ZENITH | 2015 Geneva New Releases | ZENITH

ZENITH

A Monumental Complication Based on the El Primero

Anticipation Builds for Baselworld

Zenith held its own exclusive presentation in Geneva, Switzerland. 2015 marks the brand's 150th anniversary, and the new releases are imbued with passion. Unveiled were two timepieces from the pinnacle "Academy" series. Both are limited editions that fuse the El Primero's 36,000 vibrations per hour with a fusée-and-chain transmission, offering exceptional precision and opulent luxury. This year, the "El Primero" collection is set to expand, further heightening expectations for Baselworld in March.

Text by KAWADA Akinori

Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane
Grand Voyage II

A Grand Celebration of Zenith's 150th Anniversary

This rare and highly valuable complication model, featuring three groundbreaking mechanisms and a striking exterior, is a fitting tribute to Zenith's 150th anniversary. The first of these three mechanisms is, of course, Zenith's renowned high-frequency El Primero. The second is the fusée-and-chain transmission, which uses a chain to draw power from a conical fusée connected to the mainspring barrel. Acting like a gearbox, it stabilizes precision even as the mainspring's torque diminishes. The third is the gravity control, which minimizes the impact of gravity on the watch's accuracy by ensuring the escapement housing remains constantly horizontal.

The interplay of these three magnificent mechanisms can be admired through the openwork on the dial. The caseback depicts the world of Christopher Columbus's voyages in exquisite fresco, paying homage to the Age of Discovery. It is a commemorative model worthy of the 150th anniversary.

Case: 18K Rose Gold
Diameter: 45mm
Thickness: 14.35mm (22mm at the dome on the 6 o'clock position)
Movement: Manual winding (Cal. El Primero 8805)
Functions: Fusée-and-chain transmission, Gravity Control, Power reserve indicator
Strap: Alligator
Water Resistance: 3 ATM
Limited Edition: 10 pieces
Release: Made to order
Estimated Price (excl. tax): 31,000,000 JPY

Academy Georges Favre-Jacot

Honoring the Founder's Name in a Milestone Year

In 1865, Zenith's founder, Georges Favre-Jacot, established his workshop in Le Locle, Switzerland, embarking on a journey to bring high-precision timepieces to everyone. Zenith owes its existence to Favre-Jacot, making a commemorative limited edition bearing his name a natural progression.

The mechanism chosen for this commemorative model is the fusée-and-chain transmission. In this system, the chain draws power from a conical fusée within the mainspring barrel. As the chain is gradually unwound from the wider part of the cone, the force transmitted to the watch's movement remains constant, even as the mainspring's power wanes. Combined with the high-beat frequency of the El Primero, this achieves a dreamlike level of precision, befitting a watch that bears Favre-Jacot's name.

Case: 18K Rose Gold
Diameter: 45mm
Thickness: 14.35mm
Movement: Manual winding (Cal. El Primero 4810)
Functions: Fusée-and-chain transmission, Power reserve indicator
Strap: Alligator
Water Resistance: 3 ATM
Limited Edition: 150 pieces
Release: Available now
Estimated Price (excl. tax): 7,250,000 JPY

LVMH Watch & Jewelry Japan Zenith
Tel. +81-3-5524-6420
http://www.zenith-watches.com/jp_jp