Men’s Folio caught up with Zenith Friend of the Brand and Singapore actor Desmond Tan while he was in Geneva, Switzerland for Watches & Wonders Geneva.
Desmond — your maiden trip to Watches & Wonders Geneva, together with Zenith — is a culmination of adventures and experiences since you joined the Zenith family in February 2022. How were you feeling during the days leading up to this trip?
I was filled with excitement and anticipation as my first trip to Watches & Wonders Geneva with Zenith approached. I was eager to embark on a trip I’ve been looking forward to since joining the Zenith family. I’m most honoured and deeply appreciative of this invite from my Zenith family.
Now that you’re in Geneva, was this experience how you imagined it to be?
Being in Geneva with Zenith far surpassed my expectations. It was an enriching and unforgettable experience as I immersed myself in the world of horology surrounded by passionate individuals. It’s a rare opportunity to visit the epicentre of the watchmaking world, as well as to visit the heart of Zenith’s history.
Which Zenith watch are you wearing for this trip?
I’m proudly wearing the Zenith DEFY Skyline for this trip. It’s one of my favourites in my Zenith collection, and it complements any occasion effortlessly.
Describe the feeling you get each time you strap it on or check the time.
Every time I strap on my Zenith watch or glance at the time, I feel a sense of empowerment and confidence — knowing that I have a reliable companion by my side anywhere I go.
Zenith’s newest dive watch, the Zenith DEFY Extreme Diver.
Zenith’s philosophy is “Time to Reach Your Star”. How do you interpret this?
“Time to Reach Your Star” embodies the ethos of striving for excellence and realising one’s full potential, which resonates deeply with me as I pursue my aspirations and dreams as an actor and a fashion enthusiast.
What are some values of Zenith that you resonate with and convince you to join the Zenith family?
The values of reaching for dreams, craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless elegance at Zenith deeply resonate with me, convincing me that I belong with the Zenith family.
You were also in Le Locle to visit the Zenith manufacture. What was the experience like for you?
Visiting the legendary Zenith manufacture felt like a dream come true for me. I had read so much about it and even visualised myself being there countless times. Standing at the exact site, breathing the air, and feeling the space where the great Georges Favre-Jacot — founder of Zenith — once stood was surreal. It felt like I was connecting with history. The spirit of reaching for the stars came alive, and the significance of wearing Zenith’s timepieces became almost sacred. It was like tracing back to the holy grail! It was inspiring and unforgettable.
You got up close and personal with the people working behind the scenes at Zenith and saw the incredible facility, technology and innovations that went into the watches. Do you have a newfound appreciation for the brand after?
Seeing the passion and commitment of the people behind the scenes and the cutting-edge technology driving innovation during my visit to the Zenith manufacture instilled in me a newfound appreciation for the brand.
The Zenith DEFY Skyline Chronograph.
Zenith launched the DEFY Skyline Chronograph and DEFY Extreme Diver at Watches & Wonders Geneva. Choose an occasion for which you’d wear these watches.
I’d wear the Zenith DEFY Skyline Chronograph for a sophisticated evening event and the Zenith DEFY Extreme Diver for adventurous outdoor activities. Both pieces reflect the versatility and functionality of Zenith timepieces.
The high-frequency Zenith El Primero calibre is all about precision and accuracy. How do these two aspects translate into your life and career?
Precision and accuracy are paramount in both my life and career, ensuring that I approach every task with meticulous attention to detail and dedication — just like the high-frequency Zenith El Primero calibre. As an actor, the precision and accuracy of the delivery of performances is the crux of the craft.
Once you are done with this story about Zenith and Desmond Tan, click here to catch up with our May 2024 issue.
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