Watchuseek was one of the first blogs to start talking about it, and is currently on top of the search engines should you enter the simple phrase, ‘Aldo Magada resigns as Zenith CEO’.

Speculation is predictably rife as to whether Magada jumped or was pushed, but it is believed this could be a strategic move on the part of Head of Watchmaking at LMVH, Jean-Claude Biver, to take up the reins of Zenith, at least temporarily, having spent the last two years tailoring TAG Heuer to his own vision.

During Magada’s tenure, Zenith became involved with Biver style borrowed interest branding exercises, linking with entities such as The Rolling Stones, Range Rover, cigar makers Cohiba and even the Distinguished Gentlemans’ Ride. But for all that the brand with the shining star is still most closely linked to the still well regarded El Primero Chronograph movement introduced way back in 1969.

Jean-Claude Biver: New interim CEO, Zenith

The decision for Magada to resign was one reached in consensus with Mr. Jean-Claude Biver, who agreed that the brand as a whole needed a long hard look at its recent management practices in order to take on the challenges that lay ahead.

Where the Billy Bunter bespectacled Mr. Magada will go next is unclear, but as JCB takes over as interim chief, you can expect his customary ceaseless carbon footprint and indefatigable photo opportunities to be drumming up plenty of news and controversy for Zenith in the months to come.

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Zenith is presenting a new vintage series; the Heritage 146 chronograph inspired by a 1960s watch and now equipped with an El Primero movement.

It features a retro look, a tropical brown or blue dial, a 38 mm-diameter steel case and a column-wheel El Primero movement chronometer.

Subtly reinterpreting an historical model, the Heritage 146 combines the best of the Manufacture’s past: design, history and rarity.

As one of the first historical watchmakers to be organized as a full-fledged Manufacture, Zenith has a legacy of more than 150 years upon which to draw. The 1960s model was equipped with Caliber 146D with a 38-hour power reserve and displays of the hours, minutes, with small seconds at 9 o’clock.

The new 38mm Heritage 146 offers a chronograph with central sweep-seconds hand and 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, as well as a tachymetric scale. This two-counter dial without a date window reflects a configuration typical of 1960s chronographs.

There are two dial options; tropical brown or blue sunray-patterned with rhodium-coated baton hands. The watch now runs on the high frequency 36,000 vibrations per hour of the automatic high-beat El Primero Caliber 4069.

Regulated and adjusted to meet chronometer standards, this 254-part column wheel chronograph caliber – wound by an oscillating weight adorned with “Côtes de Genève” – drives an extremely accurate tenth-of-a-second display and has a more than 50-hour power reserve. Water-resistant to 50 meters the model features a fluted crown as well as two round pushers.

The screw-down sapphire crystal case back has an anti-reflective treatment on both sides. The final touch is set by a racing-style strap in a choice of brown or blue rubber-lined calfskin leather. Available with a blue (ref.03.2150.4069/51.C805) or brown dial (ref.03.2150.4069/75.C806), the Heritage 146 is priced at S$10,500.

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Zenith (or should that be Jean-Claude Biver?) is so confident you’re going to love this new Rolling Stones version of their Type 20 Pilot’s Watch that they have done nothing more than merely supply the specs, with no description or endorsement of any kind. But you don’t need to be told what you do or do not like. Take a look at the pictures and the specifications, and lastly the price, and see what you think.

SPECIFICATIONS

The Rolling Stones Screwed-in crown

Arabic numerals entirely made of SuperLuminova

MOVEMENT

Movement Elite 693, Automatic Caliber 11½“` (Diameter: 25.60 mm)

Movement thickness 3.94 mm

Components 186 Jewels 26 Frequency 28,800 VpH (4 Hz)

Power-reserve min. 50 hours Finishes Oscillating weight with “Côtes de Genève” motif

FUNCTIONS

Hours and minutes in the center

Small seconds at 9 o’clock 24-hour dual-time indication

 CASE, DIAL & HANDS

Diameter 48 mm Diameter opening 40 mm

Thickness 15.80 mm

Crystal Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides Case-back

Case-back engraved with the Rolling Stones famous Tongue

Material Titanium with DLC coating Titanium + DLC Water-resistance 10 ATM

Dial Hologram type Hour-markers Arabic numerals in SuperLuminova SLN C1 [Hour markers]

