Zenith History

Zenith was founded in 1865 by Georges Favre-Jacot in Le Locle, Switzerland, and is celebrated as one of the first watch manufactures to fully integrate every aspect of production under one roof. This groundbreaking approach laid the foundation for over a century of innovation and precision. Zenith’s most iconic achievement came in 1969 with the launch of the El Primero, one of the world’s first automatic chronograph movements—and still one of the most accurate, beating at an impressive 36,000 vibrations per hour. This movement would go on to power legendary models and even find its way into watches by other major Swiss brands.

Zenith’s current lineup honors its legacy while embracing modernity. The Chronomaster series continues to showcase the high-frequency prowess of the El Primero, offering split-second accuracy and open-heart dial designs. The Defy collection pushes the brand into futuristic territory with skeletonized dials, cutting-edge materials, and innovative escapements. Meanwhile, the Pilot line draws on Zenith’s history of aviation timepieces, featuring oversized crowns and vintage-inspired aesthetics. Known for its relentless pursuit of precision and its role in shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking,  Zenith remains popular amongst collectors who value performance, heritage, and technical artistry in equal measure.