And that’s where the GMT is heading on the morning of Day 3 of the GMT Watch Safari, a week of total immersion at the heart of Switzerland's finest watchmakers from 27 October to 1 November 2024. Join us on the Watch Safari!
To celebrate its 24th anniversary, GMT Magazine is organizing a week-long adventure for 24 watch enthusiasts, spanning from Geneva to Schaffhausen, with stops in Neuchâtel and the Vallée de Joux. The itinerary includes an exclusive exploration of the workshops and manufactures where exceptional timepieces are born. Here's a sneak preview of the programme for Day 3, which begins with a morning dive into Zenith’s Manufacture.
Founded in 1865 by the visionary Georges Favre-Jacot, Zenith quickly established itself as a pioneer in the watchmaking industry. Historically, the watchmaking culture of canton Neuchâtel, where Le Locle is found, was characterised by its practical and progressive embrace of industrial processes, a large factor in the undisputed status and hegemony of Swiss watchmaking in the modern age. Zenith was one of the pioneering watch companies to bring all the watchmaking crafts under one roof, a revolutionary concept at the time that allowed for greater control over quality and the seamless integration of various watchmaking skills and technologies.
A Legacy Shared
As a testament to the brand's commitment towards sharing its heritage with longtime watch lovers and horological novices alike, Zenith was the first Swiss watchmaking manufacture to officially open itself to public visits a few years ago, partnering with the tourism board of canton Neuchâtel to offer guided tours of their facilities. Seeing the historic parts of the Zenith headquarters opens the eyes to how watchmaking was an integral and foundational element of Le Locle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. The brick chimney that towers over the rest of the city is a key feature of the Zenith manufacture, marking the location of the steam-powered generators that supplied electricity over a century ago not only to the factory, but also to Le Locle itself.
The attic is famous among enthusiasts of watchmaking history, holding a precious story from the 1970s, of courage in times of crisis and the fierce guardianship of priceless patrimony — a story that is best told (and heard) under the aged wooden beams holding up the roof of the Zenith manufacture.
An Intimate Glimpse into Horological Mastery
A tour of the Zenith manufacture offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the art of watchmaking in its purest form. As you walk through the workshops, you’ll observe skilled artisans at work, crafting each component with high levels of attention to detail. From the delicate assembly of movements to the intricate decoration of dials, every step of the process is executed with a level of craftsmanship that can only be achieved through decades of experience and dedication. Even in the more industrially focused workshops where modern machining and milling equipment carry out the heavy work of cutting metal plates into watch components, the pursuit of refined precision persists, delivering components with fine mechanical tolerances to the rest of the assembly workshops.
One of the highlights of the Zenith experience is the chance to see the legendary El Primero movement in the making. Introduced in 1969, the El Primero was the world’s first high-frequency automatic chronograph movement, and it remains one of the most precise and celebrated movements in the history of watchmaking. To witness it come to life in the hands of Zenith’s expert watchmakers is a moment that every horology enthusiast will cherish.
An Experience Beyond Time
Beyond its remarkable watches, Zenith offers an experience that transcends time itself. The manufacture is surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Jura Mountains, providing a serene backdrop for a journey into the heart of Swiss watchmaking. The tranquil setting, combined with the warmth and hospitality of the Zenith team, creates an atmosphere where visitors can truly connect with the brand’s legacy and passion.
For those fortunate enough to visit, the Zenith manufacture is more than just a destination; it is a pilgrimage. It is a place where the past, present, and future of watchmaking converge, where the relentless pursuit of excellence continues to drive innovation, and where the art of horology is celebrated in its purest form.
To register for the GMT Watch Safari, from 27 October to 1 November 2024, click here.
