ZENITH @ Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II

In tribute to the legendary explorer Christopher Columbus, Manufacture Zenith presents one of its most fascinating watch creations, clothed in truly stunning attire. The unique nature of the complex mechanism is matched by an exceptional exterior and decoration. Delicate expressions of top-flight craftsmanship, engraving and micro-painting showcase the full measure of Zenith’s virtuosity in creating horological works combining technical refinement with magnificent artistry . Issued in an entirely hand-finished 10-piece limited edition, the impressive Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage thus pursues its flamboyant evocation of the adventures of the Italian seaman – which it undertook in 2013 with the first Grand Voyage version featuring a unique and splendid decor. On a technical level, this creation sets the stage for three major breakthroughs in watchmaking history: a patented Gravity Control system, fusée-chain transmission, and an exceptional frequency of 36,000 vibrations/hour.

Christopher Columbus and Georges Favre-Jacot – founder of the Manufacture Zenith definitely have in common a pioneering spirit, a thirst for discovery and a love of challenges. The same passion and the same enterprising spirit guided Christopher Columbus and Georges Favre-Jacot towards uncharted horizons; the former when he braved the oceans to open up the western route to the Indies; and the latter when he founded Zenith in 1865, by creating one of the first industrial watch Manufactures. Almost a century and a half later, the brand with the guiding star remains faithful to this quest for precision and innovation, notably illustrated by more than 300 patents. The Manufacture proved this in 1969 by creating the legendary El Primero automatic movement, which is still the world’s most precise series-produced chronograph. But fine watchmaking is not confined to mechanisms. Continuing its tradition of refined exteriors (notably embodied in its many enamelled pocket watches or in recent Academy models), Zenith once again delights collectors and devotees of rare creations by presenting the Academy Christophe Hurricane Grand Voyage II – a limited edition distinguished by a remarkable décor adorning the back of the watch. This work of art represented an authentic challenge for the artisans, watchmakers and engineers, who had to rework the movement of the original Academy Christophe Colomb model. They were sometimes required to push the limits of feasibility in order to accommodate these adornments within the same 45 mm-diameter rose gold case, and beneath the same domed sapphire crystal, without making any compromises on precision or reliability. The result is a perfect illustration of Zenith’s creative daring and its ability to combine prodigious mechanisms and decors stemming from the most prestigious artistic crafts.