With a surname identical to Pantone, yes, the founders of the Colour Matching System®, one can only imagine the confusion, or worse, cases of mistaken identity that Argentinian-Spanish artist Felipe Pantone has encountered. The artist’s exploration of colours — as described in his profile: “He [Pantone] probes how the displacement of the light spectrum affects colour and repetition” — adds layers to the dilemma. For clarity, any future references to Pantone will pertain to the artist.
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Zenith and Pantone recently showcased the latest chapter in their collaboration — the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone. This marks the fifth project conceptualised and produced by these two visionary minds, the first being a uniquely coloured gradient tarpaulin for Zenith’s Le Locle manufacture façade in 2020. Following collaborations — including the most recent release — emerged from Zenith’s DEFY watch range. The initial DEFY 21 Felipe Pantone was succeeded by the exclusive and highly sought-after Zenith x Felipe Pantone DEFY 21 Double Tourbillon Only Watch edition (both in 2021) and then the 2022 DEFY Extreme Felipe Pantone set the stage for this year’s limited edition release of 100 pieces.
In contrast to its two previous commercial versions, this year’s edition replaces Zenith’s renowned high-frequency chronograph with a tourbillon, the bridge of which is designed in Pantone’s signature lightning bolt shape. Additional nods to the artist’s work are found in the sapphire dial featuring concentric circle micro-engravings on the front and a reflective metallic finish on the back to mirror the colours of a CD. A similar gradient colour technique is applied to the contorted watch hands and hour indices.
Although the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone will only be available at selected Zenith boutiques starting 12 September, we had the chance to converse with Felipe Pantone regarding his latest collaboration with Zenith.
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Learn about Argentinian-Spanish artist Felipe Pantone’s latest partnership with Zenith, the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone.
Hello Felipe, congratulations on your latest project with Zenith! This marks your fifth project with Zenith, the first being on the manufacture facade and four focused on watches. How would you describe your relationship with Zenith?
Thank you! My relationship with Zenith has been built on mutual respect and a shared vision. From the outset, there was a natural synergy between us. Zenith’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation resonates perfectly with my artistic perspective. Over the years, our collaborations have transitioned from expansive murals to intricate watches, each endeavor further enhancing our creative partnership. It’s been a journey of discovery, pushing the limits of what can be achieved when watchmaking intersects with contemporary art.
Continuing on the theme of relationships, have you frequently been mistakenly associated with the Pantone company due to the similarity in your names and both your associations with colour?
The name similarity is purely coincidental, though I do find the mix-up amusing. It’s always intriguing to observe how people draw those connections. In my youth, I used to do graffiti and adopted the name PANT1. As I matured, I learned about the Pantone company, and recently discovered they followed me on Instagram. I suppose they’re not upset with me, so I decided to follow them back.
Is there a specific colour that you feel best represents your personality?
I would prefer to be seen as a gradient rather than a single colour. My personality, similar to my art, is in constant flux and development. I am attracted to a spectrum of colours because they symbolize movement, transition, and the blending of diverse elements into a cohesive yet fluid entity. If I had to choose one, it would likely be a vivid blue — a hue that embodies both serenity and intensity, akin to the balance I strive for in my life and work.
After months of collaboration on the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone, how excited are you to finally see the watch in person?
Experiencing the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon in person was utterly thrilling. After months of ideation, design, and refinement, finally holding the completed piece in my hands was profoundly gratifying. The transition from concept to a physical object is always intriguing, and this watch, in particular, surpassed my expectations. The way it interacts with light, the precision of its mechanics, and its overall presence — it all converged remarkably, truly reflecting the essence of our collaboration.
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This is one of those creations that pictures don’t adequately portray; it needs to be seen in person, where light animates the intricate details of the watch. Do you concur?
Absolutely. The DEFY Skyline Tourbillon reveals its true beauty when experienced firsthand. While photographs can capture the design, they fail to convey the play of light on the prismatic dial or how colours shift as you move your wrist. The depth, texture, and subtle details — all of these aspects come to life when you see the watch in person. It’s a piece that engages with its surroundings, an experience that you can only fully appreciate by holding it.
The design features of the watch, such as the Planned Iridescence dial, the gradient colours, and the bolt-shaped tourbillon bridge, embody your work and reflect your persona. What message do you wish to convey, or what emotion do you aim to evoke when people see the watch?
I hope people will feel a surge of energy and curiosity when they see the watch. The design elements, including the iridescent dial and gradient colours, are intended to invoke sensations of dynamism and transformation. The bolt-shaped tourbillon bridge symbolizes speed and power, critical elements in both my art and the concept of time itself. Ultimately, I seek to inspire a sense of movement — both visually and emotionally — making the wearer aware that time is ever-changing and acknowledging the beauty within that ceaseless motion.
Roger Gastman states, “Felipe Pantone evokes a spirit in his work that feels like a collision between an analogue past and a digitised future where human beings and machines will inevitably glitch alongside one another in a prism of neon gradients, geometric shapes, optical patterns, and jagged grids.” Has working with Zenith prompted you to reflect on the significant impact that time has on you and your artworks?
Collaborating with Zenith has certainly enhanced my appreciation for time’s concept and its influence on my creations. Time plays a crucial role in both watchmaking and art — one measures it while the other captures it. The notion of a merger between the analogue past and the digital future is a theme I continuously delve into, with watchmaking representing the meeting point of these two realms. The more I’ve interacted with the intricacies of timepieces, the more I’ve contemplated how time influences my creative process. It has heightened my awareness of how transient moments are and the significance of encapsulating that energy in my work. Every piece I produce represents a snapshot of a specific moment in time while also being part of a larger continuum, akin to the ticking of a watch.
This story initially appeared on MensFolio.com
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