Jean-frédéric Dufour

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rolex Sa

Search every verified Jean-frédéric Dufour interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Jean-Frédéric Dufour, while serving as CEO of Zenith from 2009 until his move to Rolex, discussed the brand's history and product strategy in several interviews. He described Zenith as a manufacturer that has produced its own movements in-house at its original location in Le Locle for nearly 150 years. Dufour highlighted the El Primero caliber as a legendary and iconic movement, and noted the development of the Christopher Columbus watch, which he said was the only wristwatch at the time able to control the effect of gravity in any position. He also stated that the brand aimed to be contemporary by associating with "modern heroes" such as Felix Baumgartner to inspire new generations. Dufour emphasized the importance of authenticity in watchmaking, cautioning that consumers should verify the origin of components in high-priced tourbillons. He described the brand's pilot watch collection as legitimate due to Zenith's long history in aviation, noting that the company had registered the "pilot" name. Dufour characterized the brand's core identity as one of simplicity and reliability, stating that the original concept of producing precise watches had remained strong regardless of management changes.