Hands Black ruthenium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1 [Hands]

 STRAPS & BUCKLES

Bracelet reference: 27.00.2422.809

designation: Black calfskin leather strap with protective rubber lining adorned with Zenith Flying Instruments logo abbreviation: CS Buckle 27.75.0022.001

Stainless steel pin buckle with black DLC coating

 PRICE 

€6,900

Visit Zenith

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We asked George Mayer and Brian Govberg of Govberg Jewelers and GovbergWatches.com to identify their Top 6 Watches from Baselworld 2017 and here’s what they said: Omega 1957 Trilogy Boxed Set, Rolex SkyDweller, Zenith Defy El Primero 21, Patek Philippe 5320G, Grand Seiko, Oris 1917 Big Crown

Watch the video:

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel so you don’t miss a video from Baselworld 2017

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Ex-Vacheron Constantin International Sales Director Julien Tornare has taken over the challenging role as CEO of Zenith as of yesterday, May 1, reporting directly to Jean-Claude Biver, president of the Watches Division at LMVH.

Tornare has worked for Vacheron Constantin for the past 17 years, most recently heading up the all-important Asia Pacific region. But he has also conducted business for Vacheron in Switzerland and North America.

Biver, who took over Zenith as interim CEO at the start of the year, replacing Aldo Magada,  states the new CEO’s priorities will be to focus on the “renewal” of the brand, including developing its market presence and driving new marketing initiatives. In other words, giving the brand the ‘luster it deserves’ which is what Biver has promised for Zenith.

“Julien’s strong international and commercial experience in watches will be crucial to the development of Zenith, which is enjoying renewed success since Baselworld and the launch of Defy El Primero 21.” Jean-Claude Biver

The overall vision is to create greater synergies with key LMVH brands, including Hublot, TAG Heuer and Zenith. In February, during an interview with Rüdiger Bucher, Editorial Director of Chronos and Watchtime.net, a concerned Jean-Claude Biver commented on Zenith’s two years of loss making:

“There is not one reason, but an abundance of minor causes. Is it the product? Are there too many employees? Should the marketing be better? None of these factors is solely responsible. There are minor weaknesses here and there that add up. Bottom line, the whole company showed me too little dynamism. It was not fast enough. And I could not muster more patience. That is why I took the lead myself.”

Immediate action was needed as sales fell below the level where a full-blown manufacturer like Zenith could make a profit.

“Being a manufacture is a strength but also a weakness because you have to produce a minimum number of pieces to be profitable. For a manufacturer with more than 200 employees, the profitability threshold is around 25,000 to 30,000 watches per year. If you do not reach these numbers, you will inevitably lose money.”

Asked how he would like Zenith to be positioned within the LVMH stable, he said:

“Zenith stands for traditional watchmaking at affordable prices; achievable luxury, but with a more classic approach than TAG Heuer and with a price level between Hublot and TAG Heuer.”

Jean-Claude Biver’s overseeing of TAG Heuer has resulted in price revisions offering greater value in each watch than a customer would expect for the money. Similarly, even at the higher price points he hopes Zenith will adopt a similar tactic.

“This depends on the product. If I offer an ultra-flat watch with a manufactory for 4,000 euros, this is affordable. Because it is expected that such a watch costs around 9,000 euros. If it is a minute repetition, which would cost 200,000 euros, and I bring them in for 60,000 euros, then also 60,000 euros is affordable.” Jean-Claude Biver

Would you like Jean-Claude Biver as your boss? Let us know!

The post Julien Tornare Takes Over As New Zenith CEO appeared first on watchuseek.com.

For 2017 Zenith presents a new vintage series: the Heritage 146 chronograph inspired by a 1960s watch and now equipped with an El Primero movement. Subtly reinterpreting an historical model, the Heritage 146 is a unique offering combining the best of Zenith’s past: design, history and true rarity. For someone who likes the look of a vintage chronograph, with the added bonus of the legendary El Primero movement the Heritage 146 can’t be beat!

