Ornatus-Mundi presents a hands-on look at the Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Georges Favre-Jacot, a timepiece that serves as a profound homage to Zenith's founder and its integrated manufacture concept. This article highlights the intricate craftsmanship and historical narrative embedded in the watch's design, particularly focusing on the detailed engravings on the case back. It invites readers to appreciate the artistic and historical depth of this special edition.
Artistically speaking, the new
Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Georges Favre-Jacot is the most elaborate of all four of Zenith's 'Autumn novelties'. All their craftsmanship is used to celebrate the core of the Zenith manufacture, its
founder Georges Favre-Jacot and the
main factory building which introduced the
concept of an integrated manufacture to the watchmaking industry.
This watch face looks familiar to you - doesn't it? Save for the case material (white gold instread of red) it is identical to the
Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage. I will refrain from describing the dial details as well as all the technical intricacies of this watch - I did so comprehensively when the line was introduced two years ago. My article here on PPro can be found with
this link .
What matters to us here in the context of this year's
150th anniversary of Zenith is all found on the back:
The Hurricane Georges Favre-Jacot is an homage to a watchmaking philosophy introduced by Zenith's founder and perpetuated until today by Zenith. Thus, the first artifact of importance is an engraving of the
portrait of Georges Favre-Jacot, founder of the brand:
Mr Favre-Jacot was not only a watchmaker of excellence and an accomplished buisnessman, he was also an innovator. Inspired by the concept of the Ford car production in the US, Favre-Jacot laid the
foundation of the modern integrated manufacture we know and appreciate today by
unifying all steps necessary to create a watch
under a single roof.
Before Favre-Jacot, different work stages were performed in dedicated workshops distributed over a town, and sometimes even across several villages.
Thus, I particularly like the homage Zenith paid to this pace-setting step that would change conceptually the way watches would be made. The building is an icon not only to Zenith, but to the entire Swiss watch industry.
The building still exists today in a newly refurbished beauty. Moreover, even today it houses the core of Zenith's watch production (you may want to see a report Ello and I wrote about a recent PuristSPro visit;
click here ).
Several details typical for late 18th-century factory architecture are masterfully repoduced in the watch as well, e.g. the Zenith inscription alternating with red bricks...
... or these metall fittings used to stabilise walls:
Finally, there is homage to the
watchmaker himself:
The detailling is breathtaking - just note his loupe, the tools, the lamp and the files in the cupboard. Even the pens in his waistcoat pocket are carefully carved out!
On the wrist this is a timepiece which lets no doubts about the technical and aesthetical ambition of Zenith.
It is a watch to be best appreciated in a private moment - because otherwise all these details are overlooked.
As I wrote on my review of the first Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane,
"...there is a magical balance and harmony amongst all the numerous elements and components that make the watch work in its entirety. All elements are given appropriate weight such as to achieve a conceptual consistency without giving undue emphasis to a single aspect."I have little to add to this.
I believe just one aspect is worth being emphasised: The Zenith
Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Georges Favre-Jacot is one of the most
convincing manifestations and celebrations of watchmaking art.
First, there is of course the
technical excellence (high-beat movement, gyroscopic escapement module, force constante mechanism). Second, the is all the
artwork (engraving, different enamelling techniques). Third, the watch exposes
three important ingredients: an ingenious watchmaker and innovative
entrepreneur, the concept of the
manufacture, and finally it celebrates the individual
watchmaker with his (or her) expertise, skill and steady hand.
Isn't it amazing that all of this represents the essence of the brand Zenith?
Could you think of any more appropriate timepiece for Zenith's 150th anniversary?
Thanks for reading,
Magnus
