Zenith

Throwback: 4 years ago, Zenith revealed a masterpiece above many others... the Academy Christophe Colomb Grand Voyage!

 

While cleaning up my Mac to prepare for an upgrade, I rediscovered images of a superb timepiece that claims the apex in a number of disciplines, both technically and aesthetically, distilled into a surprisingly slim case: the Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Grand Voyage:



In terms of watchmaking competence and pretence, the timepiece contains a number of chronometric delicacies aimed at ensuring utmost precise and undisturbed timekeeping; thereby adressing the following issues:

1. Gravity: gyroscopic suspension of the escapement
2. Isochronism: Fusee and Chain coupled mainspring
3. Precision: 36.000 bph escapement

Zenith devised a very original solution to the first challenge and mounted the entire escapement in a gimbal-like gyroscopic system which they call the gravity control module:



Its fed with best-possible constant force by a very classical mechanism, in that they used a Fusee and Chain mechanism to draw power of constant drive torque, equalising the gradual weakening of the mainspring as it unwinds. Its a device which exudes a technical beauty and romatinc charm partly due to its conceptional simplicty and ingenuity.

Still, it claims 585 components and thus accounts for almost 2/3 of the total movement parts count:



The bridges are all covered with transparent blue lacquer, which hints already to the other main attraction; handicraft perfection!



All the different techniques make an art piece include:

• micro-engraving
• enamelling (including Cloisonné)
• miniature painting

I cannot fully describe them and their interplay in the realm of this short article. Its stunning, to say the least!





To sum up, I can only repeat what I wrote four years ago - it has not changed, for me:

"The Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Grand Voyage certainly is not a watch for every day - God forbid! I think it is not even a watch for the advanced collector! But I could see as an object in the collection of artefacts diligently put together by a cultivated viveur: A man (or a woman), well travelled, with a deep understanding of history, natural sciences and the humanities, a curious mind fascinated by the achievements of the great explorers and inventors as well as the eminent scientists and artists.


For all of you who want to read more, I'd like to invite you to revisit my in-depth presentation - simply click here !

Cheers,
Magnus