Ornatus-Mundi presents an in-depth look at the Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Tribute to Cohiba, a limited-edition timepiece celebrating Cohiba's 50th anniversary. The post highlights the watch's unique solid gold, hand-engraved dial with translucent basse-taille enameling, creating a striking tobacco-leaf effect, alongside Zenith's proprietary "Gravity Control" gyroscopic module.
Much earlier this year, Zenith embarked upon another high level partnership; this time with the famous
Casa de Habanos - Cohiba, to jointly celebrate the maison's 50th anniversary. On Zenith's side, the partnership brought to fruition two special edition watches, the
Chronomaster El Primero for Cohiba (read my review here) and its haute horlogerie sibling, the
Academy Christophe Colomb Tribute to Cohiba , equipped with Zenith's proprietary
"Gravity Control" gyroscopic module and limited to only 5 pieces:
As with the other Christophe Colomb watches, the main dial is off-centered and located towards the top half, making room for the gyroscope and the permanent seconds hand at 9 as well as the power reserve indication at 3 o'clock, repectively.
Distinguishing mark of the Academy Cohiba (to use a more practical nickname henceforth) without doubt is the
solid golden dial, entirely
hand-engraved and then masterfully enamelled in a translucent
basse-taille technique to yield a
tobacco-leaf effect:
The astounding detail work is certainly worth appreciation, thus allow me to delve a little bit deeper and to get much closer! All of the
structure that breathes such a rich life into the watch's face is carefully engraved by the hands of an artist. Just imagine the dedication and patience needed!
The engraved dial is subsequently covered with a special
translucent enamelling layer employing a technique called
basse-taille, which conveys the tobacco brownish-yellowish colour, and most importantly, also lets the engraved surface shine through:
What the eagle-eyed amongst you might have noticed, there are two logos printed atop the enamel, the Cohiba logo to the right, and the Zenith logo to the left of the gyroscopic module, respectively. The colour is chosen such that the logos are visible, but would not distract from the dial artwork.
Note the applied Zenith star. Hands and indices are polished and red gold-plated steel.
Now, one has to witness this before one turns into a believer: Expose the dial to evening sunlight, and it starts to glow like an open fire in your study. A fine glass of single malt, vocal music (and a cigar if you like), what can a man of taste ask for more?
Trust me, I did
not mess with the colours on the shot below!
Just a short look at the back on Zenith's proven manual winding (& high-beat)
El Primero 8804 calibre:
On the wrist it marks its wearer as a gentleman of taste and sophistication, apt and experienced in savouring through manifolds of epicurean delights.
So, to conclude, what is my take on this watch? Despite its techncial and artistical accomplishment, I have to confess I am struggling with my emotions. The Academy Christophe Colomb, be it with 'Cohiba' or not, is a technical masterpiece and a testament to Zenith's spotless chronometric track record. But particularly with the Cohiba hommage, I personally found its gyroscopic module a bit at odds with the overall quiet and calm character of the indulgence-heavy artwork on the front.
There are two dissonances that strike me: First, the motion of the module is rather harsh, and thus lends a nod of inquietude to the observer of the watch. Second, I feel that the dialwork itself is already such a testament of excellence that the gyroscopic assembly distracts from it. This is a pity, both for the dial (and therefore for the designer and the craftspeople) as well as for the module (and therefore for the watchmakers at Zenith). A simple handwound movement, perhaps tuned to chronometric performance in a more traditional way, might have been a better fit.
The above, obvious reflect only my own opinions, for what it is worth.
Another take, however, which I think is equally valid, would go like this: Thanks to the efficiency of the gyroscopic module one can indeed settle back, relax and concentrate on enjoying the pleasures of life.
How do
you feel about such a masterpiece?
- Zenitih's product subsite for this watch: HERE!
- More on Zenith's ingenuous gyroscopic escapement module - HERE (go through entire thread!)!
Thanks for reading,
Magnus
Our Location: The Academy Christophe Colomb Tribute to Cohiba felt very comfortable at the
Park Hyatt Vienna .
Situated in Viennaβs new Goldenes Quartier, overlooking Am Hof square,
this beautiful Park Hyatt property occupies a 100-year-old listed
building that formerly served as the headquarters of a bank. The hotel
in Vienna is located within the First District of the city, which is
listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also sits within the heart of
the most exclusive shopping district in Vienna, just steps away from
the celebrated fashion houses of Prada, Louis Vuitton and Emporio Armani
and many more, as well as the boutiques of Kohlmarkt.