Price for the Zenith Heritage 146 is $6,700 USD.

Visit www.zenith-watches.com for more information

The post Zenith Heritage 146 Review appeared first on watchuseek.com.

The new incumbent of the Zenith hotseat, CEO Mr. Julien Tornare, says he has no plans to build a global network of brand owned boutiques.

Tornare, recently appointed by LVMH Head of Watchmaking Jean-Claude Biver, believes that opening boutiques is full of risk, and that working more effectively with retail partners is the better route to take.

“I think it’s illusory to consider building huge shopping temples for the brand and opening boutiques for our image. We have to respect the retailers, because they are the ones who have built up the industry over the past 20 years,” Mr. Tornare said in an interview with World Tempus.

Julien Tornare spent 17 years with Vacheron Constantin, most recently heading the Asia-Pacific region where he managed 13 boutiques for the Richemont brand.

That experience, particularly in recent years as Asian markets have slowed, appears to have influenced his thinking for Zenith.

“A lot of brands have neglected the retailers and I think they will start coming back to them. Own-brand stores are great when they work, but when business takes a turn for the worse then they start to cost a lot of money. In any case, Zenith simply doesn’t have the financial resources to open 20 stores around the world,” Julien Tornare, CEO Zenith.

Tornare will be the driving force behind Jean-Claude Biver’s vision to re-engineer the brand to bring all its tradition and history to become relevant to the future.

Visit Zenith

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95 countries. 600 cities. More than 70,000 gentlefolk and their motorbikes riding for a good cause. An event sponsored by Zenith, to benefit the Movember Foundation, and its support for prostate cancer and men’s mental health

Zenith has supported the gathering around the world, and has created a PILOT TON-UP watch engraved with the effigy of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.

Number 0 has been auctioned, raising 7,500 Euros at a special event held in Milan in the presence of Zenith CEO Julien Tornare, and Mark Hawwa, founder of the event.

The event has gained unprecedented traction in the Vintage Biking world: last Sunday, September 24^th 2017, in 600 cities spread across 95 countries around the world, more than 70,000 gentlefolk met up on the same day aboard their motorbikes to support research into prostate cancer and men’s mental health on behalf of the Movember Foundation.

What do they all have in common? An array of vintage bikes, café racers, bobbers, scramblers and other exceptional customized models that will be taking part in chic and festive parades thrumming along roads and cobblestones.

The goal? To raise funds. An operation on behalf of the Movember Foundation in its bid to finance prostate cancer and men’s mental health programs and to pass the USD$5 million mark this year (having already raised more than $8M since it was created by  Australian Mark Hawwa).

Among the celebrities who will be taking part in the 2017 edition are American actor Eric C.Olsen (from the NCIS LA series), Australian actor Jai Courtney, as well as fashion blogger Mariano Di Vaio (DGR Milan).

Zenith is supporting this global charity event for the second year running. To mark this gathering the Swiss watch Manufacture has produced six special numbered Pilot Ton-Up watches, each bearing the inscription DGR 2017. Five of the watches are intended as gifts to the main donors.

Visit Zenith

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For 2018, Zenith revives its popular 1960s Cairelli model with the Pilot TIPO CP-2 FLYBACK. It comes in a choice of bronze or aged stainless steel and with a range of stylish modifications and it’s destined to delight collectors.

The HERITAGE CRONOMETRO TIPO CP-2, affectionately referred to by collectors as the ‘Cairelli’ watch, belongs to the lineage of legendary chronographs that have earned the status of exceptional timepieces in both military and watchmaking history.

The original piece, a military chronograph created throughout a decade from the mid-1960s on, was commissioned by the Italian Army through the Italian dealership A. Cairelli in Rome. ‘CP’ stands for cronometro di polso (wrist chronometer). In recent years, the 2,500 units produced by Zenith in the 1960s for the Italian armed forces have fetched sky-high prices on the vintage market.

The new Pilot TIPO CP-2 FLYBACK is equipped with a cutting-edge automatic El Primero column-wheel chronograph with flyback function, a revival of the famous Cairelli model from the 60’s, it’s designed for intrepid adventurers, both male and female.

