Historic Swiss watchmaker Zenith has welcomed one of the region’s most prolific pianists, Guy Manoukian, as its latest friend of the brand. The Lebanese-Armenian musician perfectly encapsulates the innovative nature of the manufacturer and its commitment to constantly pushing boundaries and making history along the way.
Since its establishment in 1865, Zenith has been a prolific part of haute horology with its timepieces spotted on the wrists of extraordinary figures – from Louis Blériot’s history-making flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-setting stratospheric free-fall jump. Much like Manoukian, the brand is all about striving for the exceptional, like creating the world’s first automatic chronograph caliber with the El Primero in 1969.
For Manoukian, joining the Zenith family presents itself as an honor and is something that fits with his own values. “I’ve always said that the biggest risk you can take in your life is when you don’t take risks at all. The values and principles of Zenith are much like the ones I’ve believed in all my life. Reaching for the stars is a motto I live by every day, and it’s something I’m proud of.”
In the same way, as Zenith combines its vast heritage and tradition with contemporary sensibilities, Manoukian is known for combining classical arrangements and Arabic melodies with contemporary sounds for a global audience. This has allowed the pianist to become one of the most acclaimed musicians in the region with a number of achievements under his belt.
Not only did Manoukian start playing at the young age of four under the mentorship of renowned Lebanese teachers but was soon after invited to perform at Lebanon’s Presidential Palace. Since his first solo concert as a teenager, the pianist has not only played at some of the most prestigious venues in the world but has also collaborated with chart-topping artists across a diver range of genres. This versatility and commitment to his art is what aligns Manoukian with Zenith and sets the path for a brighter future together.
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