Ornatus-Mundi unveils Zenith's audacious entry into the smart watch arena with the El Primero SmartVision 5 Hz, a timepiece that boldly integrates smart functionalities into a mechanical movement. This post, presented as an exclusive BaselWorld preview and interview with CEO Aldo Magada, explores Zenith's innovative approach to blending traditional horology with modern technology.
Only revealed to a select small group of international watch experts during BaselWorld 2015, Zenith previewed its upcoming smart watch Zenith El Primero SmartVision 5 Hz .
On a first view, this looks like a fairly standard El Primero Open with Big Date:
However, once you rub on the touch sensitive (!) and charge-conducive velcro-like strap, the
NanoDisplayTM screen turns on, finely micro-sprayed on the crystal (typically indistinguible from a standard anti-reflectrive coating):
As a first app, Zenith offers a
MovementView slideshow of contemporary and historical Zenith calibres. The above shows an example screenshot. Further apps and functional enhancements are planned.
Together with PuristSPro's CEO MTF I had the chance to schedule a private preview and demonstration with Zenith's CEO Aldo Magada during the Basel show.
Of course, we seized this opportunity to question Mr Magada on the new smart watch adventure. Here we go:
PPro: Mr Magada - Zenith presents a smart watch. Could you explain your intention with this development?
AM: Zenith is known for its El Primero - the first one. We want to shift this notion to a new level with the SmartVision 5 Hz.
PPro: But, Zenith...?
AM: ... is not the first watch brand to enter this area, correct. But Zenith is the first to integrate smart functionalities into an existing mechanical movement! See, the SmartVision 5 Hz is still driven by an El Primero derivate, call Cal. EP 411 TF (for 'the first'). Its electronic components are integral to its function, and they are powered by the movement itself. We included a micro-generator into the barrel to supply the electronics with power.
Plus, our long experience with silicon certainly helped. From escapement parts to circuits - thats only a small step for us, but a giant leap for watchmaking!
PPro: Wow - and the 5Hz?
AM: We had to stick to our legacy and opted for a 5 Hz processor, but with 1969 parallel cores. 5 Hz=36.000 VpH. Both mechanics and electronics have the same 50h power reserve - something that beats all other smart watches and is so nicely consistent!
PPro: Fusion...?
AM: DON'T MENTION THIS WORD!!!!
PPro: What does the watch offer?
AM: First and foremost - a higher price tag, hehehe... No seriously, we want to offer a real value addition to our collectors. Many of them are adventurers and frequent travellers. You cannot have your whole collection with you. Thus, its impossible to appreciate your watches. So, if you want to take a minute repeater or a constant force watch, rub the strap and the SmartVision displays it!
PPro: Any movement?
AM: No, of course only Zenith movements - we teamed with Apple in order to keep tight control on the SmartVision ecosystem. Imagine a customer wants to display a Patek movement on our Zenith watch? Or a Rolex? No way! WE control the system, WE decide what SmartVision will show!
PPro: Sensational - who had this inspiration?
AM: Actually, you see partnerships pay out at times. Here it was acclaimed watch collector Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones who approached us. He was annoyed by the fact that during concerts he could not admire the movement of his El Primero.
Then, just as we announced the partnership with the Tour Auto, the German Road Accident Potential Prevention Association (GRAPPA) approached us. They noticed that watch collectors are an underestimated but increasingly impacting risk in road traffic. With all those marvellous and beautiful movements around, these group of drivers gets easily distracted with strapping off their watch and inspecting the movements. We can do little about the latter (except uglifying movements, [shrugs)]), but the SmartVision offers a solution to the first. No more need to strap off the watch!
PPro: We are impressed! What are your further plans with the SmartVision?
AM: We will transform it into a market intelligence tool. Very soon, it will offer a DialVariation app. This allows owners to design and 'test run' dials on the SmartVision. Of course, all this data (design, similarity to competitors, when uploaded, how long on screen, repeated views, estimated ease of manufacture, etc.) will constantly be loaded into our servers of the product design departments. You see, this is a win-win scenario: the customer gets entertained and we get our market intelligence - for free!
PPro: Congratulations on this bold move! We congratulate you and Zenith and wish you all the best - and thanks for your time!
AM: Thanks - I just was informed by our IT that you liked the new Zenith Cal. 6150 best ;-)
This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2015-04-01 03:07:15 
