A Revealing Conversation with Zenith CEO Benoit De Clerck: Striking Balance and Rectifying Rumours

In the latest episode of ‘The Business of Watches’, Benoit De Clerck, the CEO of Zenith Watches, shared intriguing insights about the famed El Primero Movement. De Clerck, who has been heading Zenith for a few years now, opens up about the challenging times the brand and the entire industry have been facing. With a rich heritage spanning over 160 years and still operating from its original manufacturing location in Le Locle, Switzerland, Zenith has had to adapt to the changing tides. It’s doing so by implementing a multi-faceted approach to tackle the challenges. By controlling production to strike a balance between sell-in and sell-out, Zenith is ensuring sustainable business operations. An interesting development is the company’s intensified movement in providing more calibers to other brands under the LVMH watch group. This not only demonstrates Zenith’s expert craftsmanship but also fosters a synergy within the LVMH family. Amid the circulating rumors about Zenith being up for sale, De Clerck offered a robust and detailed response that listeners would find engaging. Is the El Primero maker really on the selling block? Delve into the conversation to find out what De Clerck has to say about it. Adding a captivating spin to the podcast, Logan Baker, the former Hodinkee editor, dropped in to share his take on Zenith and the recent downscaling valuation of Breitling by its private equity ownership. He even showcased a few of his unique vintage Zenith watches for the audience. This enlightening conversation provides a wealth of information about Zenith’s strategy, business dynamics, and the iconic El Primero Movement. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn directly from the industry insiders. Tune in to the podcast and forever change how you view Zenith and watchmaking.