Zenith Christophe Colomb & 2010 Collections
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Zenith Christophe Colomb & 2010 Collections

By Kong · Dec 17, 2010 · 28 replies
Kong
WPS member · Zenith forum
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Kong's report from the 2010 Zenith events in Singapore offers a valuable historical snapshot of the brand's direction under then-President and CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour. This article provides a firsthand look at the unveiling of key 2010 collections, including the groundbreaking Christophe Colomb, and captures the atmosphere of Zenith's engagement with media and partners in a crucial Asian market. It highlights the brand's strategic shift towards classic designs while showcasing its horological prowess.

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Last month, Zenith had a tea media event in Singapore at the new Fullerton Bay Hotel.   Mr Jean-Frédéric Dufour, President and CEO of Zenith was in town to meet and touched base with the press members with Ms Vivian Lee, Zenith Brand Manager - Singapore and Malaysia, and Ms Cyndy Lim, General Manager of LVMH Watch & Jewellery, Singapore & Malaysia.

Some pieces of this year models were showcased and the biggest treat was the piece on Mr Dufour's wrist, the new ZENITH Christophe Colomb.

(For more details of ZENITH Christophe Colomb, please refer to the press release by clicking here  )

                         



Afternoon media tea session.  Showcases of the watches were arranged neatly for viewing.


Mr Jean-Frédéric Dufour, President and CEO of Zenith gave a short presentation of Zenith heritage and  capabilities, and then introduced the 2010 collections.


After his presentation, while mingling with rest of the press members, he let all who present to have a closer look at the the new 45mm ZENITH Christophe Colum.


Regardless which position the watch was in, the escapement always horizontal due to gyroscopic system.

A video should illustrate it better .....







2 pieces of solid thick sapphire crystals being lapped down to the above unique shape.


Initial thought was the sapphire dome, may prevent the Colomb from seating on the wrist properly.


Upon wearing, it fits snugly and comfortably. 








After the tea event, was the dinner for Zenith's retail partners and customers at the same beautiful venue.




The dinner venue (marked by the orange arrow), The Clifford at Fullerton Bay View Hotel, in the midst of the Central Business District and facing the prominent Marina Bay Sands.





Some quick shots of the pieces showcased ...






El Primero Chronomaster Star Open Love


Elite Captain Central Second


El Primero Striking 10th RG


El Primero Captain


El Primero 36,000 VpH


Elite Ultra Thin



Dinner set up ...







Dinner menu


Cocktail session before dinner outside the restaurant ...



Dinner to be served ...



A surprise guest - Mr Alain Robert aka The French Spiderman!
He is one of Zenith's new ambassadors. 


Entree served ....




Mr Jean-Frédéric Dufour, President and CEO of Zenith greeted the guests and introduced Zenith.


He reminded the strong heritage of Zenith. A leader in Chronometry with 2,333 chronometry awards from 1903 to 1968.  Of that total, 1,447 were first prizes.

Explained the focus will be focusing back to classic design and would engage ambassadors who live by the code of perseverance and has inner strength.

Mr Dufour reiterated without the perseverance and courage of a watchmaker, Mr Charles Vermot, El Primero would have ceased existence in 1975.  During the quartz era, the management at that time, had ordered all the production tools and machines to be scrapped.  But Mr Charles Vermot, at the risk of his job, hid the essential tools and components which till today are used for the El Primero production.

Not sure what sort conviction Mr Vermot has at that moment, but El Primero's survival is definitely the credit of this gentleman.

If I'm not wrong, the 150 to 200 toolings saved could cost about CHF7 Million in early 1980!  Extrapolate with time value of money, will be a huge sum today to invest in the toolings.


Roll the film of the Zenith Manufacture ...


showing the capabilities of the manufacture ....







Next Mr Dufour introduced the ZENITH Christophe Colum.

After showing the video, he passed ZENITH Christophe Colum on his wrist around for the guests to view.


Soup served ...


ZENITH Christophe Colum reached the hands of avid collectors ...


