Zenith's historical journey unfolds in the tall, narrow building located in Le Locle, a testament to the brand's enduring legacy in the realm of independent watch manufacturing. Established in 1865 by George Favre-Jacot as a watch assembly workshop, Zenith has seamlessly transitioned from crafting simple pocket watches to the most intricate calendar timepieces. However, the zenith of Zenith's renown remains the iconic 'El Primero' caliber, a groundbreaking achievement as the world's first wristwatch chronograph with automatic winding and an impressive frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour.
Zenith's historic building, with its prominent high windows, stands as a symbol of the company's unwavering commitment to innovation during the industrial revolution. The 'El Primero' caliber's legacy is marked by its pioneering high vibration frequency and its sophisticated integrated chronograph mechanism, along with the unique two-sided rotor. Few watchmakers dared to venture into the territory of such a high-frequency caliber, making 'El Primero' a true horological marvel. The endurance of this caliber, now celebrating its fiftieth birthday, owes itself to the renaissance of the mechanical watch and Zenith's timeless commitment to precision.
Zenith's iconic El Primero caliber.
In 1999, Zenith was acquired by the LVMH Group, ushering in a new chapter for the brand. This transition led to a period of transformation and, some would say, even eccentricity, as Zenith ventured into the world of 'Haute Horlogerie' with avant-garde creations. The brand's 150th anniversary in 2015 marked a revival of its historic Le Locle building, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2009, further underlining its significance in the watchmaking world. Within the building, more than eighty distinct crafts are practiced, with a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Zenith's journey is characterized by a commitment to both heritage and style, a vision initially set forth by Jean-Frédéric Dufour during challenging times and continued by his successor Aldo Magada, who passionately showcases the brand's character and distinct style, both on the ground and in the stratosphere. Explore our selection of Zenith watches below to experience the enduring spirit of this iconic brand.
