Zenith

Founded in 1865 in Le Locle, Switzerland, ZENITH has been at the forefront of Swiss watchmaking for over 160 years, driven by a pioneering spirit and a relentless pursuit of precision. As the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture, ZENITH has continuously revolutionized horology by developing and manufacturing in-house movements, most notably the El Primero, the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre launched in 1969, renowned for its unparalleled precision and high-frequency performance.

ZENITH’s timepieces celebrate its dedication to innovation and exceptional craftsmanship. The CHRONOMASTER collection highlights the brand’s mastery of high-precision chronographs, the DEFY showcases technical innovation and bold design, while the PILOT collection celebrates ZENITH’s storied aviation legacy with distinctive, adventure-ready timepieces. This unwavering commitment to precision has been recognized with an unparalleled 2,333 chronometry prizes, underscoring ZENITH’s enduring legacy of excellence. The calibre 135, having won most of those prizes went through a modern re- engineering integrating up-to-date technical solutions and materials. ZENITH decided to give it a new home in its newly introduced G.F.J collection.

Throughout its history, ZENITH timepieces have accompanied pioneers who dared to dream big and achieve the extraordinary: from Louis Blériot’s historic flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking stratospheric free-fall jump. This daring spirit continues to drive the Maison as it redefines the future of Swiss watchmaking. Celebrating over a century and a half of excellence, innovation, and purpose, ZENITH remains at the forefront of Swiss horology, empowering those who challenge conventions and strive for greatness.

From Le Locle to the world, from 1865 to now, ZENITH is the heart of watchmaking.

The Latest

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Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II: A Chronograph Built on Contrast

Swiss watchmaking has long combined traditional craftsmanship with technical innovation. The new Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II brings those elements together in a contemporary high-frequency chronograph.

Full Transparency: Did Zenith Just Reinvent the Chronomaster?

The just-released Chronomaster Sport Skeleton reveals the El Primero movement in a new light while also pairing it with a breakthrough new bracelet.

A New Cityscape Rises: Zenith’s Latest Defy Skyline Models from LVMH Watch Week

A hands-on review of Zenith’s new offerings reveals some “urban development” that leans into the popular models’ obvious architecturally flavored references, telling a story not only of varied materials but also of the Defy Skyline’s artfully flexible blueprint.

More Than Meets the Eye: Behind the Playful Colors of the Zenith x USM Collaboration

Two powerhouse Swiss brands with rich histories join forces to commemorate monumental anniversary years with a bold limited edition set.
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Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II: A Chronograph Built on Contrast

Swiss watchmaking has long combined traditional craftsmanship with technical innovation. The new Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli II brings those elements together in a contemporary high-frequency chronograph.

Full Transparency: Did Zenith Just Reinvent the Chronomaster?

The just-released Chronomaster Sport Skeleton reveals the El Primero movement in a new light while also pairing it with a breakthrough new bracelet.

A New Cityscape Rises: Zenith’s Latest Defy Skyline Models from LVMH Watch Week

A hands-on review of Zenith’s new offerings reveals some “urban development” that leans into the popular models’ obvious architecturally flavored references, telling a story not only of varied materials but also of the Defy Skyline’s artfully flexible blueprint.

More Than Meets the Eye: Behind the Playful Colors of the Zenith x USM Collaboration

Two powerhouse Swiss brands with rich histories join forces to commemorate monumental anniversary years with a bold limited edition set.

Summer Reflections: The Best Dive Watches of 2025 (So Far)

In 2025, three iconic dive watches returned, merging heritage with innovation to redefine underwater performance and modern design.

Zenith’s Two New DEFY Divers Color Outside the Lines

The Le Locle-based watchmaker creates a potent one-two punch of new dive watches, blending modern and vintage elements with an appealing light-and-dark color approach.

LVMH Watch Week: Zenith Doubles Down on Color and Finesse

For LVMH Watch Week, Zenith makes a bold statement, flexing into artful hues and horological decoration on two of its popular models.

Wrist Art: The Results of the TimeForArt Charity Auction

The arts-benefitting charity auction continues to grow into an ever-more important timepiece event, and Watchonista has the results!

The Anti-El Primero: The Strange Story of the Zenith Time Command

The world’s first analog/digital watch is also the timepiece that very nearly killed the El Primero in the 1970s. But was the Zenith Time Command really all that evil?

Reasons To Be Cheerful: Talking Time with Zenith’s Benoit de Clerck

With the better part of a year as CEO under his belt, Zenith’s CEO Benoit de Clerck describes himself as pragmatic yet hopeful about the future.

Keep It Light: A Closer Look at The New Zenith DEFY Skyline Skeleton in White Ceramic

It’s a Skyline; it has a skeletonized dial; and, it’s white. What more can you ask for in a summer watch?

Watchonista Staff Picks: Our Grail Watches from Watches and Wonders 2024

With hundreds of novelties presented at this year’s Watches and Wonders, Team Watchonista decided to bring our readers two “Staff Picks” articles. Last week, we chose the new releases we would wear every day. This week, we’re looking at “grail” watches!
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