Causing a stir at one of the tables ...


Next Mr Dufour introduced the infamous French Spiderman - Mr Alain Robert.
He is one of Zenith's new ambassadors and was in Singapore to scale the  the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, the Singapore Flyer, measuring 165 meters the next day.

More details of the climb here.  


Welcoming the new Ambassador...


When asked his estimated time to reach the top of the Singapore Flyer.... Alain replied, taking into consideration of the rain, he may finished in 45minutes.


The guests clapped to cheer him ...


Ms Cyndy Lim, General Manager of LVMH Watch & Jewellery, Singapore & Malaysia.


A toast to Alain for his best performance for the next day climb ...


Spotting his El Primero Striking 10th.

The actual timing on 5 November, Alain completed in just 35 minutes! 


Main course ...


Another 'main course'  smile

















A lady trying ....


Wrist-shots, please, Madame ...


Fit her snugly, and she also feedback, the bulge sapphire dome did not cause any discomfort!





Thanks!!


Now for the El Primero Rose Gold Striking 10th


Nice!


More Zenith models were shown to the guests ...




Dessert served ...


A fan catching up with the Spiderman ...



Mr Dufour went round with Ms Cyndy Lim to chat with the guests  ....



Thanks Zenith for the invite.


Kong






- More pictures of watches in the following post, please click here .

- For the Malaysia Dec 2010 event coverage by K T , please click here .








Repaired links.
This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-01-02 19:30:42

About the Zenith El Primero Ref. ElPrimero410TributetoCharlesVermot

The Zenith El Primero 410 Tribute to Charles Vermot is a special edition timepiece honoring the individual who preserved the original El Primero tools and plans during the quartz crisis. This model integrates a full calendar and moon phase complication, showcasing the versatility of the high-frequency El Primero caliber. It represents a blend of historical homage and technical sophistication within Zenith's contemporary offerings.

This timepiece features an automatic El Primero caliber, operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour, providing a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. The case is typically crafted from stainless steel, with a diameter around 42mm, and often includes a sapphire crystal case back to display the movement. The dial usually presents a classic layout with subdials for chronograph functions, day, date, month, and moon phase indicators.

For collectors, the El Primero 410 Tribute to Charles Vermot holds significance as a direct link to Zenith's enduring legacy and the resilience of mechanical watchmaking. Its combination of a revered movement, multiple complications, and a narrative of preservation makes it a notable piece in the brand's modern history, appealing to those who appreciate both technical prowess and historical context.

Specifications

Caliber
El Primero 410
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
42mm
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
KO
Kong
Dec 17, 2010

El Primero Retrotimer 42mm Black PVD stainless steel case with rubber straps. El Primero Retrotimer 42mm Another variation with silver sunray dial and bracelet. El Primero New Vintage 1969 Lady Not sure why it is classified for Lady. Guys can wear it too! El Primero 36,000 VpH 42mm steel case with black sunray dial paired with rubber straps. This model has a limited edition of 1975 pieces, a tribute to the saviour of El Primero, Mr Charles Vermot with a blue dial signifying 'HOPE'. The significa

PL
playtime
Dec 17, 2010

I really like this set of watches...... J

DR
Dr No
Dec 17, 2010

. . . (ze ' nith or, esp Brit., zen ' ith), n. 1. the point on the celestial sphere vertically above a given position or observer. Cf. nadir. 2. highest point or state; culmination. Thank you, Kong, for sharing the event with M. Dufour. It should be apparent that Zenith is sparing no effort at regenerating their image . . . the exuberant designs of recent years have given way to more circumspect offerings that will appeal to a wider audience. After reviewing the photos, there was not one that co

HO
Hororgasm
Dec 17, 2010

Thks Kong fr the coverage.

FO
foversta
Dec 17, 2010

I like the new style direction of Zenith. Fr.Xavier

ME
mell0822
Dec 17, 2010

but I didn't know you by look, so didn't say hi. Thanks for the report, esp the very well taken photos.

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