A view of the Zenith pop-up at The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
Founded in 1865 in Le Locle, Switzerland, horological icon Zenith has a rich and colourful history, having established multiple significant milestones in the world of watchmaking since then.
In the past century alone, the Swiss brand was celebrated as a pioneer in timekeeping.
Bruyer speaking at the pop-up show launch.
It has gone on to provide precision instruments for legendary pilots like Louis Blériot and set industry standards with innovations such as the double time-zone and flyback chronograph function of its Pilot wristwatch, as well as the rotating bezel for navigation.
Zenith has also been at the forefront of sports timing, developing electromechanical systems and high-frequency stopwatches capable of measuring up to 1/100th of a second. And today, the watchmaker continues to be the official timekeeper for major sporting events.
It’s certainly safe to say that this is a brand with many exciting stories to tell!
For this very reason, Zenith has decided to celebrate 160 years of horological excellence in style with its first-ever pop-up in Malaysia, in close collaboration with luxury watch retailer Swiss Watch by Valiram.
On hand to kick off the festivities was Zenith Southeast Asia brand director Emilie Bruyer.
Zenith watchmaker Chen giving a live demonstration.
“I am constantly inspired by our impressive 160-year story.
“What best exemplifies Zenith’s savoir-faire is that it is one of the very few brands able to assemble 100% of its movements in-house, all under the same roof.
“This is truly why we have so many stories to tell about the heart of watchmaking,” she says proudly.
Located outside the Zenith boutique at The Exchange TRX on Jalan Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur, the pop-up was opened to visitors to explore and experience the maison’s dynamic legacy.
Visitors could also examine the brand’s newest timepieces from the Defy Chronograph USM collection up close.
The pop-up also marked the debut of the new collection here in Malaysia – a capsule series that has reimagined the original 1969 Defy timepiece as a chronograph – now available exclusively at Zenith boutiques.
The pop-up featured the 160th Anniversary edition of watches such as the Pilot Big Date Flyback, Defy Skyline Chronograph and Chronomaster Sport in monochromatic blue.
But perhaps the most exciting and experiential element at the event was the live watchmaking demonstration by Malaysian-born Zenith watchmaker Benny Chen.
A brief chronology of Zenith’s 160 years.
This offered visitors an even rarer look into the precision and artistry behind the making of every timepiece bearing the brand’s logo.
Visitors had the opportunity to examine a wall of fame put together to illustrate the milestones of 160 years, while exploring Zenith’s storied heritage.
Here, one uncovered key innovations that changed the course of horology, including the birth of the El Primero in 1969 – the first ever self-winding mechanical chronograph movement – and the creation of the world’s most accurate mechanical wristwatch with the compliant mechanism in the Defy Lab.
Indeed, it was a successful portrayal of Zenith’s journey as the watch brand continues to weave new stories for the future.