The new watch features faceted arrow-shaped hands designed to ensure perfect readability even in tough conditions; a bezel enabling reliable and accurate handling; and easily accessible and responsive pushers.

Sized at 43mm, the watch is powered by a high-precision movement, the trademark TIPO CP-2 dial comes with running seconds and minute counters at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock respectively.

New for 2018

For 2018,  there’s a version turned out in bronze with a matching bronze grained dial and brown oily nubuck leather strap with protective rubber lining. And there’s a second version in aged stainless steel, designed to appeal to those with an affinity for the world of motorbikes, and sports. It’s a sober slate grey grained dial with green oily leather strap with protective rubber lining. Both straps are finished with a titanium pin buckle for total security, while the case backs are with a transparent sapphire crystal enabling the owner to have a look at the beautiful El Primero 405B version of the movement, beating to the rhythm of 36,000 vibrations per hour, and bringing the convenience of automatic winding with a 50-hour power reserve.

The Zenith Cronometro Tipo CP-2 retails at $7,700 and is a limited edition of 1,000 numbered pieces. It is available in stores now.

Visit Zenith

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The Brand With The Guiding Star believes the Zenith DEFY EL PRIMERO 21 represents a quantum leap in both performance and mechanical design in a competition against no-one but itself.

Introduced last year, the newly upgraded movement boasts a frequency of 360,000 A/H (50 Hz), ten times that of its world-famous El Primero predecessor, enabling 1/100^th of a second precision. The new display magnifies the effect of this remarkable frequency: the inner bezel bears a scale graduated from 1 to 100 around which a 1/100^th of a second-hand sweeps at a lightning speed of one turn per second, offering unprecedented visual impact and a surreal time-travelling experience for the wearer.

Now with a new 44 mm black ceramic case, the open-worked dial of the DEFY EL PRIMERO 21 offers a contemporary background for the key identifying characteristics of the legendary original: a star-tipped sweep-seconds hand, large luminescent baton-type hands and facetted hour-markers all paying proud tribute in a stunning demonstration of futuristic brilliance.

Stealth interpretation

The night-black ceramic case complements its rich inner workings. Sleek ruthenium-plated hour-markers and hands enliven an elegantly complex open-worked dial featuring a chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o’clock, hours and minutes in the center, small seconds at 9 o’clock, black 60-second counter at 6 o’clock and distinctive blue 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock.

The Defy El Primero 21 Black Ceramic comes on a comfortable black rubber strap with a matching black DLC-coated titanium double folding clasp, or a stylish black ceramic bracelet. With a 50-hour power reserve, the watch is water-resistant to 100 meters, and is sure to catch the attention of the most discerning watch enthusiasts seeking to wish upon a star.

SPECIFICATIONS

New 1/100^th of a second chronograph movement

Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second

1 escapement for the Watch (36,000 VpH – 5 Hz);

1 escapement for the Chronograph (360,000 VpH – 50 Hz)

TIME LAB-Chronometer certified

MOVEMENT

El Primero 9004 automatic

Calibre: 14¼“` (Diameter: 32.80 mm)

Thickness: 7.9 mm

Components: 293

Jewels: 53

Frequency 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)

Power reserve approx. 50 hours

Special oscillating weight with “circular satin-brushed” motif

FUNCTIONS

1/100^th of a second chronograph functions

Chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o’clock

Hours and minutes in the centre

Small seconds at 9 o’clock

– Central chronograph hand

– 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock

– 60-second counter at 6 o’clock

CASE, DIAL & HANDS

Black Ceramic case

Diameter: 44 mm

Opening diameter: 35.5 mm

Thickness: 14.50 mm

Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides

Case back: Transparent sapphire crystal

Water resistance: 10 ATM

Dial: Openworked with two different-coloured counters

Hour markers: Ruthenium-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova®

Hands: Ruthenium-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova®

STRAP AND BUCKLE

Black Rubber

Titanium double folding clasp with Black DLC coating

PRICE

TBC

Visit Zenith

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In 1969, Zenith launched El Primero, the first ever fully integrated automatic column-wheel chronograph movement, enabling 1/10th of a second precision. This groundbreaking model laid a new milestone in watchmaking history that had never been surpassed – until now. Half a century later, Zenith has once again defied tradition and pushed existing 8,217.boundaries, leading us into the world of 1/100th of a second accuracy.

