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Date 19. 7. 2022
Category Watchmaking
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The indomitable desire of man to go higher and further can be sensed in many visionaries of various fields of human activity. Among them, the name of Georges Favre-Jacot, founder of the Zenith watch company, shines brightly.
After all, the word zenith translates as 'overhead' - if you like. In the case of Zenith, it is the pinnacle of watchmaking, which is reflected in every model of this exceptional Swiss watch.
Having absorbed the skills of previous generations of watchmakers, Georges Favre-Jacot founded his own company in 1865 and immediately came up with a groundbreaking improvement. He concentrated all the craftsmanship involved in the manufacture of timepiece parts in one building, which Zenith still uses today. This revolutionary approach to manufacturing allowed for an unprecedented level of quality control and precision.
But the young Swiss's timeless vision took him even further. He generalised the interchangeability of certain parts and also thought about sophisticated marketing. From the workshops in Le Locle came Swiss watches that combined precision with innovation and style.
Many world-famous personalities have worn Zenith watches. Louis Blériot, the first man to fly across the English Channel, and Mahatma Gandhi, who owned a Zenith pocket watch. In addition, Georges Favre-Jacot also developed collaborations with visual artists, including our own Alphonse Mucha.
Thanks to these connections, technical precision has been given an extra touch of art and elegance. This legacy defines the Zenith brand to this day - technical excellence is never at the expense of aesthetic qualities. Zenith watches are therefore still sought after by those who appreciate not only the technical aspect of a watch, but also its artistic value.
A real milestone in the brand's history was in 1969, when Zenith introduced El Primero - the first fully integrated automatic chronograph with a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. This legendary movement allows time to be measured to within a tenth of a second and has become the technical basis for many chronograph watch models.
Although the watch industry went through a difficult period in the 1970s due to the advent of quartz watches, El Primero survived thanks to the foresight of one employee who hid the tools and drawings in the factory attic. The movement was then rediscovered and further refined in the 1980s, allowing the Zenith brand to shine again in the watchmaking firmament.
Perfection in every detail and aesthetic design sensibility is evident in the current range of Zenith men's luxury watches. A treasured legacy from the dawn of the aviation industry is the legendary Pilot Watch. Thanks to its trademark, registered as early as 1904, it remains the only watch brand with this name.
The modern Zenith PILOT collection is true to its glorious heritage, but pays tribute to the contemporary adventurers of today. The original design with large Arabic numerals and cathedral hands makes this Swiss watch an unmissable fashion accessory. The large-format crown, originally designed for easy handling even when wearing gloves, is now a distinctive feature that gives the watch its unmistakable character.
The DEFY collection for men and women is no exception. It combines cutting-edge manufacturing processes with futuristic shapes and materials. DEFY models often use high-tech materials such as carbon, titanium or special alloys, making them not only a timepiece but also a showcase of cutting-edge engineering. This men's luxury watch is the ideal accessory for tech-savvy men who appreciate innovation and progressive design.
The CHRONOMASTER series was born from the masterful manufacture of an automatic high-frequency chronograph. We find in it a reference to the characteristic watch design of the 1960s and 1970s, enriched by a new level of precision with the 1/10th of a second function. The Zenith Chronomaster represents the pinnacle of the chronograph watch category and is sought after by collectors worldwide.
The Chronomaster Original models faithfully reproduce the iconic design of the original El Primero models, while the Chronomaster Sport range offers a more modern concept with a ceramic lunette and improved legibility. For lovers of extraordinary complications, the Chronomaster Open range allows a view of the famous El Primero movement directly from the dial.
A return to the classics of the mid-20th century can also be sensed in the ELITE collection of automatic unisex watches. The rejuvenated design of the Elite Classic and Moonphase models now even sets the tone for contemporary elegance in the company's range.
Clean lines, traditional proportions and a sober dial design make the Elite the ideal choice for everyday wear and formal occasions. Although it lacks the sporty character of chronographs, its technical excellence remains at the typical level of Zenith Swiss watches.
Completely unique is the curated collection of rare and highly desirable vintage Zenith watches called Zenith ICONS. These watches have been sensitively restored and certified by the manufacturer. Thanks to them, you can own a piece of true watchmaking history with peace of mind.
The ICONS collection offers the opportunity to acquire an authentic vintage watch in perfect condition, with a guarantee of its origin and functionality. For collectors, these models represent a unique investment opportunity as the value of vintage Zenith models on the auction market continues to rise.
Swiss watch has maintained its value over the years, and some rare models have even increased significantly over the years. In particular, limited editions and models with complications such as a chronograph tend to be sought after by collectors and investors.Unlike
many other brands, Zenith offers exceptional value for money. You get a manufacture watch with its own movement, rich history and unmistakable character, often at a price lower than competing brands with similar specifications.
Would you like to see the watch in person? Visit one of the BENY boutiques in the centre of Prague.
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