{"lien_WSTV":"","tax_name":"deprecated","tax_rate":20,"id_manufacturer":"0","id_supplier":"0","id_category_default":"258","id_shop_default":"1","manufacturer_name":false,"supplier_name":false,"name":"Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II","description":"<strong>BASELWORLD 2015<br \/><br \/>ZENITH<\/strong><br \/><br \/><strong>Celebrating 150 years!<\/strong>\u00a0 <br \/><br \/><strong>Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II<\/strong>    <br \/><br \/><strong>DISCOVERING AMERICA<\/strong>  <strong><br \/><br \/><\/strong>In tribute to the legendary explorer Christopher Columbus, Manufacture Zenith presents one of its most fascinating watch creations, clothed in truly stunning attire. The unique nature of the complex mechanism is matched by an exceptional exterior and decoration. Delicate expressions of top-flight craftsmanship, engraving and micro-painting showcase the full measure of Zenith\u2019s virtuosity in creating horological works combining technical refinement with magnificent artistry . Issued in an entirely hand-finished 10-piece limited edition, the impressive Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage thus pursues its flamboyant evocation of the adventures of the Italian seaman \u2013 which it undertook in 2013 with the first Grand Voyage version featuring a unique and splendid decor. On a technical level, this creation sets the stage for three major breakthroughs in watchmaking history: a patented Gravity Control system, fus\u00e9e-chain transmission, and an exceptional frequency of 36,000 vibrations\/hour.<strong><br \/><\/strong>\u00a0<br \/>   Christopher Columbus and Georges Favre-Jacot \u2013 founder of the Manufacture Zenith \u2013 definitely have in common a pioneering spirit, a thirst for discovery and a love of challenges. The same passion and the same enterprising spirit guided Christopher Columbus and Georges Favre-Jacot towards uncharted horizons; the former when he braved the oceans to open up the western route to the Indies; and the latter when he founded Zenith in 1865, by creating one of the first industrial watch Manufactures. Almost a century and a half later, the brand with the guiding star remains faithful to this quest for precision and innovation, notably illustrated by more than 300 patents. The Manufacture proved this in 1969 by creating the legendary El Primero automatic movement, which is still the world\u2019s most precise series-produced chronograph. But fine watchmaking is not confined to mechanisms. Continuing its tradition of refined exteriors (notably embodied in its many enamelled pocket watches or in recent Academy models), Zenith once again delights collectors and devotees of rare creations by presenting the Academy Christophe Hurricane Grand Voyage II \u2013 a limited edition distinguished by a remarkable d\u00e9cor adorning the back of the watch. This work of art represented an authentic challenge for the artisans, watchmakers and engineers, who had to rework the movement of the original Academy Christophe Colomb model. They were sometimes required to push the limits of feasibility in order to accommodate these adornments within the same 45 mm-diameter rose gold case, and beneath the same domed sapphire crystal, without making any compromises on precision or reliability. The result is a perfect illustration of Zenith\u2019s creative daring and its ability to combine prodigious mechanisms and decors stemming from the most prestigious artistic crafts.  <br \/><br \/><strong>   Exceptional display  <\/strong><br \/><br \/>On the dial side, Zenith sets the stage for the horological feats gracing the movement, by creating an open structure affording a chance to view three mechanisms in action: the barrel with fus\u00e9e-chain transmission (between 10:30 and 1:30), the gyroscopic Gravity Control system, and the high-frequency regulating organ (at 6 o\u2019clock).  <br \/><br \/>This technical, three-dimensional effect also provides scope for intense aesthetic sophistication, as well as the use of the finest artistic crafts that Zenith is committed to perpetuating with its customary excellence. The three small gold subdials (hours\/minutes at 12 o\u2019clock, small seconds at 9 o\u2019clock, power reserve at 4 o\u2019clock), have been finely guilloch\u00e9, white enamelled and fitted with blued steel hands and screws recalling the grand watchmaking tradition. The mainplate has been entirely hollowed out by hand so as to reveal the Zenith logo in relief and a parade of stars; the hollowed parts have been filled with midnight blue lacquer. The counterweight of the Gravity Control system has also been adorned with a sophisticated and poetic decor featuring an entirely hand-crafted micro-painted depiction of the Southern hemisphere.  <br \/><br \/><strong>   Top-flight craftsmanship  <\/strong><br \/><br \/>While the dial itself is the unmistakable signature of a work of excellence, the back of the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II harbours its own sources of wonderment. Providing a vivid and subtly layered portrayal of the adventures of the famous Italian explorer, this superb miniature highlights the virtuosity of the most brilliant artisans. Secured to the movement by a sophisticated system of gold appliques, this painting brilliantly illustrates Christopher Columbus\u2019 discovery of America in 1492. Created around the mechanism reminiscent of the gimbal suspension system on marine chronometers, the foreground of this tiny work reveals the effigy of Christopher Columbus brandishing the flag of the Spanish monarchy, surrounded by palm trees, two natives offering him exotic fruit, as well as a parrot. These delicate applied figures are finely hand-engraved and then alternately patinated or adorned in dazzling colours. Behind them, sailing across a deep blue ocean, the three famous Ni\u00f1a, Pinta and Santa Maria ships stand out against the backdrop of a luminous sky. The entire scene is micro-painted by hand. The hand-engraved d\u00e9cor portrays the \u201cdiscovery of the Indies\u201d with an infinite wealth of details, notably in terms of the clothing of the natives, the feathers of the flamboyant parrot, and the crests on the Spanish flag. The palm tree foliage as well as the bowl of fruit are hand-engraved and then decked out in colours. Integrating this masterfully executed scene required considerable ingenuity and notably included finding points to which the applied elements could be fixed, while reducing the movement thickness and the spaces between the calibre and the adornments to an absolute minimum (less than a tenth of a millimetre beneath the figurines). Entirely hand-finished by artisans endowed with extreme dexterity, the fabulous ornamentation on the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II makes each timepiece truly one-of-a-kind.  <br \/><br \/><strong>   Conquering precision  <\/strong><br \/><br \/>While Christopher Columbus pushed back known horizons, the watch bearing his name also rolls back the limits of time by combining three mechanisms guaranteeing enhanced precision: a regulating organ with a high oscillation frequency (36,000 vibrations\/hour) dividing time up into tenths of a second; a fus\u00e9e-chain transmission system compensating for the barrel\u2019s variations in force while it is unwinding; and a patented Gravity Control module serving to neutralise the effects of gravity on the rate of a watch. In other words, it successfully solves the problems relating to wearing the watch (gravity) and to its running time (leading to a drop in torque), while ensuring remarkably precise time measurement (related to the oscillation speed of the balance). These feats are achieved by an exceptional movement comprising 939 parts, including 354 for the calibre itself, which in turn houses the 173 parts of the Gravity Control module; while the fus\u00e9e-chain system comprises 585 parts.  <br \/><br \/><strong>   Fus\u00e9e-chain transmission ensuring constant force  <\/strong><br \/><br \/>As a mechanical watch gradually winds down, the movement loses amplitude (corresponding to the balance-wheel\u2019s angle of oscillation) and thus becomes less accurate. The fus\u00e9e-chain transmission system serves on the contrary to keep the driving force perfectly stable throughout the full power reserve \u2013 with the iso-torque shape of the fus\u00e9e compensating for the progressive reduction in the force of the barrel.  <br \/><br \/>The majority of 16th, 17th and 18th century pocket watches were equipped with a fus\u00e9e, but today very few watch manufacturers are capable of transposing and fitting this mechanism within the confines of a wristwatch. With the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II, stemming from two full years of development, Zenith has now entered this highly exclusive club. <br \/><br \/>Transmission between the barrel and fus\u00e9e is handled by an 18 cm-long chain comprising 585 parts. This highly complex construction features alternating double and intermediate links. Once assembled, it is capable of withstanding a traction force of more than 3 kilos.  <br \/><br \/>Throughout the power reserve, the mainspring transmits its energy to the fus\u00e9e via a chain that wraps itself around the barrel. By adjusting the variations in tension, the fus\u00e9e regulates the force that is passed on to the going train \u2013 and thence to the silicon escape-wheel fitted inside the gyroscopic carriage. While it takes more than 50 hours (the power-reserve duration) for the chain to wrap itself around the barrel, winding via the stem provides a fascinating sight. These few seconds enable the fus\u00e9e and the barrel to turn in opposite directions so that the chain wraps itself back around the fus\u00e9e.  <br \/><br \/>The shape of the fus\u00e9e was dictated by the optimal force that the Zenith master-watchmakers wished to give the barrel. Its grooved contours as well as its dimensions are the result of lengthy and particularly complex complications performed for each of the seven construction stages. This fus\u00e9e could doubtless never have been created without the full integration of all professions (notably including movement prototype making) cultivated in the Manufacture Zenith, nor without the use of sophisticated equipment. Such is indeed one of the core strengths of an integrated Manufacture.  <br \/><br \/><strong>   Gravity Control: defying gravity  <\/strong><br \/><br \/>While fus\u00e9e-chain transmission eliminates variations in isochronism (the equal duration of the oscillations), the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II also cancels out another effect that is detrimental to the rate of a mechanical watch: the influence of gravity.  <br \/><br \/>Working on the principle that keeping the regulating organ in a horizontal position engenders the best possible balance-wheel amplitude, that the rate is adjusted in only one direction and is not therefore the result of a compromise, and thus results in optimal timekeeping precision, Zenith devised and patented a revolutionary module enabling the \u201cheart\u201d of the movement and the escapement to remain constantly in this position.  <br \/><br \/>An avant-garde system brilliantly illustrating the creative daring of the Manufacture, the Gravity Control system is also a tribute to history, since it is inspired by the marine chronometers that Zenith used to produce, borrowing from these legendary instruments the principle of gimbal suspension introduced in the 16th century on marine compasses so that they would stay horizontal despite the pitching and rolling of the boat.  <br \/><br \/>The Gravity Control system with its self-regulating gyroscopic mechanism serves to maintain the regulating organ in a permanently horizontal position whatever the angle of the wrist and thereby represents the ultimate evolution of the marine chronometer. The brand with the guiding star is the only watch manufacturer to master this system \u2013 duly rewarded in the \u201cBest Complicated Watch\u201d category at the 2011 Grand Prix d\u2019Horlogerie de Gen\u00e8ve \u2013 that it invented after five years of intense development.  <br \/><br \/><strong>   A stylish presentation box  <\/strong><br \/><br \/>Such an exceptional model deserved an equally exceptional presentation box. The Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II comes in a precious mahogany box featuring ox bone inlays and that can also serve as a humidor with a capacity of 80 cigars. In tribute to Christopher Columbus, this box is adorned with a screen-printed motif on parchment-style papyrus reproducing Waldseem\u00fcller\u2019s planisphere (1507), the first world map to mention the name \u201cAmerica\u201d.  <br \/><br \/>A magnificent ocean voyage and a splendid voyage to the heart of the infinitely small: with this limited edition combining fine watchmaking and artistic crafts, Zenith is setting out to conquer fascinating new horizons, sailing as ever under the banner of daring, authenticity and pleasure.","description_short":"","quantity":0,"minimal_quantity":"1","available_now":"","available_later":"","price":0,"specificPrice":false,"additional_shipping_cost":"0.00","wholesale_price":"0.000000","on_sale":"0","online_only":"0","unity":"","unit_price":0,"unit_price_ratio":"0.000000","ecotax":"0.000000","reference":"18.2215.8805\/36.C713","supplier_reference":"","location":"","width":"0.000000","height":"0.000000","depth":"0.000000","weight":"0.000000","ean13":"","upc":"","link_rewrite":"academy-christophe-colomb-hurricane-grand-voyage-ii","meta_description":"BASELWORLD 2015ZENITHCelebrating 150 years!\u00a0 Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II  DISCOVERING AMERICA In tribute to the legendary explorer Ch...","meta_keywords":"","meta_title":"Watch Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II | Academy 18.2215.8805\/36.C713  Pink Gold - Alligator Bracelet","quantity_discount":"0","customizable":"0","new":false,"uploadable_files":"0","text_fields":"0","active":"1","redirect_type":"","id_product_redirected":"0","available_for_order":"0","available_date":"0000-00-00","condition":"new","show_price":"1","indexed":"1","visibility":"both","date_add":"2015-08-03 22:47:21","date_upd":"2015-09-30 13:55:12","tags":false,"base_price":"0.000000","id_tax_rules_group":"1","id_color_default":0,"advanced_stock_management":"0","out_of_stock":0,"depends_on_stock":false,"isFullyLoaded":true,"cache_is_pack":"0","cache_has_attachments":"1","is_virtual":"0","id_pack_product_attribute":null,"cache_default_attribute":"0","category":"academy","pack_stock_type":"3","id":5181,"id_shop_list":null,"force_id":false,"customization_required":false}

