After an early autumn marked by abnormally warm weather, the dreaded winter that has been so long awaited has arrived at our doorstep.
Hated by many, the cold weather isn’t necessary an enemy. For winter sports enthusiasts we are entering the perfect season for a good ski trip with friends accompanied, why not, by a good lunch at a high-altitude lodge.
After this little introduction you may be wondering, “Am I on IWS or inside a magazine dedicated to skiing?”
Don’t worry friends, don’t turn the page because you are on IWS and so, as usual, we will go straight to talking about watches.
But then-what does the part about skiing have to do with it?
Here is unveiled the newly formed collaboration between Zenith and the iconic French luxury ready-to-wear and skiwear brand, Fusalp. Driven by a shared passion for technical innovation and contemporary design, the two brands decided to create a collection of watches and apparel to brave winter in style.
The collab between Fusalp and Zenith
The Maison leader in watchmaking innovation since 1865 and the iconic French brand, sharing a historic savoir-faire that has always distinguished them, have decided to collaborate ahead of the winter season to create a capsule to mark Fusalp’s 70th anniversary.
Through the union of the creativity of the two companies, a collection with an exclusive and sporty character was born. It consists of two customized watches in perfect harmony with the Annecy-based brand’s sport-chic clothing.
Sharing the same vision for innovation, Zenith and Fusalp are two brands that certainly do not leave behind the tradition that has always distinguished them.
About this collaboration, Zenith CEO Julien Tornare said, “This is an exciting new collaboration for Zenith, which is very close to our hearts. Fusalp is much more than a fashion Maison: it is innovation. The constant commitment to produce clothing that is not only trendy, but also of high technical performance is perfectly in line with the spirit of Zenith.”
Fusalp CEO Alexandre Fauvet, on the other hand, commented by saying, “Fusalp and Zenith have revolutionized their respective fields. As the inventor of the world’s first automatic chronograph movement in 1968, Zenith represents the control of time and movement. Two years earlier, Fusalp invented the first competition ski suit, with which the French national team would win seven gold medals at the 1966 World Alpine Skiing Championships in Portillo. These achievements consecrated Fusalp and Zenith as pioneers, creators of exceptional products designed with refined craftsmanship, modernity and precision.”
Zenith x Fusalp Defy Classic Skeleton
Inspired by models from the Maison’s now well-known and modern “Defy” line, these two new Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton watches present a versatile style and futuristic lines. The choice of this model from the Manufacture in Le Locle was dictated by the fact that they wanted to dedicate this capsule to both a male and female audience, thanks to the absolutely versatile dimension of the case.
Created in two different versions, the new Defy Classic Skeleton Fusalp is made with a white or black ceramic case, perfectly matching Fusalp’s sport-chic garments with a quilted design featuring an exclusive linear graphic pattern.
Further distinguishing mark that highlight this collaboration is the logo depicting a star (symbol of the watch manufacture) and a snowflake superimposed, specifically developed for this collection and affixed above the garments and on the skeleton dial of the watches.
The latter features several contrasts by presenting an open rose gold-colored lower level surrounded by a ring in the three colors of France to recall the clothing brand’s origins.
To keep an eye on the new Defy Classic Skeleton at all times while you’re on the ski slopes, Fusalp has equipped the sleeves of the jackets with a zippered opening designed to comfortably wear the watch and be able to easily consult it.
For added comfort, the strap was made of rubber. It incorporates elements inspired by Fusalp’s design like an embossed pattern of concentric rectangles similar to garment fabric.
Animating this Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton we find, inside the 41 mm diameter case, the Elite high-frequency automatic movement with a 50-hour power reserve.
Created to challenge the ski slopes, this collection represents an opportunity to be able to take on any kind of snow challenge in style without sacrificing the comfort and elegance that, only two brands with savoir-faire like Zenith and Fusalp, could be able to achieve.
Price and availability
The Zenith x Fusalp collection was presented to the public in November 2022, during the opening of the new Fusalp boutique in Zurich.
The watches will be available at Zenith’s physical and online boutiques worldwide, and at selected Fusalp outlets. Both watches will be a limited edition: 300 pieces for the black ceramic version and 100 for the white ceramic one.
List price is EUR 9’700 for the black version and EUR 10’700 for white.
To learn more about Zenith and Fusalp visit the official website dedicated to the collab.
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