Ornatus-Mundi
[Zenith]
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Zenith's Academy Christophe Colomb Grand Voyage: A watch reflects mankind's quest for excellence
Zenith's outstandingly interesting timepiece Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage (I could not even make it fit into the 'subject' line; thanks god they did not print this on the dial ;-)). It is officially released today, 20 October 2013, to pay homage to the pioneering spirit of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus.
Befitting the commemoration of a famous navigator and sailor, the watch features Zenith's unique gyroscopic gravity control system which debuted with the first Academy Christophe Colomb in July of 2010. With some additional watchmaking delights and above all adorned with some of the most revered decoration techniques the Grand Voyage has an outstanding set of features on offer:
- the watch addresses three of the main horological challenges
- one of the components accounts for 2/3 over the overall parts count of the movement
- the watch presents traditional finishing and decoration methods are introduced which have been cultivated over 150 years at the manufacture
Combination and interplay of those techniques result in an amazingly artistic piece which I consider to be the pinnacle of Zenith's haute horlogerie offerings:
Presented in a 45mm rose gold case and limited to just 10 pieces worldwide, the Zenith Academy Christoph Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage will retail for €245,000.
Already some 5-6 weeks ago I had the opportunity to lay my hands on this masterpiece, during an intimate (and embargoed*) presentation in Vienna. I was in the middle of my preparation for my current business trip to Brazil, but the prospect of missing a (likely) once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was a non-brainer to me.
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Am I was rewarded big time for my decision!
The following images were sent to my by the Zenith Austria staff. A bit of drama was involved in unveiling the masterpiece:
I had no chance to take a picture of the watch in its showcase as it was immediately grabbed by the attendants. Beyond that there is an important message in this image: Note the light passing through the escapement opening of the dial:
What follows now describes my strategy to get some quality time with the watch:
The following images were sent to my by the Zenith Austria staff. A bit of drama was involved in unveiling the masterpiece:
I had no chance to take a picture of the watch in its showcase as it was immediately grabbed by the attendants. Beyond that there is an important message in this image: Note the light passing through the escapement opening of the dial:
What follows now describes my strategy to get some quality time with the watch:
While excitement overflew I set up my photography gear. In the meantime the other guest had their time with the watch, and I could slowly sneak close to the object of desire...
I let the other grab a champagne, asked an intricate question and requested a closer view - and secured my pprrreciousss:
For detailed examination I had to put on the horological equivalent to contraceptive devices. Pictures say more than 1000 words, especially if you take a look at my facial expression...
Finally: satisfaction:
You cannot help but put the words art and timepiece very close together!
I let the other grab a champagne, asked an intricate question and requested a closer view - and secured my pprrreciousss:
For detailed examination I had to put on the horological equivalent to contraceptive devices. Pictures say more than 1000 words, especially if you take a look at my facial expression...
Finally: satisfaction:
You cannot help but put the words art and timepiece very close together!
In the following I will describe in detail the watch itself, its technology and all the craftsmanship that goes into this masterful object.
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*) At Zenith, an embargo seems to be a suggested publication date rather than a strict deadline... ;-(
More posts:
Zenith's Academy Christophe Colomb Grand Voyage: A watch reflects mankind's quest for excellence
Zenith's outstandingly interesting timepiece Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage (I could not even make it fit into the 'subject' line; thanks god they did not print this on the dial ;-)). It is officially released today, 20 October 2013, to ...
In and around the watch
The Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage (potential buyers should be awarded a 10% discount for correctly pronouncing the watch's epic name) is to my knowledge Zenith's most ambitious and complicated timepiece. Not only in terms of the ...
Technology serving timekeeping precision
Even if the Christophe Colomb Hurricane watch abounds of horological delicacies I find pleasure and satisfaction in the fact that all of these propose solutions to eminent problems in timekeeping. More concretely, the following challenges are addressed: -...
Craft - an art gallery on your wrist!
Zenith has entirely revamped the backplate of the Academy's movement and converted it into a strip cartoon narrating the adventures of the Christopher Columbus: Prominently displayed is Columbus' vessel Santa Maria which he used for his first voyage in 14...
Conclusion: a watch for the viveurs!
I am always in a dilemma when reviewing a complicated piece of horological art: I admire the efforts, the ingenuity and the skills that went into the piece, but most often I get either lost in details, thus struggle to 'see the woods for the trees', or so...
What an incredible review
What a delightful read, first thing in the morning. Thanks Magnus for an incredible "journey" or even "exploration" through the depths of this masterpiece. I had no idea that this watch was so intricate, and had so many aspect to it. The Zenith team have ...
It's near impossible to describe this watch but ...
Magnus ... you did! If there's perfection on a post... Here is. Sitting on a bar, located on the Chicago burbs, I could feel your admiration for this man made object. No words, except CONGRATULATIONS to Zenith and to you for this amazing introduction. I w...
Wow....
... it has come this far.... what would be the next Christophe Colomb series? Pardon my lack of better words.... Very impressive. Ken
Epic post
For an epic watch. Busy watch, a lot going on, yet very well laid out. Every conceivable horological technique/complication employed, well ... Most at least. Love the Santa Maria n Sextant ( which I failed to observe) had u not pointed it out. Reading you...
A R T
thanks for the very interesting post I never will but if I ever could buy a watch in this price range ... I'll pass on the Patek, VC, AP, .... this is that watch I would prefer
Great review !
Thank you for this great review of a Magnificent piece of Art. I'm in love with this Zenith, and its features leave me speechless. Have a nice sunday Fabio
WOW! Now this is a true masterpiece. Kudos to Zenith!!!
Thank you Magnus for this great report. I'd LOVE to get some type of Zenith Christophe Colomb variant as my 1st Zenith watch. And this specific Grand Voyage is a superb masterpiece. All I can say is WOOOOOWWW! Still breathless, Anthony
Thanks a lot Magnus for this great review.
The watch is gorgeous even if I find the ZENITH writing too big. I can't wait to see it! Fx
Astounding, superb, awesome...
The watch AND the thorough review! Wonderful work destined for the PuristSPro Archives!! Thank you Magnus!
Zenith Academy Christophe Colombus: Finally Understood
Magnus, Thank you for the reports well researched, cross-referenced and presented. It must have been difficult keeping the embargo for so long. When I first saw the original Zenith Academy Christopher Columbus with the bulbous sapphire crystal, I could no...
