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Baselworld 2013: Zenith Supersonic Press Conference with Felix Baumgartner
In 2010 Zenith announced a partnership with Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner, the man who became famous last fall as the first human who experienced a free fall at supersonic speed. On that day, 14 October 2012, he completed the Stratos project to set the world record for skydiving an estimated 39 kilometres (24 mi), reaching an estimated speed of 1357.64 km/h (843.6 mph), or Mach 1.25, and became the first person to break the sound barrier without vehicular power on his descent. Baumgartner also set the altitude record for a manned balloon flight and parachute jump from the highest altitude.
Today, Zenith invited the press to a question and answer session with FB, celebrating not only the successful completion of Mr Baumgartner's endeavour, but at the same time the 90th anniversary of Zenith's presence at the Basel fair - in fact, Zenith is the oldest exhibitor in Basel!
As location Zenith chose the art gallery 'von Batha Garage', a former filling station totally refurbished to fit the purpose:
This one is from Zenith and proves that yours truly was indeed present (look at the very left):
In the following I will convey the gist of the conference with Felix Baumgartner (FB) and Zenith CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour (JFD) moderated by Swiss television host Annina Campell (AC):
Let me start with a few atmospheric shots of the conference.
Final preparations, Baumgartner style:
AC: Mr Baumgartner, how do you feel about your project now if you see the pictures?
FB: Very honestly, I am glad its over. I enjoy seeing the pictures now, but I could not allow having such feelings during my jump. In this hostile environment I had to be extremely concentrated, and there certainly was an oxygen constraint. We had enough for only 10min, so I sticking to the work programme had priority.
AC: Mr Dufour, how did you decide to partner with FB on this project?
JFD: Shortly after I took over the helm of the watch manufacture Zenith I realised that the brand had a problem: it was somehow disconnected with its past. The link to what Zenith once stood for was - mildly spoken - not obvious, and much focus had been lost.
However, the pioneering El Primero movement still was the centrepiece of the collection.
PIONEERING - that was the keyword I searched for: Zenith had many world records and world firsts in its history. Braveness, physical and psychological strength, exactness in planning and execution, and of course something that has never been done before - that sums up the requirements for any future collaboration.
So we were looking for someone who is as passionated for those characteristics as we are, and eventually we got into contact with Felix. We had lunch together and decided on the partnership right on the spot.
AC: Mr Dufour, from the point of a recognised brand you had to take the risks of such a project under consideration. How did you deal with this?
JFD: That actually was a major issue where I had to convince my partners at LVMH. So we looked at each of the critical components like training, knowledge, technology, team etc., and we came to the conclusion to go for it.
FB: I have to add that the partnership with Zenith was a major milestone for us. The fact that such a globally well-known player, together with Red Bull, subscribed to our idea really changed our mindset and professionalised our approach.
AC: How many people were involved?
FB: Altogether about 360, at location about 15-20 team members.
AC: Felix, did you ever thought about giving up? Was there a stage where you felt this was to much?
FB: I actually DID give up! What I underestimated was that I suffered from claustrophobia. So during the training I had to undergo increasingly intense sessions in the pressure suit. In such a suit you are practically looked into your own (very small) world. You hear your breath and your heartbeat... I managed the initial sessions of about 1-2h, but when it came to practise for the real thing sessions of 6-8h were necessary - I could not do that. Worse, I had the feeling I could not tell anybody.
So one day I deserted and took a plane to Austria. I felt really bad to let down my excellent team but I thought I won't make it.
Eventually I learned to control my claustrophobia with help from physiologists and physicians.
AC: And what were your most critical moments during the jump?
FB: After I reached supersonic speed I started to rotate at considerable RPM. I knew from the training that this was very difficult to stabilise as because the of speed I could barely move my arms and legs. Yet I had only about 30 sec left to tranquil my position.
AC: How did Zenith prepare for the dive?
JFD: Zenith is an accomplished manufacture with a vast history of pilot's watches, altimeters and similar instruments. But for the Stratos project we had to really had to enter unknown waters as the watch, El Primero Stratos Flyback Striking 10th, that should accompany Felix would be exposed to extreme speeds and dramatic changes of temperatures. There was no way to test this under laboratory conditions.
FB: ... and its now the fastest watch on earth!
AC: Felix, please tell us about those results which you consider most rewarding!
FB: The original record for the speed at free fall took 52 years before I finally broke it. But I am sure that someone someday will break mine. So these records are an achievement but not something that stays. Of course my project brought me into contact with eminent personalities worldwide. I have been for example asked by the UN Secretary General to act as a goodwill ambassador. But what really matters most to me is the motivation and inspiration my success does give to kids!
Following the conference Felix Baumgartner was presented with a Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 GMT. What a fitting gift to an extraordinary athlete who travelled the world in all three dimensions!
Before we were send home I had time for a short private conversation with Felix Baumgartner. Asked what he intends to achieve next he frankly and openly admitted that he had achieved what had wanted, there will be no further world records to be broken by him, and the only thing he wishes to do is 'flying helicopter for as long as possible'.
Knowing what your limits are and when to stop is a virtue all to rarely seen. Felix possesses this virtue amongst many others.
For me personally being in the midst of my life and knowing that you already achieved all your were destined to do would be an intellectually disturbing cognisance but I am certainly different than Mr Baumgartner!
Thanks for reading,
Magnus
More posts:
Baselworld 2013: Zenith Supersonic Press Conference with Felix Baumgartner
In 2010 Zenith announced a partnership with Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner , the man who became famous last fall as the first human who experienced a free fall at supersonic speed. On that day, 14 October 2012, h e completed the Stratos project to se...
Thank you very much for a very comprehensive ...
Coverage of a true record for Felix and to Zenith. Cheers, Nilo
Wow! Great conference!
We now have to Felix Baumgartners in the watch world and probably at Basel. I wonder if they're related. Awesome post! And a really modern event! Thank you!
Knowing the limits and working on them
Magnus, Thank you for covering the conference for me. Of the three people on stage, I only know Mr J-FD in person but we all know of Mr Baumgartner. I can see how such a partnership could be struck in just one lunch time. That is the way that J-FD works. ...
