Zenith is a storied Swiss watchmaker founded in 1865 by Georges Favre-Jacot in Le Locle, Switzerland. As one of the first manufacturers to fully integrate all aspects of watch production under one roof — from design to movement manufacturing — Zenith helped shape the future of Swiss watchmaking. The brand quickly became known for its precision, winning over 2,300 chronometry prizes, more than any other watchmaker in history.
Zenith’s most iconic contribution to horology is the El Primero movement, introduced in 1969. It was one of the world’s first automatic chronograph calibres and remains notable for its high-beat frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, allowing it to measure time to 1/10th of a second — a technical achievement that continues to define the brand. Today, the El Primero lives on in modern interpretations across Zenith’s Chronomaster and Defy lines.
The Chronomaster Sport and Original models celebrate Zenith’s racing-inspired heritage with contemporary updates and precise chronograph functionality. Meanwhile, the Defy collection pushes the envelope with cutting-edge materials, skeletonized architecture, and advanced movements like the Defy Extreme and Defy Skyline — the latter featuring a 1/10th second indication using an El Primero-based calibre.
Zenith also honors its legacy of exploration and resilience through the Pilot collection, which draws on the brand’s history of producing onboard instruments for early aviators. As of 2023, Zenith has reimagined the Pilot series with a modern aesthetic and robust mechanical performance.
Now part of the LVMH group, Zenith remains deeply committed to innovation, precision, and authenticity. With its motto, “Time to Reach Your Star,” the brand continues to inspire watch enthusiasts and collectors with timepieces that embody both heritage and forward-thinking engineering.