ZENITH has been manufacturing timepieces since 1865. Founded by Georges Favre-Jacot in Le Locle, the company initially focused on producing high-quality pocket watches and later expanded to include board instruments. These watches bore witness to a special pioneering spirit during the design and production phases, which quickly made ZENITH a respected brand. However, ZENITH's core story did not begin until the age of automatic watches. Driven by an unbridled passion for precision, ZENITH competed with other manufacturers to develop a fully self-winding chronograph movement. In 1969, ZENITH became the first manufacturer to unveil this movement, named “El Primero.” Named "El Primero," the movement was a groundbreaking success for ZENITH and a milestone for the watch industry.

El Primero—Then and Now the Cradle Of  ZENITH's Success

The El Primero movement has been a breakthrough for ZENITH in more ways than one. Technically, it inspires with its masterful precision and an impressive frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, allowing for the precise measurement of tenths of a second. The first three fully self-winding ZENITH chronographs the A384, A385, and A386, which were also launched in 1969, featured this exceptional complication and quickly earned a legendary status. In the 1970s and 1980s, ZENITH also offered the movement to other manufacturers, sometimes bringing to life models from other well-known watchmakers. The movement's ingenuity is particularly evident in ZENITH's current collections. Although it recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, the movement beats in current ZENITH Chronomaster models and also powers the high-tech timepieces of the ZENITH Defy collection.

ZENITH at Wempe

ZENITH and Wempe both have long histories. Therefore, it is all the more pleasant that the paths of the two companies now cross, and that you can choose from a wide selection of ZENITH watches at Wempe. To help you enjoy your chronograph for years to come, our showrooms offer comprehensive services for all your watch needs, including watchband replacements, professional repairs, and complete servicing. We look forward to your visit.