Zenith

Zenith SA, established in 1865 by Georges Favre-Jacot in Le Locle, Switzerland, is a distinguished Swiss luxury watchmaker with a continuous operating history. Pioneering the concept of “in-house movements” from its early days, Favre-Jacot believed in achieving ultimate quality through comprehensive control over the entire watchmaking process. In 1999, LVMH acquired Zenith, positioning it alongside prestigious brands like TAG Heuer and Hublot. Presently led by President and CEO Julien Tornare, Zenith continues to navigate the contemporary era. The journey began when Favre-Jacot, at 22, started manufacturing watches, later adopting the name Zenith in 1911 after the Grand Prix win at the 1900 Paris World’s Fair for the exceptional “Zenith” movement. Zenith’s commitment to vertical integration led to acquiring Martel in 1959, resulting in the development of the world’s first automatic chronograph movement, El Primero, in 1969. Challenges arose in the United States due to naming disputes, leading to a merger with Movado in 1968. Despite facing a shift to quartz movements in 1972 under Zenith Radio Company ownership, the El Primero movement’s popularity revived the brand after its acquisition by Dixi in 1978. Under Paul Castella’s leadership, Zenith thrived, leading to its acquisition by LVMH in 1999 for $48.4 million. Favre-Jacot’s legacy extends beyond watchmaking, influencing architectural endeavors and contributing to the Werkbund movement in francophone Switzerland. Throughout its history, Zenith earned acclaim for precision timekeeping, exemplified by awards at the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition and the development of the Calibre 26x series. While COSC certification is rare today, Zenith’s wristwatches consistently surpass timekeeping standards, showcasing its legacy of innovative precision.