Zenith Pocket Watches

Representing the epitome of Swiss elegance and engineering, Zenith watches are known for reliability and refined design. The brand began from the idea of Swiss watchmaker Georges Favre-Jacot, who felt that the production of timepieces could be made more efficient if all aspects of production were aligned under one roof.

This is what he attempted with his launch of a manufacture in 1865, and it proved remarkably effective. By 1899 the company had made its first pocket chronograph, and the year following, Favrot-Jacot won a gold medal at Paris’ Exposition Universelle, a showcase of the best and brightest innovations in technology. The success of Favrot-Jacot’s company carried well into the 20th century as an icon of timepiece precision.

Quick Facts

• A fan of modern architecture, Favre-Jacot supposedly once approached the famed modern architect Le Corbusier for designs for a dwelling in Le Locle, Switzerland, where his manufacture was based
• Though Favrot-Jacot launched his company in 1865, it did not take the name of “Zenith” until 1911
• By the mid 1920s, Zenith counted 1,000 people as its employees, earning the nickname “the manufacture with 2,000 gold and silver hands”