Zenith Pays Tribute to Cohíba’s 50th Anniversary
The legendary El Laguito cigar factory hosted the launch of Zenith’s El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Cohíba Edition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the world’s most prestigious cigar brand. The ceremony was attended by Aldo Magada, president and CEO of Zenith; Javier Terres, vice president of Development with Habanos S.A., and Nick Folkes, contributing editor to Vanity Fair, among others.
Mr. Terres, on behalf of Habanos and Tabacuba, welcomed the attendees. “This project, with Cohíba and Zenith, began on September 9, 2015. That day Aldo Magada and myself discussed the collaboration between our companies. Now we’re here to present a reality materialized in three watch models that stand for both emblematic brands: Cohíba and Zenith.”
“In 2016 we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the brand. We had three exceptional releases at the Habanos Festival last March: Cohíba 50th Anniversary Humidor, a piece of artwork and marquetry; Cohíba 1966, inspired by the Havana furniture style in the 1950s and 1960s, and Cohíba Medio Siglo, a small format in line with current trends.”
“Zenith and Cohíba have similar values and the result of the relation has been amazing. Cohíba is always seeking excellence and it will always be part of our DNA. I would like to publicly thank all Habanos’ and Zenith’s teams that have been involved in this project, for their effort, love, respect, time and dedication. Rather than a pleasure, it’s been a privilege for us to be able to devote much of our time to this project.”
As for Zenith, Mr. Magada said that it’s an incredible pleasure to be part of history and be part of what’s more important: human relations. He thanked Javier Terres for everything he’s done. “I would like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, to Tabacuba and especially Pedro Luis, director of this beautiful manufacturer. As a cigar smoker, this is Disneyland for me.”
The CEO of Zenith also thanked the representation of Habanos executive committee, co-president Inocente Nuñez, Luis Sánchez and vice-president Leopoldo Cintra.
“Today is a kind of kickoff meeting for launching the special series for the 50th anniversary. It’s also a kickoff to launch a partnership we hope will be long-lasting.”
On the other hand, Nick Folkes pointed out that he first visited Havana in 1995. “Much has changed about this great city in that time, but one of the things that for me have remained untouched is my desire to keep coming back.”
“I’m one of the few people that have actually tried by hand both watch-making and cigar-rolling. I can tell you that assembling a movement or making a cigar is a great experience. I deeply respect the craft men and craft women whose fingers produce these miracles on a daily basis.”
“Even though mechanization and computerization have changed much of the way that modern objects are made, the best cigars and watches in the world are still made by hand, by men and women who are proud of their work.”
“Now, through Zenith and Cohíba, these wonders are speaking to each other in the same language. One of the things they say is that legends live forever. We’re so lucky to be here celebrating a partnership that is more than the union of two world-famous brands. This is the union of the cultures of two great and proudly independent nations.”
