Zenith CEO Julien Tornare On Achieving A Record Year In Challenging Times

Zenith CEO Julien Tornare on achieving a record year in challenging times.

- Lynette Koh

If there’s one thing the pandemic has shown us about the watch industry, it’s that not all brands are created equal. While many have seen sales drop, a handful have thrived. Zenith, according to CEO Julien Tornare, is firmly in the latter category.

Speaking to The Peak via Zoom from Geneva during the virtual LVMH Watch Week in late January, the Swiss industry veteran shared confidently: “2021 was a record year for Zenith. From the launch of the Chronomaster Sport at the beginning of the year through many other launches that have been very successful, we have enjoyed great momentum.”

“We are kicking off 2022 with the same momentum,” he said. We don’t doubt it. Chronomaster Sport chronograph watches may be back-ordered for “more than two years”, but Zenith is not cruising on its existing successes. LVMH Watch Week saw the launch of yet another new collection, Defy Skyline. Tornare shares why he believes the new range stands to succeed, Zenith’s latest forays into sustainability, and how he is building a culture of creativity.

Defy Skyline is Zenith’s take on the luxury steel bracelet sport watch. One of its distinctive features is its 1/10-of-a-second subdial. Why is it significant?