2019/05/30 Watches News

ZENITH Celebrates the 50th Anniversary in Hong Kong

Since 10th January 1969, the date when it was presented, the significance and influence of the famous El Primero (“the first” in Spanish) chronograph have been unrivalled. Continuously enriched with new technical and aesthetic advances, the undeniable icon of precision has played a remarkable part for half a century in the Manufacture’s collections.

  

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of El Primero, ZENITH has been touring around the world with masterpieces from the iconic collection. The tour has recently arrived Hong Kong, inviting watch enthusiasts to celebrate this pivotal moment for both the Swiss watchmaker and the watchmaking industry with an exhibition. Mr. Julien Tornare, CEO of ZENITH, graced the event with his personal attendance, witnessing with the attending guests yet another milestone set by the brand.

                   

El Primero 50th Anniversary Exhibition was held on 22nd May 2019 at Liang Yi Museum, Hong Kong. Echoing the collection’s refined design, the venue featured an elegant and brisk décor, allowing the protagonist – El Primero – to take the spotlight. Besides spectacular novelties from recent years including DEFY Inventor, DEFY El Primero Double Tourbillon and the 50th anniversary box set specially created for the occasion, vintage El Primero timepieces from different periods in the last five decades were also showcased. To flaunt the heritage, progress and craftsmanship of El Primero over the past 50 years, videos introducing the characteristics of the collection were played as a watchmaker from ZENITH manufactory demonstrated the assembly of the renowned calibre in the workstation. The event was kicked off with the “50 Reasons Why” video, which illustrated the 50 distinguishing features of El Primero, followed by a welcome speech by Mr. Julien Tornare, CEO of ZENITH, which kicked off a delightful evening for the guests.

  

(From left) Mr. Anthony Tsang, Senior Marketing Manager (Greater China Region) of Oriental Watch Company, Mr. Dennis Yeung, Managing Director of Oriental Watch Company, Mr. Julien Tornare, CEO of ZENITH, Mr. Alain Lam, Executive Director of Oriental Watch Company, and Mr. Stanley Lam, General Manager of Oriental Watch Company.

 

 

Mr. Julien Tornare, CEO of ZENITH, remarked, “1969 was a historical year for the watch industry with ZENITH presenting the world’s most accurate series-made chronograph: the inimitable El Primero. Alongside its high-frequency movement, El Primero also stands for an emblematic design recognisable at first glance. Its three counters – originally in anthracite, blue and light grey – symbolise the functionality of a sophisticated mechanism and have been part of the ZENITH DNA for half a century. The design is an original aesthetic that makes light of passing time and lends itself to infinite variations in terms of materials, styles and colours. With this exhibition, we took our guests onto the journey that ZENITH has gone through so far, and guided by authenticity, daring and passion in pushing the boundaries of excellence, precision and innovation, leading them into El Primero’s endeavour in the years to come.”