2011 Zenith Heritage Ultra Thin 40mm '20th Anniversary Kazakhstan Independence'

Here we have a very limited, possibly unique 2011 Zenith Heritage Ultra Thin 40mm celebrating the '20th Anniversary of Kazakhstan Independence' from the Soviet Union, which was celebrated in 2011, marking 20 years since Kazakhstan's declaration of sovereignty on December 16, 1991. The celebrations highlighted the country's perceived progress under the motto "20 years of peace and creation," with official events and the year-long commemoration overseen by a state commission. Featuring a 40mm ultra-thin polished and brushed stainless steel case that gently curves over your wrist with fine tapered flat-ended lugs. Its polished, curved flanks lead to a comfortable 47mm lug-to-lug length and a case thickness of just 8.5mm. On the right side, a signed coin-edged crown. The smooth, polished bezel holds a domed sapphire crystal above a stunning sunburst silver dial printed with the '20th Anniversary of Kazakhstan Independence' logo. An outer minute track surrounds applied facet-edged dagger indexes marking the hours. As you rotate your wrist, the polished elements magically play with the light. Elegant, polished Dauphine hands sit next to a crosshair running seconds at 9 o’clock. At noon, the Zenith star and motif complete this distinguished 20th Anniversary timepiece. On the reverse, a screw-down exhibition case back is engraved with the watch's details along its edge and the signature of Nursultan Nazarbayev, first President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the centre. Inside an automatic Zenith Cal. 681, 27 jewels, beating at 28,800 beats per hour, the movement features hacking seconds and hand-winding. It is decorated with a skeletonised, signed rotor, perlage, and Côte de Genève finishing. It comes paired with its 20mm Zenith leather strap and signed pin buckle. This watch is sold with its original Zenith '20th Anniversary of Kazakhstan Independence' box and Card.

This watch is sold with its original Zenith '20th Anniversary of Kazakhstan Independence' box and Card. The watch comes paired with its original Zenith 20mm leather strap and pin buckle. The watch is from Circa. 2011 and is sold in Like-New condition, stored in the box from new, as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

This is the Zenith Heritage Ultra Thin in 40mm, which, in its own right, is a fantastic watch, but this example has an incredible piece of history associated with the watch. The emblem at 6 o'clock and on the box is to celebrate the '20th Anniversary of Kazakhstan Independence' from the Soviet Union, which was celebrated in 2011, marking 20 years since Kazakhstan's declaration of sovereignty on December 16, 1991. The case back also features a signature of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the first President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. As a watch, it stands on its own, but as a piece of important history, it is something else entirely. I would not hesitate to add this watch to your collection today. I highly doubt another will be found anytime soon!

Reference : 03.2010.681/01.C493
Movement : Automatic Zenith Cal. 681
Age : Circa. 2011
Year : 2011
Case Size : 40mm
Case Thickness : 8.5mm
Lug to Lug : 47mm
Lugs : 20mm
Condition : Like-New
Box and Papers : Box & Card
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Zenith was established in 1865 by the ambitious 22-year-old watchmaking prodigy Georges Favre-Jacot. The company established its manufacturing base in Le Locle, a picturesque town in the Swiss Jura Mountains known for its rich horological heritage. The brand gained international recognition in 1909 when the pioneering French aviator Louis Blériot wore a Zenith watch during his historic flight across the English Channel, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. Zenith's watches have adorned the wrists of remarkable adventurers, including the legendary Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. He made history by being the first person to reach both the South Pole in 1911 and the North Pole in 1926. As the company approached its centennial celebration in 1965, Zenith’s designers sought to confront the most challenging technological hurdle facing the watch industry: the creation of a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement. Their efforts culminated in the development of the legendary El Primero movement, which was released in 1969. The El Primero, known for its high-frequency escapement and remarkable accuracy, went into production in 1975 and saw a re-issue in 1986. However, the 1960s were turbulent for Zenith due to ongoing litigation regarding naming rights. To navigate through these challenges, the Zenith watch company merged in 1968 with Movado, another respected Swiss brand. This strategic alliance allowed Zenith to leverage Movado’s extensive distribution networks in the United States and stabilise its presence in the market. In 1971, the Zenith Radio Company, which had previously been in conflict with its Swiss counterpart, opted to buy Zenith Watch Company, effectively uniting two entities under the same brand during a challenging period known as the Quartz Crisis. In 1975, Zenith's leadership made the drastic decision to transition entirely to quartz watch production, marking a significant shift in their manufacturing philosophy. This included the controversial decision to destroy all mechanical watch components and blueprints, including those related to the historical El Primero movement. However, thanks to the courageous actions of Charles Vermot, a senior engineer in Zenith’s movement-making department, the company's rich mechanical heritage was saved. Together with a small group of loyal colleagues, Vermot secretly hid the El Primero blueprints and parts in a concealed attic at the factory, preserving them for potential future use amidst the pervasive quartz trend. Vermot’s foresight bore fruit in the 1980s as the market shifted back toward mechanical watches. Prominent brands like Ebel and Rolex reintroduced mechanical chronograph styles, paving the way for Zenith’s revival. The carefully safeguarded El Primero re-emerged as the driving force behind Rolex's hugely successful Daytona series. In 1978, Zenith was acquired from Zenith Radio Company, which is now part of LG Electronics, by Dixi, a company specialising in machine tools based in Le Locle. This transition marked a new chapter for Zenith, which began reintroducing its El Primero-equipped chronograph watches to meet the rising demand for high-end mechanical timepieces. In 1999, Zenith became part of the prestigious LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) group, aligning itself with other luxury brands such as TAG Heuer and Hublot. Even today, Zenith stands out as one of the few Swiss manufacturers that not only produces mechanical watches but also crafts its own movements.