Flying high with Zenith
Concierge jetted to Paris last week to celebrate Zenith’s iconic Pilot collection of fine timepieces.
The glamorous event, which took place in the Musée des Arts et Métiers (Arts and Crafts Museum), welcomed 250 guests including media, retailers and clients from around the world.
As the permanent home to the plane used by Louis Blériot, the first man to fly over the English Channel in 1909, the venue was a fitting choice for the occasion, which cemented Zenith’s links to the world of aviation. Drawing on its rich heritage, the company displayed a selection of its most prized timepieces since its inception in 1865, including historic time measurement instruments that were originally used by pilots.
Among the high-profile guests was brand ambassador Felix Baumgartner, who will be jumping from an altitude of 36.5 kilometres as part of the Red Bull Stratos mission in October. In doing so, he will become the first man to cross the sound barrier in freefall mode from the edge of space. Of course, he’ll be taking his El Primero Stratos Flyback Striking 10th along for the ride.
Felix Baumgartner and Virginie Ledoyen with Jean-Frédéric Dufour, CEO of Zenith
Other French celebrities in attendance included actress Virginie Ledoyen, actors Richard Berry, Jean-Paul Rouve and Laurent Lafitte, as well as Elie Semoun, Estelle Lefébure, Pascal Elbé and Andrea Soldano.
Guests were treated to a selection of canapés and cocktails while enjoying unique entertainment including a flight simulator and a live saxophonist and singer.
Admiring the unique collection of watches on display, Concierge’s eye was draw to the three new models in the collection, which Zenith’s regional director Georges Bechara says are already available in its The Dubai Mall boutique.
The Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20, inspired by the famous 5011 pocket watch of the 1960s as the most accurate chronometer ever presented, is sure to appeal to those who admire early 20th century style.
Echoing the vintage chronograph watch of the 1960s to 1980s, the Pilot Big Date is ideal for functionality fans. With a classic design and technique honouring the legendary El Primero movement born in 1969, it is reliable as it is stylish.
Lastly, the Pilot Doublematic chronograph is a jetsetters dream thanks to its two discs simultaneously displaying the time in different parts of the world. The mechanical automatic El Primero Calibre 4046 can be admired through an open worked oscillating weight that is also visible through the sapphire case-back.
Pilot Doublematic
If, like us, you’re finding it hard to make a choice, take these words of wisdom from Louis Blériot speaking about the accuracy of his Zenith watch in 1912. He said: “I am extremely satisfied with the Zenith watch that I generally use and cannot recommend it too highly to people who are looking for precision”. We are happy to report that the sentiment still stands strong today.
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