Zenith Manufacture Visit in Le Locle

Mr.Orange · 2014-04-20T05:57:30Z

Explore the Zenith Manufacture in Le Locle through Mr.Orange's photo tour, detailing the watchmaking process and unique atmosphere.

Mr.Orange

WPS member · Zenith forum

15 replies2527 views81 photos

Mr.Orange offers a rare glimpse into the Zenith Manufacture in Le Locle, detailing the entire production process from raw movement plates to finished timepieces. This report provides valuable insight into the craftsmanship and heritage maintained by Zenith, a brand celebrated for its in-house movements. His photo tour captures not only the intricate watchmaking steps but also the unique atmosphere within the historic manufacture.

Dear all,

Last week I had the chance to visit the Zenith manufacture in Le Locle.

A visit hosted by Pauil Wirth, hospitality director at Zenith and invited by Maison De Greef.

The tour contained the entire production process, from the cutting of a square plate for the movement up to a complete finished watch.

A truly great experience that shows the pristine craftsmanship that Zenith has obtained throughout the decennia of it's existence.

I've added a photo tour where you'll discover all the aspects of making a watch, but I also tried to give you a glimpse

of the building itself as well as the life at a watchmaker's desk.

After the tour we were welcomed by Monsieur Dufour, CEO of Zenith, and despite the news of his move to Rolex, he still was spreading his passion for Zenith.

A presentation of all the (new) 2014 models ended this unique visit.

Hope you enjoyed this read, all the best, Mr.O

Key Points from the Discussion

The proverbs and hand-drawn images on watchmakers' desks, particularly on the 'Grandes complications' floor, are likely personal choices, offering an intimate reflection of the individual craftsman.
The discussion touches on the original author's past as a moderator on another prominent watch forum, P.com, and his return to the online watch community.
A fellow participant's Zenith Type 20 Special was featured in the photos, not the author's, clarifying ownership of the specific watch shown.
The presence of a rose gold Doublematic, a 2013 limited edition, in the factory visit photos was noted as a pleasant surprise.
A contributor inquired about the meaning behind the orange and yellow colors in a drawing, linking them to Goethe's theory of colors.

The Discussion

amanico

Apr 20, 2014

Thank you so much for such a nice virtual visit. Are you THE Mr Orange who posted on P.com some ten years ago??? All the best, and welcome here! Nicolas

Spellbound

Apr 20, 2014

Firstly welcome to this forum, and thanks for a great first thread with some amazing photos. I assume that is your Type 20 Special ? Great watch. Good to see the Type 20's being made too. A little surprised to see a rose gold Doublematic in your pictures as this was a Limited Edition from 2013. Warmest, Dean

Mr.Orange

Apr 20, 2014

... The Type 20 isn't my watch but of another participant. Have a look at my gallery and you'll discover some more Montre d'Aeronef GF close ups ;o)) Yes, it's the same Mr.O as from 10 years ago, I only ended moderating at p.com ;o))

Bruno.M1

Apr 20, 2014

How long do we know each other ? More than 10 years ? We meet quite often, mail very, VERY often ….. and only now you registrated on this website ??? LOL Like said, sad I couldn't join you guys this time at the Zenith factory :-( Thanks for this post … some great memories come back to my mind

Ornatus-Mundi

Apr 20, 2014

e.g. the hand-drawn cheeky images, put particularly the proverbs posted on the watchmaker's lamps: "Pour 'l'amour d'une rose, le jardinier devient l'esclave de mille épines" - For the love to one rose, the gardener becomes slave to 1000 spines "La perfectionne est une chemine, pas un fin" - perfection is the path, not the end Are these the watchmaker's personal choices? Does everybody has such mottos? I am really eager to go to Le Locle very soon! Thanks for your splendid first post, looking for

Horology75

Apr 20, 2014

I hope to visit the zenith factory soon. Dream trip

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