{"Compl\u00e9ment":"Pink Gold - Alligator Bracelet","Statut de vente":"En vente depuis","Date":"2015","Pi\u00e8ce unique":"No","S\u00e9rie limit\u00e9e":"Oui","Nombre d exemplaire":"10","Sexe":"Homme","Gaucher":"No","Diam\u00e8tre":"45","Types":"Hand-winding","Styles":"Atypical, High Horology","Calibre distinction_autre":"Constante force fusee-and-chain transmission, Micro-engraving and micro-painting, Gravity Control","Affichage_autre":"Blued steel hands","Complication":"Skeleton, Small Seconds, Power Reserve Indicator","Mati\u00e8re du bo\u00eetier":"Pink gold","Particularit\u00e9 du boitier":"Sapphire caseback","Particularit\u00e9 du boitier_autre":"Domes protecting the Christophe Colomb module","Etanch\u00e9it\u00e9":"30 meters","Forme":"Round","Cadran":"Gold, Enamelled","Couleur du cadran":"White, Silver, Blue","Index":"Roman numerals","Verre":"Domed, Sapphire, Antireflective coating","Mati\u00e8re du bracelet":"Alligator leather","Fermeture du bracelet":"Triple folding buckle","Couleur du bracelet":"Dark Brown","Plus de caract\u00e9ristiques":"Movement <br \/> El Primero 8805. Hand-wound <br \/> A unique gyroscopic mechanism that maintains the regulating organ in a perfectly horizontal position  <br \/>Calibre: 16 \u00bd \u2018\u2018\u2018 (diameter: 37 mm)  Thickness: 5.85 mm  <br \/>Parts: 354  <br \/>Gyroscopic carriage composed of 173 parts <br \/> Chain made of 585 parts <br \/> Jewels: 53 <br \/> Frequency: 36.000 VpH \u2013 (5 Hz)  Power reserve: minimum 50 hours  <br \/><br \/>   Functions  <br \/>Hours and minutes in an offset subdial at 12 o\u2019clock  <br \/>Self-regulating Gravity Control module at 6 o\u2019clock  <br \/>Small seconds at 9 o\u2019clock  <br \/>Power-reserve indication at 3 o\u2019clock  Fus\u00e9e-chain transmission beneath the hours\/minutes dial<br \/><br \/> Case<strong><br \/><\/strong>Material: 18-carat rose gold    <br \/>Thickness: 14.80 mm \/ 21.80 mm (with domed sapphire crystal)  <br \/>Glass and back: domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. domes protecting the Christophe Colomb module  <br \/><br \/>Dial<br \/>3 enamelled gold subdials  Hour-markers: black lacquered  Hands: blued steel<br \/><br \/>   Strap and clasp<strong><br \/><\/strong>Brown alligator leather strap with rose gold triple folding clasp"}

Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II

Reference: 18.2215.8805/36.C713

• OVERVIEW
• TECHNICAL SHEET

View larger

Previous

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Next

Display all pictures

Brand  :	Zenith
Collection  :	Academy
Model  :	Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II
Reference  :	18.2215.8805/36.C713
Nber of pieces :	10
Complement :	Pink Gold - Alligator Bracelet
On sale :	2015

PRICE ON REQUESTI WANT ITADD TO CART

Quantity

The minimum purchase order quantity for the product is 1

PDF INDEX CARD

• 

Tweet Share

Contact us about this product

REQUEST A PRICE

Price request for Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage IIRef. 18.2215.8805/36.C713

Your Name ^* :

Your E-mail ^* :

Confirm your E-mail ^* :

Your request has been sent to the seller

CLOSE

Contact us about this product

YOU WANT IT ? WE SEARCH IT !

This fonction is reserved for exclusive members of MyWatchSite.

There is nothing easier than becoming a member!

SIGN IN REGISTER

GO TO Zenith WATCHES FOR WOMEN

• Brand  :	Zenith
  Collection  :	Academy
  Model  :	Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II
  Reference  :	18.2215.8805/36.C713
  Nber of pieces :	10
  Complement :	Pink Gold - Alligator Bracelet
  On sale :	2015
  List Price :	On request
  Diameter :	45 mm
  Styles :	Atypical High Horology
  Types :	Hand-winding
  Calibre distinction :	Constante force fusee-and-chain transmission Micro-engraving and micro-painting Gravity Control
  Complication :	Skeleton Small Seconds Power Reserve Indicator
  Case material :	Pink gold
  Case peculiarity :	Sapphire caseback Domes protecting the Christophe Colomb module
  Shape :	Round
  Water-resistance :	30 meters
  Dial :	Gold Enamelled
  Dial color :	White Silver Blue
  Display :	Blued steel hands
  Indexes :	Roman numerals
  Glass :	Domed Sapphire Antireflective coating
  Strap material :	Alligator leather
  Strap color :	Dark Brown
  Strap clasp :	Triple folding buckle
  + More characteristics :	Movement El Primero 8805. Hand-wound A unique gyroscopic mechanism that maintains the regulating organ in a perfectly horizontal position Calibre: 16 ½ ‘‘‘ (diameter: 37 mm) Thickness: 5.85 mm Parts: 354 Gyroscopic carriage composed of 173 parts Chain made of 585 parts Jewels: 53 Frequency: 36.000 VpH – (5 Hz) Power reserve: minimum 50 hours Functions Hours and minutes in an offset subdial at 12 o’clock Self-regulating Gravity Control module at 6 o’clock Small seconds at 9 o’clock Power-reserve indication at 3 o’clock Fusée-chain transmission beneath the hours/minutes dial Case Material: 18-carat rose gold Thickness: 14.80 mm / 21.80 mm (with domed sapphire crystal) Glass and back: domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. domes protecting the Christophe Colomb module Dial 3 enamelled gold subdials Hour-markers: black lacquered Hands: blued steel Strap and clasp Brown alligator leather strap with rose gold triple folding clasp

DESCRIPTION

• BASELWORLD 2015
  
  ZENITH
  
  Celebrating 150 years! 
  
  Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II
  
  DISCOVERING AMERICA
  
  In tribute to the legendary explorer Christopher Columbus, Manufacture Zenith presents one of its most fascinating watch creations, clothed in truly stunning attire. The unique nature of the complex mechanism is matched by an exceptional exterior and decoration. Delicate expressions of top-flight craftsmanship, engraving and micro-painting showcase the full measure of Zenith’s virtuosity in creating horological works combining technical refinement with magnificent artistry . Issued in an entirely hand-finished 10-piece limited edition, the impressive Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage thus pursues its flamboyant evocation of the adventures of the Italian seaman – which it undertook in 2013 with the first Grand Voyage version featuring a unique and splendid decor. On a technical level, this creation sets the stage for three major breakthroughs in watchmaking history: a patented Gravity Control system, fusée-chain transmission, and an exceptional frequency of 36,000 vibrations/hour.
   
