ZENITH MANUAL WINDING, ANTIQUE 1950s, 20-MICRON GOLD

Zenith’s history began in 1865 in Le Locle, Switzerland, when the young watchmaker Georges Favre-Jacot founded the company at the age of 22 with the vision of creating accurate, fully integrated timepieces. Favre-Jacot was a pioneer in building a watch manufacture where every production stage was carried out under one roof, a groundbreaking concept at the time that allowed Zenith to maintain exceptional quality control.

Innovations and Precision Reputation

Zenith quickly stood out for the precision of its chronometers, and in 1899, it launched its first pocket chronograph, solidifying its reputation as a high-quality brand. In 1911, the company officially adopted the name Zenith, inspired by the highest point in the sky, symbolizing its ambition to achieve ultimate precision. The brand won numerous timing awards throughout its history, becoming one of the most recognized manufactures for its movements.

El Primero and Automatic Chronographs

In 1969, Zenith introduced its most famous creation: the El Primero movement, one of the world’s first automatic chronograph movements and the first to beat at a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, allowing for time measurement with precision up to a tenth of a second. This achievement was a milestone in horological history, turning El Primero into an icon. The movement was so influential that prestigious brands like Rolex chose it for some of their models.

Revival after the Quartz Crisis

Like many other Swiss brands, Zenith faced challenges during the quartz crisis in the 1970s when Japanese quartz watches posed a threat to traditional manufacturers. However, Zenith persevered and in the 1980s, refocused on its roots by continuing the production of mechanical movements. The brand’s resurgence was driven by the prestige of its El Primero movement, which remained highly valued in high watchmaking.

Zenith Today

Today, Zenith is part of the LVMH group and is still known for its commitment to innovation and precision. The brand has expanded its catalog with modern collections like Defy and Pilot, yet it maintains the legacy and excellence of its famous El Primero. Zenith is globally valued for its heritage and pioneering contributions to watchmaking history.

TEMPPUS. All rights reserved.