The new TIMELAB-chronometer certified Defy El Primero 21 Blue features a titanium case with matching rhodium-plated hour markers and hands. The open-worked dial displays a chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o’clock, hours and minutes in the centre, small seconds at 9 o’clock, black 60-second counter at 6 o’clock and the Defy El Primero 21’s trademark blue 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, offset by the unusual and visually striking blue mainplate.

Designed to cater to a variety of tastes, the Defy El Primero 21 Blue offers a choice of three straps from black rubber covered with a blue alligator leather coating; or in titanium, both with a titanium double folding clasp. The watch has a 50-hour power reserve and is water-resistant to 100 meters. In the UK the watch will retail in the region of £8,217. We will be seeing the new watch among others in the Zenith collection at Baselworld next month.

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Zenith’s partnership with high-end cigar manufacturer Cohiba has got off to what it refers to as a  ‘smoking start’ in 2018, with the launch of two new limited-edition versions of the brand’s Pilot Type 20 model: the 50-piece Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Cohiba Maduro 5 Edition in 18-carat rose gold and the 150-piece Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Cohiba Maduro 5 Edition in bronze.

The Pilot Type 20 Chronograph is encased in bronze and powered by the high-frequency El Primero ‘engine’ with a black dial bearing green-emission SLN Arabic numerals. Its counterpart, the Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Special Edition, is powered by an automatic Zenith Elite 679 caliber.

Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Cohiba Maduro 5 Edition in 18-carat rose gold

Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Cohiba Maduro 5 Edition in bronze

As with mechanical watches, Habanos cigars have a long cultural history. Aged, full-bodied and with the classic Cohiba finish, the Maduro 5 is no exception to this rule. Maduro is not a type of leaf, but a color shade achieved through an extra fermentation of the wrapper leaves harvested from the top levels of the shade and ageing longer than is usual for standard wrapper leaves. The wrapper leaves used for Maduro 5 line are aged for five years. This well-aged wrapper yields the top-quality Maduro color and flavor that makes the distinct tasting Maduro 5 cigars.

For 2018, ZENITH has produced the Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Cohiba Maduro 5 Edition and Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Cohiba Maduro 5 Edition in warm tones of rose gold and bronze respectively. Water resistant to 10 ATM and endowed with a 50-hour power reserve, the trademark striking case, wide ratcheted easily adjustable crown (along with pushpieces in the case of the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Cohiba Maduro 5 Edition), and oversized luminescent numerals of the Zenith/Cohiba Pilot watches proudly flaunt all the DNA of a line of airborne conquerors, while emulating the rich tones of the Maduro 5 wrapping.

Produced in a numbered edition of 50 for the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Cohiba Maduro 5Edition and 150 in bronze for its Pilot Type 20 Cohiba Maduro 5 Edition counterpart, both watches display both the Zenith and the Cohiba logos on their sandblasted black dials.

They also feature gold-plated hour and minute hands with a small seconds hand at 9 o’clock on the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Cohiba Maduro 5 Edition, together with a central chrono hand and 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. A special titanium caseback bearing the number of the piece in the series, along with the name ‘Cohiba Maduro 5’ atop an engraving of Cohiba’s “El Laguito” historical factory*.

There’s a brown oily nubuck strap with protective rubber lining, special stitching and titanium pin buckle on the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Cohiba Maduro 5 Edition; and a brown alligator leather strap with protective rubber lining and matching 18-carat rose gold pin buckle on the Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Cohiba Maduro 5 Edition.

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Here’s a hands on look at the Zenith PILOT Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special, which features the Zenith El Primero movement in a bronze case with a beautiful matte blue dial.

The post Zenith PILOT Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special from Baselworld appeared first on watchuseek.com.

The Zenith Swizz Beatz capsule collection comes in the wake of last year’s Defy El Primero 21 Swizz Beatz Edition Unique.

Known for his mature appreciation of watchmaking, world famous hip hop artist and record producer Swizz Beatz revealed three colorful new special editions.

