Complications
Ornatus-Mundi presents an exclusive first look at the Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage, a timepiece that masterfully blends horological innovation with artistic decoration. His detailed report, following an embargoed presentation, captures the essence of this limited-edition masterpiece, paying homage to Christopher Columbus's pioneering spirit.
The Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage (potential buyers should be awarded a 10% discount for correctly pronouncing the watch's epic name) is to my knowledge Zenith's most ambitious and complicated timepiece. Not only in terms of the technical complications it carries, but also in terms of the finishing techniques the manufacture seems to master and consequently has incorporated. The dial alone is a vast ocean of elements (the dial is even lacquered blue ;-)), and like a rea
Even if the Christophe Colomb Hurricane watch abounds of horological delicacies I find pleasure and satisfaction in the fact that all of these propose solutions to eminent problems in timekeeping. More concretely, the following challenges are addressed: - influence for gravity - isochronism - precision To be honest I would not except anything else from Zenith. While I admit that there are certainly simpler solutions to each of these problems, particularly in view of modern materials and producti
Zenith has entirely revamped the backplate of the Academy's movement and converted it into a strip cartoon narrating the adventures of the Christopher Columbus: Prominently displayed is Columbus' vessel Santa Maria which he used for his first voyage in 1492 (the ship ran aground on Christmas Day 1492 and had to be abandoned). To the right of the escapement bulb you'll find a portrait of the explorer, accompanied by a detailed reproduction of a sextant, a crucial navigating tool Columbus used on
I am always in a dilemma when reviewing a complicated piece of horological art: I admire the efforts, the ingenuity and the skills that went into the piece, but most often I get either lost in details, thus struggle to 'see the woods for the trees', or somehow I cannot establish an amotional connection to the piece. Worse: both at the same time! The latter regularly happens if those complicated piece (unintendely) reveal their secret raison d'Γͺtre : being a talking piece aimed to get as much att
What a delightful read, first thing in the morning. Thanks Magnus for an incredible "journey" or even "exploration" through the depths of this masterpiece. I had no idea that this watch was so intricate, and had so many aspect to it. The Zenith team have really excelled in every aspect, and credit too to Thierry Nataf for instigating the gravity control system project. I do like the nautical sextant, and am looking forward to seeing the incredible Southern Hemisphere close up. Not too keen on ha
Magnus ... you did! If there's perfection on a post... Here is. Sitting on a bar, located on the Chicago burbs, I could feel your admiration for this man made object. No words, except CONGRATULATIONS to Zenith and to you for this amazing introduction. I wish I can see this watch "in metal" soon. Cheers Nilo
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