Press Release: Zenith Celebrates The 50th Anniversary Of A Cuban Legend: Cohiba.

Both legendary in their own right, Zenith and Cohiba share the same philosophy of excellence, sophistication and exclusivity. The former is a Swiss watchmaking Manufacture building on 150 years of innovation and expertise, while the latter is the celebrated name of the most sought-after cigars in the world. Created in 1966, today the Cohiba brand is celebrating half a century of existence. At its side on the occasion of this anniversary, Zenith is presenting a limited series of its legendary El Primero chronograph, with 50 watches in rose gold and 500 in stainless steel, all featuring a Havana brown dial and emblematic Cohiba motifs. A combination of elegance and technicality, the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Cohiba Edition exudes a full-bodied fragrance tinged with daring and pleasure.

Zenith and Cohiba, two legendary Manufactures with a shared universe of authenticity, precision and excellence. Each one infuses passion and expertise into exceptional creations so as to bring unmatched enjoyment to experienced connoisseurs. The first ever Cohiba watch, the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Cohiba Edition by Zenith celebrates the 50th anniversary of the world’s most prestigious cigar brand. Like the most luxurious of handrolled Cuban cigars, it embodies high-quality craftsmanship dedicated to an exclusive way of life.

Aldo Magada says: “At Zenith we are proud and happy to be partnering with Cohiba, which is not only the best Habanos brand, but also represents the same relentless quest for product excellence that we have been pursuing for more than 150 years. The priority for both companies is to enhance the customer experience, thanks to the unique craftsmanship of our artisans. We are convinced that the limited series Zenith is offering will please connoisseurs of both worlds”.

“Here at Habanos S.A., we are very pleased and excited about this collaboration. These are two legendary brands with a similar history based on exclusivity and innovation, both sharing the same vision to deliver excellence to clients. The result is a series of exceptional watches, and a real tribute to the 50th anniversary of Cohiba.» Javier Terrés, Development VP.

After celebrating The Rolling Stones March 2016 concert in Cuba with a dedicated model, Zenith is once again in the spotlight in this genuine, passionate and vibrant country. On May 24th, at the very heart of Havana, the watchmaking Manufacture represented by its CEO, Aldo Magada, launched the watch commemorating the 50th anniversary of Cohiba, the emblematic Habanos brand!

THE UNIQUE EXPERTISE OF THE MASTER CIGAR MAKER

Like the Manufacture Zenith, a pioneer in Fine Watchmaking, the Cohiba brand is an avant-garde actor in the world of Habanos. Unashamedly elitist, entirely hand-made with long filler Cohiba cigars are the most exclusive Habanos cigars and the preserve of the most discerning connoisseurs. From 1966 until 1982, the brand was exclusively used as an institutional gift by the Cuban Government to foreign statesmen and diplomats. Christened Cohiba in 1966 and officially registered in 1969, the name of the brand comes from the term used by Tainos Indians to describe the rolls of tobacco leaves, which were the ancestors of cigars. Since then, the Manufacture has been established in a magnificent 1920s townhouse – “El Laguito” – located in Cubanacán district of Havana. All the leaves from which a Cohiba is made are the cream of the crop, meticulously selected from the best fields - Vegas de Primera – in the Vuelta Abajo* region (Pinar del Río* province). Part of the secret of Cohiba lies in an additional fermentation of the Seco and Ligero leaves of its blend which takes place in wooden barrels. This very special process is reflected in a complex aroma and balanced taste, combining power and delicacy.

CAPE HAVANA 

Produced in a limited series of 50 in rose gold and 500 in steel, the exclusive “anniversary” El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Cohiba Edition by Zenith is adorned in glossy chestnut reminiscent of the amber colour of the prestigious cigars. In a nod to the ultimate cigar, its Havana brown dial is spanned with vertical lines and distinctive motifs of the Cuban brand. The famous profile of aboriginal chief Taino, the manufacture’s emblem, appears alongside the Zenith and Cohiba logos. Beating to the vibrant rhythm of a legendary movement, the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Cohiba Edition flaunts clean, sleek lines. Its high-frequency mechanism is housed in an elegant 42 mm-diameter rose gold case, fitted with a fluted crown and two round push-pieces. Topped by a domed sapphire crystal, this display with its sophisticated allure is punctuated by facetted, luminescent hands. The sapphire caseback, engraved with the Cohiba’s 50th anniversary logo, reveals an oscillating weight adorned with “Côtes de Genève”.

A WHIRL OF PULSATING PRECISION 

At 11 o’clock, the famous opening of the dial reveals the palpitations of the automatic El Primero 4061 chronograph movement. With its impetuous 36,000 vibrations an hour cadence enabling a 1/10th of a second display, its COSC precision-certified chronometer and integrated column-wheel construction, this El Primero ‘engine’ is a worthy heir to the world’s most precise seriesmade chronograph series presented by Zenith in 1969. Equipped with a silicon lever and escape-wheel, this 282-part movement driving central hour and minute, chronograph and tachymeter functions is endowed with an over 50-hour power reserve.

Developed for sophisticated connoisseurs, the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Cohiba Edition watch is presented in an exclusive wooden box in the colours of the legendary Habanos cigar.