Zenith at Tour Auto 2016: Classic Cars & El Primero

To be frank with you, I would have preferred to do this report on the finish line than on the start one. The probability to have warmer temperatures and a clear sky is much higher in Cannes, in the South of France than in Paris. But there is always a good side of the coin... or better said, with the partnership between Zenith and the Tour de France Automobile, there are actually two good sides. Because the gathering of classic cars inside the Grand Palais remains a magic moment, an unique opportunity to see the comprehensive set of the machines which will participate to the event. No failure, no breakdown, no accident, the race hasn't started yet and the ability to discover  all the contestants' mounts is just a pure feast for the eyes.

Zenith has been involved with the Tour de France Automobile for two years now. The event, which took place between the 18th and the 23rd of April was celebrating its 25th edition so everything was ready to get a fantastic race between the 240 cars from Paris to Cannes. And to celebrate this milestone, the organization team decided that the very last stage should take place during the night! A premiere for the event and a great and original way to conclude this edition by the Mediterranean Sea.

As you know, Zenith dedicated a specific watch to each edition of the Tour de France Automobile. I already presented to you this watch in the hereafter article:
www.watchprosite.com

The watch, based on the El Primero Chronomaster 1969, even if very similar to the previous edition one, is consistent with the event it celebrates because it offers a focus on the mechanical engine thanks to the large dial opening. But beyond this watch, the commitment of the brand with the race is very positive for Zenith's visibility on the market. In France obviously and it is very important to reinforce this presence in a competitive market and in a country which doesn't have any Zenith boutique, except the corner at the Bon Marché. But of course,  also in the world due to the impact of the race on classic cars fans from any country. Morover, the world of classic cars has a very positive image because it symbolizes  the tradition, the care to details, the respect of creations from the past, the craftsmanship...

There are a lot of common points between the classic cars and the watchmaking worlds and the most obvious one is the ability to create a lot of passion from collectors or just fans. You just have to look at the eyes of the people who attend the gathering of cars at the Grand Palais to understand that these beautiful machines fascinate. But we are not in a Museum! Because during 5 days, these cars will be driven by skilled pilots on different types of roads, and even on circuits tracks.

It is the reason why Zenith adapts its communication strategy. There is, from my own perspective, a huge difference between the Zenith booth at Basel and the Zenith corner at the Grand-Palais. In Paris, Zenith focuses on  its roots and its contribution to the Swiss watchmaking history. Of course, the visitors could handle and try the latest pieces from the 2016 collection but in a very "traditional" atmosphere highlighted by the presence of a watchmaker working on his workbench. The key movements are presented (El Primero, Elite, 5011) and there is no better way than displaying the engines of the watches to create the interest from the classic cars collectors!

Zenith is committed with the race by being the official timekeeper of the event. But it also participates to the event thanks to the involvement of two cars, the Jaguar driven by Daniel Spadini and the Porsche driven by Dominique Vananty. Sadly Dominique and her daughter Macha couldn't reach Cannes due to their car breakdown but fortunately the red Jaguar was able to cross the finish line.

So I do hope that next year Dominique and Macha Vananty will come back with their car in a better shape in order that I can welcome them... on the finish line this time!

I propose you to browse the pictures I took at the Grand-Palais to catch the beautiful atmosphere of the event.


The Grand-Palais is ready to welcome the 240 contestants and the cars!

The stunning skylight of the Grand-Palais:




The two Zenith cars:

Wearing the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 in front of Dominique and Macha Vananty's car:

The only thing I can say is that I didn't bring good luck to the Porsche! So next year, same location, I will NOT touch the car!

Fortunately, Dominique Spadini and his Jaguar could reach the finish line:

The Zenith corner at the Grand-Palais, a focus on history and tradition... but with the ability to see and test the pieces from the 2016 collection!

The beauty and the beast, the El Primero on the right, the 5011 on the left... both of them power wristwatches... even if the 5011 was designed first to be housed inside pocket watches.

The superb 5011 movement... the beauty of the low frequency!

The Zenith watchmaker at work!

In front of a different mechanical beauty!

Memories, memories, I think I lost a lot of coins with this one... did I already mention that I used to play a lot on different Pinball machines?

The Playboy Pinball Machine is a classic:




A detail of the Daniel Spadini's car:

Dominique and Macha Vananty's car:

Some other beauties which participated to the event:

One of the stars of the race was this Corvette driven by Anthony Beltoise:




A funky Porsche which smoked something unusual...

Even if you car is tiny, you can participate to the event!

The sunset on the Grand-Palais is always a spectacular show!

I could also wear the Heritage Pilot Café Racer and its lovely dial:

The caseback is also very nicely made:



I will come back later on this watch.

But even the nicest moments have an end and I left the Grand-Palais with a lot of images in my head.

The race would start the day after and I could wish a good luck to the friends who participated to the race. I would have love to welcome them on the finish line but a busy agenda didn't allow me to fly to Cannes. I hope that next year I will have this privilege... and I do hope that in 2017 both Zenith cars will reach the end of the race!

Thanks a lot to the Blackdress agency for the invitation and to the Zenith France team.

Fx

This message has been edited by foversta on 2016-04-27 14:05:04