ZENITH ZENITHISSIMO, VINTAGE 50s MANUAL WIND

The history of Zenith is a tale of ambition, precision, and endurance that spans over 160 years, making it one of the oldest and most revered Swiss manufactures. From its foundation in the heart of the Jura to its current position as a pioneer in high-frequency chronometry, Zenith has embodied the tireless pursuit of excellence, a commitment symbolized by its name, the star marking the highest point in the firmament, and its logo, a five-pointed star that continues to guide its path.

Origins and Foundation

The history of Zenith began in 1865, when a 22-year-old watchmaker named Georges Favre-Jacot decided to establish his own workshop in the town of Le Locle, Switzerland, in the heart of the Vallée de Joux. Favre-Jacot had a bold vision for the time: to bring together under one roof all the competencies necessary for watchmaking, from design to final assembly, thus creating the first integrated manufacture in the history of watchmaking. This vertical model allowed him to control every stage of the process, ensuring unparalleled quality and precision.

Consolidation and the Name Zenith

The name Zenith first appeared in 1897 when the company registered a movement of great precision that received this name, inspired by the highest point in the sky, symbolizing the brand’s aspiration to reach the peak of chronometry. The success of this movement was such that in 1911, the company was officially named Fabrique des Montres Zenith S.A.. At the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition, the Zenith movement won the Grand Prize, a recognition that catapulted the brand’s reputation internationally. To commemorate this achievement, the company released a pocket watch engraved with the prize on the case.