Just three of the Defy Zero G Swizz Beatz will be issued, featuring a 44mm-diameter brushed titanium case framing an open-worked dial featuring orange accents on the hands and hour-markers picking up the bright color featured on the crown ring and the vivid alligator leather coating of the white rubber strap. Both the latter and the bezel inscribed with all or part of an inspirational quote from Swizz Beatz:

“Never let people tell you what you can’t do, because sky’s not the limit, it’s just the view. ”

The same maxim is featured on the two Defy El Primero 21 editions: one a 25-piece white ceramic interpretation, and the other an exclusive five-unit gem-studded white gold variation fully set with 288 spectacular round diamonds and complemented by the baguette-cut diamonds on the bezel.

Swizz Beatz presents the new Swizz Beatz Capsule Collection

39-year-old Swizz Beatz, real name Kasseem Dean, is an American hip hop recording artist and record producer from New York who was raised in the Bronx. In May 2014, Dean was inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame, where he received a street named in his honor, called Swizz Beatz Street.

Zenith

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Ex-Vacheron Constantin International Sales Director Julien Tornare has taken over the challenging role as CEO of Zenith as of yesterday, May 1, reporting directly to Jean-Claude Biver, president of the Watches Division at LMVH.

Tornare has worked for Vacheron Constantin for the past 17 years, most recently heading up the all-important Asia Pacific region. But he has also conducted business for Vacheron in Switzerland and North America.

Biver, who took over Zenith as interim CEO at the start of the year, replacing Aldo Magada,  states the new CEO’s priorities will be to focus on the “renewal” of the brand, including developing its market presence and driving new marketing initiatives. In other words, giving the brand the ‘luster it deserves’ which is what Biver has promised for Zenith.

“Julien’s strong international and commercial experience in watches will be crucial to the development of Zenith, which is enjoying renewed success since Baselworld and the launch of Defy El Primero 21.” Jean-Claude Biver

The overall vision is to create greater synergies with key LMVH brands, including Hublot, TAG Heuer and Zenith. In February, during an interview with Rüdiger Bucher, Editorial Director of Chronos and Watchtime.net, a concerned Jean-Claude Biver commented on Zenith’s two years of loss making:

“There is not one reason, but an abundance of minor causes. Is it the product? Are there too many employees? Should the marketing be better? None of these factors is solely responsible. There are minor weaknesses here and there that add up. Bottom line, the whole company showed me too little dynamism. It was not fast enough. And I could not muster more patience. That is why I took the lead myself.”

Immediate action was needed as sales fell below the level where a full-blown manufacturer like Zenith could make a profit.

“Being a manufacture is a strength but also a weakness because you have to produce a minimum number of pieces to be profitable. For a manufacturer with more than 200 employees, the profitability threshold is around 25,000 to 30,000 watches per year. If you do not reach these numbers, you will inevitably lose money.”

Asked how he would like Zenith to be positioned within the LVMH stable, he said:

“Zenith stands for traditional watchmaking at affordable prices; achievable luxury, but with a more classic approach than TAG Heuer and with a price level between Hublot and TAG Heuer.”

Jean-Claude Biver’s overseeing of TAG Heuer has resulted in price revisions offering greater value in each watch than a customer would expect for the money. Similarly, even at the higher price points he hopes Zenith will adopt a similar tactic.

“This depends on the product. If I offer an ultra-flat watch with a manufactory for 4,000 euros, this is affordable. Because it is expected that such a watch costs around 9,000 euros. If it is a minute repetition, which would cost 200,000 euros, and I bring them in for 60,000 euros, then also 60,000 euros is affordable.” Jean-Claude Biver

Would you like Jean-Claude Biver as your boss? Let us know!

The post Julien Tornare Takes Over As New Zenith CEO appeared first on watchuseek.com.

For 2017 Zenith presents a new vintage series: the Heritage 146 chronograph inspired by a 1960s watch and now equipped with an El Primero movement. Subtly reinterpreting an historical model, the Heritage 146 is a unique offering combining the best of Zenith’s past: design, history and true rarity. For someone who likes the look of a vintage chronograph, with the added bonus of the legendary El Primero movement the Heritage 146 can’t be beat!

