Zenith Launches Cohiba Watch
Aficionados of cigars and timepieces can celebrate both ions on their wrists with the new limited-edition Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Cohiba Edition. The partnership between the premier Cuban and Swiss brands commemorates Cohiba's 50th anniversary. But despite the recent warming relations between the United States and Cuba, the watches, like Cuban cigars, cannot be purchased in the United States, so, you'll have to pick up yours next time you are out of the country.
Zenith's designers played up Cohiba motifs—from the black and white pattern on the Behike bands to the profile of the Taíno aboriginal chief (Cohiba is derived from the Taíno word for tobacco). The rich Havana-brown dial is cutaway at 11 o'clock to reveal the beating El Primero 4061 automatic chronograph movement, which oscillates at 36,000 vibrations per hour for heightened precision and delivers a minimum power reserve of 50 hours. The back of the 42 mm case is engraved with Cohiba's 50th anniversary logo. The legendary El Primero was one of the first automatic chronograph movements when it hit the market in 1969, and it's still going strong almost 50 years later, much like Cohiba.
The watch is limited to 500 pieces in stainless steel at 9,300 euros ($10,460) and only 50 pieces in rose gold at 19,900 euros ($22,385).
"These are two legendary brands with a similar history based on exclusivity and innovation, both sharing the same vision to deliver excellence to clients," says Javier Terrés de Ercilla, vice president of development for Habanos S.A., Cuba's cigar monopoly.
Zenith CEO Aldo Magada also emphasizes the marques' shared values of uncompromising pursuit of superior quality over the decades. "The priority for both companies is to enhance the customer experience, thanks to the unique craftsmanship of our artisans," he says. "We are convinced that the limited series Zenith is offering will please connoisseurs of both worlds."
