. that won them a staggering 235 prizes with one movement only in 1948. Or the ground breaking and ultra-precise 5011K Cal. in 1960 that would later be used for the demanding marine chronometers. The most famous and well respected movement that ever came of the zenith workbenches must be the Zenith El Primero movement. Being the first ever integrated automatic chronograph, which already is a true feet of engineering. Even today it still holds the record for most precise series-made calibre in the world. The reason it is so precise has to do with the high frequency of the movement or Vibrations Per Hour, VPH in short. With its VPH of 36.000 it is able to measure within a 10^th of a second. Whereas  an average watch has a VPH of 28.800 vibrations. 

Gold and Silver Hands

Due to the new way of working and branding Zenith grew to employing 1000 workers back in 1925. The nickname “The manufacture with 2000 gold and silver hands” is good reflection of how proud they are of their employees. As they should! Perhaps the most important but surely the most balsy watchmaker within the history of Zenith, is Charles Vermot. He worked his entire career with Zenith. And was there for the brand when they struggled during the quartz crisis. 

Charles Vermot

As a mechanical  chronograph specialist he was involved from the beginning with the development of the El Primero movement. Seeing the great potential and power of the movement. He took on the unofficial role as the “Patron Saint” of the El Primero movement and it’s machines. The introduction of the El Primero in 1969 was perhaps not the best time to advertise with a mechanical chronograph with the upcoming quartz crisis. During the 1970s and early 1980s Swiss watchmaking was having difficult times and Zenith was no exception. After finding out that management would terminate the El Primero project. He even tried to talk them out of it. Not hearing to his motivation and arguments  he began to hide and safeguard all the machines, tools and technical plans needed for the production. Including presses weighing in ad a ton! He kept a secret file of everything he had hidden. He kept this secret until 1978 when Zenith came into hands of new owners. They to saw the potential and re-introduced the movement in 1984. Without the work of Charles Vermot the re-introduction would surely not been so quick and perhaps would have never happened at all! 

Modern Collection

The last few years Zenith did have some changes made to the collection. For instance the Defy collection was phased out. A collection that did not really fit right within the brand. Due to the fact that it was far too extreme and modern for a brand that has such a rich and interesting heritage. The current collection of Zenith however holds some true gems! For instance this Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Striking 10^th seen here with a Dutch newspaper of the day Felix Baumgartner jumped from 39km to the earth.

Or this Zenith Pilot Doublematic with a very cool and well placed array of functions like a chronograph, Alarm, Gmt and big Date function. Despite the sheer amount of complications, the placing and overall look makes it really easy to the eye.

And for those who are the classical type, Zenith has a few answers as well. For instance this Captain El Primero Chronograph. With a nice thick and modern case design and stunning silver dial. 

I’ve already expressed my appreciation for this piece on our Facebook page. But I could not resist to mention this Zenith Chronomaster El Primero in Rosé gold. Again the dial details and materials chosen together with the layout of the complications is done very well! 

Overall I think that Zenith is a very interesting brand with an interesting history and heritage.  They are able to make very nice watches with great movements, and for reasonable prices! That’s why it’s a great mystery to me that Zenith does not receive the same level of attention from most other watch enthusiasts. And maybe it’s for the best. So people will only buy them for what they are… Beautiful, Exclusive and Precise! 

Kind regards