  Christopher Columbus and Georges Favre-Jacot – founder of the Manufacture Zenith – definitely have in common a pioneering spirit, a thirst for discovery and a love of challenges. The same passion and the same enterprising spirit guided Christopher Columbus and Georges Favre-Jacot towards uncharted horizons; the former when he braved the oceans to open up the western route to the Indies; and the latter when he founded Zenith in 1865, by creating one of the first industrial watch Manufactures. Almost a century and a half later, the brand with the guiding star remains faithful to this quest for precision and innovation, notably illustrated by more than 300 patents. The Manufacture proved this in 1969 by creating the legendary El Primero automatic movement, which is still the world’s most precise series-produced chronograph. But fine watchmaking is not confined to mechanisms. Continuing its tradition of refined exteriors (notably embodied in its many enamelled pocket watches or in recent Academy models), Zenith once again delights collectors and devotees of rare creations by presenting the Academy Christophe Hurricane Grand Voyage II – a limited edition distinguished by a remarkable décor adorning the back of the watch. This work of art represented an authentic challenge for the artisans, watchmakers and engineers, who had to rework the movement of the original Academy Christophe Colomb model. They were sometimes required to push the limits of feasibility in order to accommodate these adornments within the same 45 mm-diameter rose gold case, and beneath the same domed sapphire crystal, without making any compromises on precision or reliability. The result is a perfect illustration of Zenith’s creative daring and its ability to combine prodigious mechanisms and decors stemming from the most prestigious artistic crafts.
  
  Exceptional display
  
  On the dial side, Zenith sets the stage for the horological feats gracing the movement, by creating an open structure affording a chance to view three mechanisms in action: the barrel with fusée-chain transmission (between 10:30 and 1:30), the gyroscopic Gravity Control system, and the high-frequency regulating organ (at 6 o’clock).
  
  This technical, three-dimensional effect also provides scope for intense aesthetic sophistication, as well as the use of the finest artistic crafts that Zenith is committed to perpetuating with its customary excellence. The three small gold subdials (hours/minutes at 12 o’clock, small seconds at 9 o’clock, power reserve at 4 o’clock), have been finely guilloché, white enamelled and fitted with blued steel hands and screws recalling the grand watchmaking tradition. The mainplate has been entirely hollowed out by hand so as to reveal the Zenith logo in relief and a parade of stars; the hollowed parts have been filled with midnight blue lacquer. The counterweight of the Gravity Control system has also been adorned with a sophisticated and poetic decor featuring an entirely hand-crafted micro-painted depiction of the Southern hemisphere.
  
  Top-flight craftsmanship
  
  While the dial itself is the unmistakable signature of a work of excellence, the back of the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II harbours its own sources of wonderment. Providing a vivid and subtly layered portrayal of the adventures of the famous Italian explorer, this superb miniature highlights the virtuosity of the most brilliant artisans. Secured to the movement by a sophisticated system of gold appliques, this painting brilliantly illustrates Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America in 1492. Created around the mechanism reminiscent of the gimbal suspension system on marine chronometers, the foreground of this tiny work reveals the effigy of Christopher Columbus brandishing the flag of the Spanish monarchy, surrounded by palm trees, two natives offering him exotic fruit, as well as a parrot. These delicate applied figures are finely hand-engraved and then alternately patinated or adorned in dazzling colours. Behind them, sailing across a deep blue ocean, the three famous Niña, Pinta and Santa Maria ships stand out against the backdrop of a luminous sky. The entire scene is micro-painted by hand. The hand-engraved décor portrays the “discovery of the Indies” with an infinite wealth of details, notably in terms of the clothing of the natives, the feathers of the flamboyant parrot, and the crests on the Spanish flag. The palm tree foliage as well as the bowl of fruit are hand-engraved and then decked out in colours. Integrating this masterfully executed scene required considerable ingenuity and notably included finding points to which the applied elements could be fixed, while reducing the movement thickness and the spaces between the calibre and the adornments to an absolute minimum (less than a tenth of a millimetre beneath the figurines). Entirely hand-finished by artisans endowed with extreme dexterity, the fabulous ornamentation on the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II makes each timepiece truly one-of-a-kind.
  
  Conquering precision
  
  While Christopher Columbus pushed back known horizons, the watch bearing his name also rolls back the limits of time by combining three mechanisms guaranteeing enhanced precision: a regulating organ with a high oscillation frequency (36,000 vibrations/hour) dividing time up into tenths of a second; a fusée-chain transmission system compensating for the barrel’s variations in force while it is unwinding; and a patented Gravity Control module serving to neutralise the effects of gravity on the rate of a watch. In other words, it successfully solves the problems relating to wearing the watch (gravity) and to its running time (leading to a drop in torque), while ensuring remarkably precise time measurement (related to the oscillation speed of the balance). These feats are achieved by an exceptional movement comprising 939 parts, including 354 for the calibre itself, which in turn houses the 173 parts of the Gravity Control module; while the fusée-chain system comprises 585 parts.
  