Price for the Zenith Heritage 146 is $6,700 USD.

Visit www.zenith-watches.com for more information

The post Zenith Heritage 146 Review appeared first on watchuseek.com.

The new incumbent of the Zenith hotseat, CEO Mr. Julien Tornare, says he has no plans to build a global network of brand owned boutiques.

Tornare, recently appointed by LVMH Head of Watchmaking Jean-Claude Biver, believes that opening boutiques is full of risk, and that working more effectively with retail partners is the better route to take.

“I think it’s illusory to consider building huge shopping temples for the brand and opening boutiques for our image. We have to respect the retailers, because they are the ones who have built up the industry over the past 20 years,” Mr. Tornare said in an interview with World Tempus.

Julien Tornare spent 17 years with Vacheron Constantin, most recently heading the Asia-Pacific region where he managed 13 boutiques for the Richemont brand.

That experience, particularly in recent years as Asian markets have slowed, appears to have influenced his thinking for Zenith.

“A lot of brands have neglected the retailers and I think they will start coming back to them. Own-brand stores are great when they work, but when business takes a turn for the worse then they start to cost a lot of money. In any case, Zenith simply doesn’t have the financial resources to open 20 stores around the world,” Julien Tornare, CEO Zenith.

Tornare will be the driving force behind Jean-Claude Biver’s vision to re-engineer the brand to bring all its tradition and history to become relevant to the future.

Visit Zenith

The post New Zenith CEO To Focus On Retail Partners, Not Boutiques appeared first on watchuseek.com.

95 countries. 600 cities. More than 70,000 gentlefolk and their motorbikes riding for a good cause. An event sponsored by Zenith, to benefit the Movember Foundation, and its support for prostate cancer and men’s mental health

Zenith has supported the gathering around the world, and has created a PILOT TON-UP watch engraved with the effigy of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.

Number 0 has been auctioned, raising 7,500 Euros at a special event held in Milan in the presence of Zenith CEO Julien Tornare, and Mark Hawwa, founder of the event.

The event has gained unprecedented traction in the Vintage Biking world: last Sunday, September 24^th 2017, in 600 cities spread across 95 countries around the world, more than 70,000 gentlefolk met up on the same day aboard their motorbikes to support research into prostate cancer and men’s mental health on behalf of the Movember Foundation.

What do they all have in common? An array of vintage bikes, café racers, bobbers, scramblers and other exceptional customized models that will be taking part in chic and festive parades thrumming along roads and cobblestones.

The goal? To raise funds. An operation on behalf of the Movember Foundation in its bid to finance prostate cancer and men’s mental health programs and to pass the USD$5 million mark this year (having already raised more than $8M since it was created by  Australian Mark Hawwa).

Among the celebrities who will be taking part in the 2017 edition are American actor Eric C.Olsen (from the NCIS LA series), Australian actor Jai Courtney, as well as fashion blogger Mariano Di Vaio (DGR Milan).

Zenith is supporting this global charity event for the second year running. To mark this gathering the Swiss watch Manufacture has produced six special numbered Pilot Ton-Up watches, each bearing the inscription DGR 2017. Five of the watches are intended as gifts to the main donors.

Visit Zenith

The post Zenith Celebrates The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2017 Edition appeared first on watchuseek.com.

For 2018, Zenith revives its popular 1960s Cairelli model with the Pilot TIPO CP-2 FLYBACK. It comes in a choice of bronze or aged stainless steel and with a range of stylish modifications and it’s destined to delight collectors.

The HERITAGE CRONOMETRO TIPO CP-2, affectionately referred to by collectors as the ‘Cairelli’ watch, belongs to the lineage of legendary chronographs that have earned the status of exceptional timepieces in both military and watchmaking history.

The original piece, a military chronograph created throughout a decade from the mid-1960s on, was commissioned by the Italian Army through the Italian dealership A. Cairelli in Rome. ‘CP’ stands for cronometro di polso (wrist chronometer). In recent years, the 2,500 units produced by Zenith in the 1960s for the Italian armed forces have fetched sky-high prices on the vintage market.

