Zenith’s First Romeo y Julieta Watch Can’t Be Found in the U.S.
Zenith unveiled a set of special-edition Elite Moonphase Romeo y Julieta watches last month in Havana in partnership with Habanos. The Romeo y Julieta watch collaboration is the first special edition in the newly redesigned Elite collection introduced earlier this year.
Both the his and her models are limited to 145 pieces in commemoration of the Romeo y Julieta cigar brand’s 145th anniversary. The storied brand was celebrated this year at the Habanos Festival with an entire new line of Romeo cigars as well as a cigar gala finale. Founded in 1875, Romeo y Julieta is one of the most revered names in the world of Cuban cigars.
“With Romeo y Julieta, we have conceived a special his and hers set of watches that highlight the timeless beauty of our Elite collection and the enduring appeal of Romeo y Julieta’s exquisite cigars...” said Julien Tornare, Zenith CEO, at the launch event.
The 40.5mm, blue stainless steel Romeo for him (€7,800) and the 36mm, red Julieta for her (€9,700) are encircled with 75 brilliant diamonds. The double hemispherical moonphase complication is positioned at 6 o’clock under the Romeo y Julieta logo on the sunray dial. The unusual waxing and waning double moonphase depicts the star-crossed lovers of Shakespeare’s legendary tragedy in an eternal chase across the night sky. In a particularly creative flourish, each silvery moon is laser-engraved with one of the lovers’ faces as portrayed on Romeo y Julieta cigar boxes.
The Zenith and Habanos partnership launched in 2016 with Cohiba and followed with two additional co-branded special editions in 2017 and 2018. In 2019, the 50th anniversary of Habanos’ Trinidad brand presented the opportunity to create three unique watches to mark the occasion for fans.
“We have always said that our relationship with Zenith is marked by the emotion that unites our brands, and we are proud to witness the series of unique watches that are the result of the alliance of these two icons of luxury,” said José María Lopez, Habanos’ vice-president of development.