  Fusée-chain transmission ensuring constant force
  
  As a mechanical watch gradually winds down, the movement loses amplitude (corresponding to the balance-wheel’s angle of oscillation) and thus becomes less accurate. The fusée-chain transmission system serves on the contrary to keep the driving force perfectly stable throughout the full power reserve – with the iso-torque shape of the fusée compensating for the progressive reduction in the force of the barrel.
  
  The majority of 16th, 17th and 18th century pocket watches were equipped with a fusée, but today very few watch manufacturers are capable of transposing and fitting this mechanism within the confines of a wristwatch. With the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II, stemming from two full years of development, Zenith has now entered this highly exclusive club.
  
  Transmission between the barrel and fusée is handled by an 18 cm-long chain comprising 585 parts. This highly complex construction features alternating double and intermediate links. Once assembled, it is capable of withstanding a traction force of more than 3 kilos.
  
  Throughout the power reserve, the mainspring transmits its energy to the fusée via a chain that wraps itself around the barrel. By adjusting the variations in tension, the fusée regulates the force that is passed on to the going train – and thence to the silicon escape-wheel fitted inside the gyroscopic carriage. While it takes more than 50 hours (the power-reserve duration) for the chain to wrap itself around the barrel, winding via the stem provides a fascinating sight. These few seconds enable the fusée and the barrel to turn in opposite directions so that the chain wraps itself back around the fusée.
  
  The shape of the fusée was dictated by the optimal force that the Zenith master-watchmakers wished to give the barrel. Its grooved contours as well as its dimensions are the result of lengthy and particularly complex complications performed for each of the seven construction stages. This fusée could doubtless never have been created without the full integration of all professions (notably including movement prototype making) cultivated in the Manufacture Zenith, nor without the use of sophisticated equipment. Such is indeed one of the core strengths of an integrated Manufacture.
  
  Gravity Control: defying gravity
  
  While fusée-chain transmission eliminates variations in isochronism (the equal duration of the oscillations), the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II also cancels out another effect that is detrimental to the rate of a mechanical watch: the influence of gravity.
  
  Working on the principle that keeping the regulating organ in a horizontal position engenders the best possible balance-wheel amplitude, that the rate is adjusted in only one direction and is not therefore the result of a compromise, and thus results in optimal timekeeping precision, Zenith devised and patented a revolutionary module enabling the “heart” of the movement and the escapement to remain constantly in this position.
  
  An avant-garde system brilliantly illustrating the creative daring of the Manufacture, the Gravity Control system is also a tribute to history, since it is inspired by the marine chronometers that Zenith used to produce, borrowing from these legendary instruments the principle of gimbal suspension introduced in the 16th century on marine compasses so that they would stay horizontal despite the pitching and rolling of the boat.
  
  The Gravity Control system with its self-regulating gyroscopic mechanism serves to maintain the regulating organ in a permanently horizontal position whatever the angle of the wrist and thereby represents the ultimate evolution of the marine chronometer. The brand with the guiding star is the only watch manufacturer to master this system – duly rewarded in the “Best Complicated Watch” category at the 2011 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève – that it invented after five years of intense development.
  
  A stylish presentation box
  
  Such an exceptional model deserved an equally exceptional presentation box. The Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II comes in a precious mahogany box featuring ox bone inlays and that can also serve as a humidor with a capacity of 80 cigars. In tribute to Christopher Columbus, this box is adorned with a screen-printed motif on parchment-style papyrus reproducing Waldseemüller’s planisphere (1507), the first world map to mention the name “America”.
  
  A magnificent ocean voyage and a splendid voyage to the heart of the infinitely small: with this limited edition combining fine watchmaking and artistic crafts, Zenith is setting out to conquer fascinating new horizons, sailing as ever under the banner of daring, authenticity and pleasure.