Zenith

In 1865, Georges Favre-Jacot brought all watchmaking crafts together in a single watch manufacture. Just four years later, the first pocket watch was presented. Spurred on by an award at the 1900 World Exhibition, the company began producing on-board instruments for cars, trucks, trains and aircraft from 1910. Zenith made a name for itself. In Le Locle, the manufacture became known as the "manufacture with 2,000 golden and silver hands". Various watch models such as the El Primero calibre became successes. In 2000, Zenith became part of LVMH. A special honour was its inclusion as a World Heritage Site in 2009. In 2012, the Pilot Big Date Special from the Pilot collection received the "Petite Aiguille" prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève.

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Our most popular Zenith models

Zenith prices at a glance

As of November 2026. Prices in euros. In addition, 5 references whose price is quoted on request.

Model line from Median to Models
Defy€6,720€10,800€19,76028
Pilot€6,800€9,400€12,0804
Chronomaster€8,000€9,760€36,08032
Zenith total€6,720€10,070€36,08064

The figures come from our own range and are recalculated every month.

Zenith luxury watches in high-quality executions

Luxury is not only for an exclusive clientele. Zenith's watch models each have their own history and philosophy. El Primero was conceived in 1962 as an iconic watch. Planned for Zenith's 100th anniversary, the first chronograph with automatic winding was presented in 1969. Work on these watch models took seven years in total, and 18 different types of metal were used. The first model featured a date display. Its new aesthetic made the El Primero unique and modern. The "gyroscopic Gravity Control module" operates at a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. Further watch models can be found in the "Academy" collection. "Elite" and "Hermitage" complete Zenith's range as further high-end lines.

Experience Zenith luxury watches as a complete work of art

It is not without reason that "Watch Manufacture Since 1865" appears on Zenith's company website. Various ladies' watches of equally outstanding quality and functionality, such as the "Elite Lady Moonphase" or "Elite Heritage Ultra Thin" collections, impress with their precise technology and finish. Very exclusive and rare watches are available as limited editions.

Icons of contemporary history with Zenith watches

In 2012, Felix Baumgartner jumped from the stratosphere down to earth. On his wrist he wore Zenith's "El Primero Stratos Flyback Striking 10th". This chronometer withstood supersonic speed. Mahatma Gandhi gave his friend Indira Nehru a Zenith watch. After restructuring at the manufacture, Charles Vermot saved the production plans for the El Primero collection, which was resumed and expanded in 1984. An annual calendar developed by Ludwig Oechslin ("Musée International d'Horlogerie") shows all months, weekdays and the current date. This masterpiece of timekeeping only needs to be set once a year. Furthermore, after five years of development, the "Academy Christophe Colomb" complication made possible the gyroscopic "Gravity Control" module mentioned above, which ensures the optimum balance amplitude. A "Tourbillon" is used for precise accuracy. This complication compensates for the effect of gravity on the oscillations. Over time, the "Tourbillon" superseded the "Academy Christophe Colomb".

Where are the chronometers made?

Zenith's art of watchmaking comes to life in Le Locle, Switzerland. More than 200 patents and up to 600 movement variations make the company an outstanding manufacture to this day. More than 2,000 awards have been presented to these specialists in timekeeping so far. Over eighty different watchmaking crafts, each with its own specialisation, are needed to produce a first-class, reliable watch – all under one roof. Chronometers for eternity. Zenith reached its zenith long ago and offers its customers timeless beauty and luxury on the wrist.

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Frequently asked questions about Zenith

How much does a Zenith cost?

The current price range can be found in the price overview on this page.

What is El Primero?

The El Primero from 1969 was one of the first automatic chronograph movements ever. Its special feature is the high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, with which tenths of a second can be read. This is still unusual among series calibers today.

Why is the movement considered to have been saved?

During the Quartz Crisis, El Primero's tools and manufacturing records were to be scrapped. An employee hid them in the manufactory's attic, which allowed production to resume later. This story is now at the core of the brand.

Are the Zenith watches at HORANDO new and original?

Yes. Each new watch is unworn and comes with box, papers and the full manufacturer's warranty. Before shipping, we look at each watch again, check the reference and serial number and pack it neatly.

Can I pay for a Zenith in installments?

Yes. Payment in installments of up to 5,000 euros is possible via PayPal, and up to 10,000 euros via Klarna.