Introducing The Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II

January 19, 2015

Last year, Zenith released the original Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage, an exceptionally complex watch that puts a fuse and chain constant force mechanism and a unique Gravity Control module on full display. This year, Zenith is following up on that watch with a sequel, and this one adds ornate decoration and artistry to the mix in honor of Christopher Columbus, for whom the watch is named. Theres a lot to take in here, so lets take a closer look at each component. The Grand Voyage?uses the same 45 mm case as last years model, with a thickness that goes from 14.8 mm to 21.8 mm at the domed sapphire crystal. Unlike the original, the new Voyage II adds artistic?embellishments to both the dial side and the display back. The dial side is still largely a cavernous structure, allowing each of the movement components to remain visible. Around the back, there is a vivid portrayal illustrating Christopher Columbus discovery of America in 1492. The entirely hand-engraved work is secured to the movement by a system of gold appliqus, and it creates a rich and colorful backdrop?to the mechanical complexity at work underneath. Getting to the mechanics of the watch, there are two remarkable systems at work, both visible through the dial. The first is a fuse and chain constant force mechanism (operating between 10:30 and 1:30 on the dial), which is meant to counteract the loss of amplitude associated with the watch's unhiding mainspring. The 585-part fuse and chain transmission system?keeps that force perfectly stable throughout the full reserve. Transmission between the barrel and the fuse is handled by an 18-cm-long chain. As the mainspring unwinds, the chain wraps itself around the barrel, drawing power to the fuse, regulating to the going gear train and eventually to the silicon escapement down the line. Being fully visible, winding the watch will yield a rare view of the chain winding itself back around the fuse. The next remarkable structure is the Gravity Control module, which occupies the large sphere set into the case and sapphire at 6 oclock. Unlike a tourbillon, this gyroscopic mechanism serves to keep the regulating organ in?a horizontal position, regardless of the watchs orientation on the wrist. The system pays tribute to the marine chronometers that Zenith produced ages ago, which used a similar device to maintain optimal timekeeping precision. The counterweight of the Gravity Control system features a micro-painted depiction of the Southern Hemisphere. The Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Grand Voyage II uses Zeniths?El Primero 8805, a hand-wound caliber comprised of 354 parts and providing 50 hours of useful power reserve. Time is displayed within a chapter ring at 12 oclock, with running seconds and power reserve indications offset at either side. This watch will be limited to 10 pieces, and will likely command a handsome sum.More information can be found at Zeniths website, right here.