Zenith "Le Monde Étoilé" Public Tour

On Thursday April 26^th, 2018, watch manufacturer Zenith and Neuchâtel Tourism announced a new joint endeavour called “Le Monde Étoilé De Zenith" as am original project dedicated to promoting the Swiss watch industry. An open invitation to explore the universe of the brand with the guiding star, “the project features an original and fascinating interactive and participatory journey through the Manufacture" - entirely open to the public!



A world-first initiative featuring a unique watchmaking experience, this exclusive collaborative endeavour was announced at a press conference held in Le Locle at the Manufacture Zenith. Alongside watch journalists and influencers, a number of partners and personalities from the Neuchâtel region congregated for this event that was notably graced with the presence of Julien Tornare, CEO Zenith ; Yann Engel, Director Neuchâtel Tourism ; Michel Etter, Director Thematis; as well as Jean-Nathanel Karakash, State Councillor in charge of the cantonal Department of Finance and Social Services.



“Le Monde Étoilé De Zenith” - A unique watchmaking experience designed for the public at large An unprecedented partnership
In seeking to promote the reputation of the region’s rich watchmaking heritage, Neuchâtel Tourism constantly develops its range of related activities designed to satisfy visitors eager for exceptional experiences, and its Director Yann Engel explained: “This partnership with the Zenith watch Manufacture was a natural and obvious choice that finds its ultimate expression in the visit we call Le Monde Étoilé De Zenith. It is an invitation to explore the watchmaking universe in a dynamic, contemporary and entertaining spirit.” Zenith’s CEO Julien Tornare enthused: “It’s a real honour for Zenith to have been selected among all the other Manufactures in the region for this project that really galvanised the teams. ‘Le Monde Étoilé´ will give everyone an opportunity to enjoy a unique experience and to understand how our timepieces work, while plunging into the heart of our history.”


(from left: Yann Engel, Director Neuchâtel Tourism; Julien Tornare, CEO Zenith; Jean-Nathanel Karakash, Neuchâtel State Councillor in charge of the cantonal Department of Finance and Social Services; Michel Etter, Director Thematis Museography Specialists)



An initiatory journey
Specially created for the general public by the museography specialists at Thematis, this first guided tour of a prestigious watch Manufacture offers an authentic initiatory journey to the heart of the mechanical watch and its mysteries. Entirely in tune with the current ever-greater enthusiasm for authenticity and fine craftsmanship, this unusual scenography offers an exceptional 360° experience revealing the inner workings of a Maison uniting around 80 watchmaking professions under its roof. The first part of the exhibition consists in a total immersion into the world of precision, plunging visitors into darkness and staging a lively hologram show, along with a contemporary stage-setting highlighting certain key heritage elements. Throughout this exclusive and unique route that visitors are invited to explore each Friday, they will also become acquainted with each stage in the creation of mechanical marvels – from technical development to component production through to movement assembly – admirably combining noble watchmaking traditions with avant-garde innovations.
 
The presentation starts with a historical overview on the Zenith manufactory:





Of course, the attic where Charles Vermot and colleagues hid the El Primero and other movement parts, tools and machines is also part of the visit. It has recently been conserved (i.e. not restored, but its original state has been kept and preserved):



A second core ingredient is the introduction into mechanical watchmaking, the theory, components and creation steps:



The tours is very hands-on, with short lectures given at location:



Movement design and R&D:





Production of course as well:



Finishing...



... and assembly:





I congratulate both Zenith and the canton of Neuchâtel to this joint venture. It is an essential and important component to raise awareness for watchmaking and promote the core trades of the region. For Zenith, is constitutes a cornerstone in attracting new clients and displaying their immense vertical integration of this manufacture. The concept is fresh, interactive, and lets the participants get as close to the matters as possible.

For those interested to participate, please find the details below.



Well done on all accounts!

Cheers,
Magnus

(text based on a press release)


Practical details

• Weekly visiting day: every Friday at 9am
• Length: 3 hours
• Price: CHF 40 per person
• Number of visitors: 1 to 8
• Minimum age: 14
• Languages: French (German, English, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish)

Address: Rue des Billodes 34 – 2400 Le Locle
By prior reservation only. Bookings must be made with Explore Swiss Watchmaking, Espacité 1, 2302 La Chaux-de-Fonds, T. +41 32 889 68 82,  This message has been edited by MTF on 2018-05-01 02:02:05