Christophe Colomb by Zenith

First tentatively introduced in the Defy Zero-G model two years ago under then-CEO Thierry Nataf, Jean-Frédéric Dufour and his team have now brought this precision innovation to full working condition.

The Christophe Colomb's highly sophisticated escapement seeks to compensate for the effects of gravity without using a classic tourbillon as the solution; the gimbaled suspension keeps the Zenith escapement in a consistently horizontal position, gyroscopically lending it a slightly stabilizing effect. In other words: it follows the position of the wrist and corrects the effects of gravity in a perfectly natural way.

The latter is possible thanks to Zenith's patented 0G system, which stands for “zero gravity.” A system of gears harnesses the rotations of the carriage's axes, while a reversing differential gear instantaneously compensates for movement. The escapement is located within the carriage constantly seeking out balance and equilibrium that is determined by gravity. Unlike a tourbillon, which deliberately moves along a predetermined course of its own accord at a preset speed, the 0G system simply counteracts by keeping the escapement upright.

This escapement is prominently featured under the Christophe Colomb's protruding domes on both sides of the case at the 6 o'clock position. These are necessary to accommodate the height of the gyroscopic escapement module. This exquisite collector's piece limited to just 25 pieces is housed in a very traditionally styled 45 mm case of 18-karat white, yellow or rose gold. Underscoring the traditional look is a solid silver dial with a handcrafted guilloché grain d'orges pattern enhanced by a clous de Paris pattern on the subsidiary seconds dial. It is precisely this type of traditional style that Zenith has reverted back to since Dufour took on the brand's leadership – and this is a good thing.