Ornatus-Mundi presents the Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Tribute to The Rolling Stones, a timepiece that marries high horology with rock 'n' roll iconography. His post delves into the watch's aesthetic details, particularly the intricate enamel work and the integration of the iconic 'licking tongue' logo, while acknowledging its impressive technical foundation.
Celebrating the 'Legendary Rockers' with an ''Exceptional Watch' (quotes: Zenith), the noted watch manufacturer Zenith presents an outstandingly-crafted complicated timepiece, the Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Tribute to The Rolling Stones .
Featuring Zenith's patented Gravity Control module, encapsulating the escapement into a gyroscopic module thereby effectively preventing gravity from influencing the regulating organ, the artisanal brilliance of this piece is however clearly found on the dial:
The Academy Christophe Colomb Tribute to The Rolling Stones is - well - a commemoration of Zenith's partnership with the legendary rock band, and has been presented in Basel during a bona fide rock party:
Dominated by the famous
Rolling Stones “licking tongue”
logo, doubling as a dedicated display for the 50-hour power reserve, which appears to burst out of the enamelled base adorned with the British flag. Now an instantly recognizable symbol of rock, the logo with its red lips framing white was designed in 1970 by the
artist John Pasche to express the rebellious spirit of the Stones.
The case is crafted from 18kt rose gold and comes in a substantial 45mm diameter.
The impressive technical achievement of the gyroscopic module and the remainder of the movement are already well known and broadly discussed (see e.g.
here ,
here ), thus, please allow me to focus on the aesthetics. While the loud and powerful Rolling Stone desing theme one is tempted to overlook the fine details, but this would certainly be regrettable:
This is a msterpiece of enamelling artistry. Vast areas are filled with blue and red enamel, respectively, representing the flag of the United Kingdom into which the licking lips logo is modelled. The fine print comes with the closer look: at the center of the British cross you will notice 4 small golden enamel indices aiding the seconds hand, and likewise, at the corresponding site, beautifully hand-applied inscriptions for the power reserve display as well as the Rolling Stones script. Hands like applied indices are gold plated.
Cleary, the rebellious spirit of the Stones is always with you ;-)
The center of attraction, litterally speaking, for us horologists clearly is the generous sapphire bulb shocasing the escapement module. This is the most eye-catching feature of the manual-winding
El Primero Calibre 8804 comprising 308 parts of which 171 are devoted to the gyroscopic module. In fact, the movement combines two technical feats which together guarantee extreme precision: a regulating organ with a
high oscillating frequency (36,000 vibrations per hour) dividing up time into tenth-of-a-second segments, and a patented
Gravity Control gyroscopic module that neutralises the effects of gravity on the rate of the watch.
The decoration is pleasantly simple, such as not to distract from the opulence on the dial side.
The reference 18.2213.8804/55.C713 is presented as a
Limited Edition of 5 units. Each specimen is offered to the new owner in a special Rolling Stones themed presentation box.
One cannot deny that the
Tribute to the Rolling Stones comes with a healthy dose of exuberance... The combination of colours I think is particularly successful...
... as is the composition and arrangement of core design elements.
Thanks to the gyroscopic module (which itself adds a substantial 7mm to the height of the watch, corresponding to 50% increase) the Christophe Colomb itself is an eye-catching watch. Thus, I am not surprised that the aforementioned exuberance mingles well with the timepiece.
If I would like to see a few changes (or improvements), than those would concern the implementation of the fine, subtle element such as the power reserve indication. I have the feeling that those could have been better integrated into the layout. Like they are now, the danger is that they get lost which, given their artisanally-excellent implementation, is a pity.
But then again, Rolling Stones and subtlety... difficult. Thus, let's not get distracted by splitting the hairs...
... appreciate the presence of the greatest rock band on earth...
... stay loud and
rock on!
Whether the watch is something for you or rather not - I guess there is not grey area. Its either yes or no, and nothing in between. I have to confess that this type of watches (or the conceptual combination embodied here) is not my
cup of tea can of beer, but I cannot dispute their watchmaking and artisanal excellence. Its just - for me personally the combination of Rolling Stones and a brand like Zenith is not
immediately obvious (specifically, if such a fantastic but refined complication is concerned). Enough said!
Thanks for reading,
Magnus