The new Pilot TIPO CP-2 FLYBACK is equipped with a cutting-edge automatic El Primero column-wheel chronograph with flyback function, a revival of the famous Cairelli model from the 60’s, it’s designed for intrepid adventurers, both male and female.

The new watch features faceted arrow-shaped hands designed to ensure perfect readability even in tough conditions; a bezel enabling reliable and accurate handling; and easily accessible and responsive pushers.

Sized at 43mm, the watch is powered by a high-precision movement, the trademark TIPO CP-2 dial comes with running seconds and minute counters at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock respectively.

New for 2018

For 2018,  there’s a version turned out in bronze with a matching bronze grained dial and brown oily nubuck leather strap with protective rubber lining. And there’s a second version in aged stainless steel, designed to appeal to those with an affinity for the world of motorbikes, and sports. It’s a sober slate grey grained dial with green oily leather strap with protective rubber lining. Both straps are finished with a titanium pin buckle for total security, while the case backs are with a transparent sapphire crystal enabling the owner to have a look at the beautiful El Primero 405B version of the movement, beating to the rhythm of 36,000 vibrations per hour, and bringing the convenience of automatic winding with a 50-hour power reserve.

The Zenith Cronometro Tipo CP-2 retails at $7,700 and is a limited edition of 1,000 numbered pieces. It is available in stores now.

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The Brand With The Guiding Star believes the Zenith DEFY EL PRIMERO 21 represents a quantum leap in both performance and mechanical design in a competition against no-one but itself.

Introduced last year, the newly upgraded movement boasts a frequency of 360,000 A/H (50 Hz), ten times that of its world-famous El Primero predecessor, enabling 1/100^th of a second precision. The new display magnifies the effect of this remarkable frequency: the inner bezel bears a scale graduated from 1 to 100 around which a 1/100^th of a second-hand sweeps at a lightning speed of one turn per second, offering unprecedented visual impact and a surreal time-travelling experience for the wearer.

Now with a new 44 mm black ceramic case, the open-worked dial of the DEFY EL PRIMERO 21 offers a contemporary background for the key identifying characteristics of the legendary original: a star-tipped sweep-seconds hand, large luminescent baton-type hands and facetted hour-markers all paying proud tribute in a stunning demonstration of futuristic brilliance.

Stealth interpretation

The night-black ceramic case complements its rich inner workings. Sleek ruthenium-plated hour-markers and hands enliven an elegantly complex open-worked dial featuring a chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o’clock, hours and minutes in the center, small seconds at 9 o’clock, black 60-second counter at 6 o’clock and distinctive blue 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock.

The Defy El Primero 21 Black Ceramic comes on a comfortable black rubber strap with a matching black DLC-coated titanium double folding clasp, or a stylish black ceramic bracelet. With a 50-hour power reserve, the watch is water-resistant to 100 meters, and is sure to catch the attention of the most discerning watch enthusiasts seeking to wish upon a star.

SPECIFICATIONS

New 1/100^th of a second chronograph movement

Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second

1 escapement for the Watch (36,000 VpH – 5 Hz);

1 escapement for the Chronograph (360,000 VpH – 50 Hz)

TIME LAB-Chronometer certified

MOVEMENT

El Primero 9004 automatic

Calibre: 14¼“` (Diameter: 32.80 mm)

Thickness: 7.9 mm

Components: 293

Jewels: 53

Frequency 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)

Power reserve approx. 50 hours

Special oscillating weight with “circular satin-brushed” motif

FUNCTIONS

1/100^th of a second chronograph functions

Chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o’clock

Hours and minutes in the centre

Small seconds at 9 o’clock

– Central chronograph hand

– 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock

– 60-second counter at 6 o’clock

CASE, DIAL & HANDS

Black Ceramic case

Diameter: 44 mm

Opening diameter: 35.5 mm

Thickness: 14.50 mm

Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides

Case back: Transparent sapphire crystal

Water resistance: 10 ATM

Dial: Openworked with two different-coloured counters

Hour markers: Ruthenium-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova®

Hands: Ruthenium-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova®

STRAP AND BUCKLE

Black Rubber

Titanium double folding clasp with Black DLC coating

PRICE

14,900 Euros

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