132 January 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com marketplace A Daredevil’s Partner When Felix Baumgartner skydived an estimated 39 kilometres, he was not only breaking world records and bending the laws of physics. He was also sporting a watch that was set to create a new standard for timepieces. ASIA JEWELLERS The Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix aims to salute excellence and reward the finest creations in the watchmaking sector. With 70 models competing in various categories, Zenith was honoured by the jury for the ‘Sports Watch’ category. Like all models produced by the brand, this watch is in harmony with Zenith’s values — authenticity, daringness and pleasure. True to the Rainbow Flyback model developed for the French Air Force in 1997, the Stratos is equipped with the world’s most precise automatic chronograph movement, the legendary El Primero. This made the model the ideal partner for the exploit of Zenith’s ambassador — Felix Baumgartner. In visual terms, the three different coloured counters are a reminder of the El Primero chronograph launched in 1969, equipped with a dial that was extremely unusual for the era and designed to improve its readability. Other than the chronograph function, the El Primero Stratos is equipped with a ‘Striking 10th’ function to facilitate the tenth of a second display. Coupled with the flyback mode, it is particularly useful for aviation, as it allows pilots to stop, reset to zero and restart the chronograph in a single movement. During the Red Bull Stratos mission, Zenith watch was confronted with the most extreme conditions possible in terms of temperature, low pressure, speed, friction and impact. The brand is therefore the first to see one of its watches break the sound barrier on the very edge of space. “We have often been in the vanguard of unexplored realms and have accompanied the craziest projects. It is this ability to suggest new ideas and to believe in the achievement of new technical developments that is the most fascinating thing about Zenith,” says Zenith CEO, Jean-Frédéric Dufour. “Our watches have taken part in some of humanity’s greatest adventures, accompanying explorer Roald Amundsen on his discovery of the North and South poles, Mahatma Gandhi in his peaceful struggle for India’s independence and the fearless Colonel John Blashford-Snell on his many expeditions. Felix Baumgartner is made of the same stuff as these pioneers and we are very proud to have been able to be with him during what he has just achieved.” E Call 17 535-344.
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