Zenith opened its first store in Malaysia in The Exchange TRX Kuala Lumpur last September. This is good news for local fans of the brand because it now them with access to the brand’s iconic timepieces, now conveniently available in store.
To commemorate the moment, Zenith offered three exclusive watch models that were available only for purchase in this particular boutique. This included the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Boutique Edition with a green dial, the Defy Skyline Boutique Edition with rose gold accents, and the limited edition Defy Skyline Tourbillon by Felipe Pantone.
The boutique limited edition pieces are impressive in their own right, but the star of the day had to be the tourbillon version of Pantone’s latest collaboration with the brand. Just like its namesake, the tourbillon itself takes centre stage, eclipsed only by the sapphire dial micro-engraved with concentric circles.
Couple all that with the rainbow indices, the lightning bolt motifs, and the star rotor with a rainbow finish, and you have a timepiece that you would not want to peel your eyes off of.
The *Men’s Folio* team wanted to know more about the artist and his work, so we sat Pantone down and asked him about his latest collaboration with Zenith.
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Hola Felipe, congratulations on your latest project with Zenith! This release marks your fifth project with Zenith, the first on the manufacture facade and four others focused on the watches. How would you describe your relationship with Zenith?
Gracias! My relationship with Zenith has been one of mutual respect and shared vision. From the very beginning, there was a natural synergy between us. Zenith’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation aligns perfectly with my approach to art. Over the years, our collaborations have evolved from large-scale murals to intricate timepieces, each project deepening our creative partnership. It has been a journey of exploration, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved when watchmaking meets contemporary art.
Staying on the topic of relationships, have you often been mistakenly affiliated with the Pantone company, given your names and both your relationships with colour?
The similarity in the name is coincidental, though I appreciate the humour in the mix-up. It is always interesting to see how people make those connections. I used to graffiti and chose the name PANT1 as a kid. Growing up, I learnt about the Pantone company, and recently, I found out that they followed me on Instagram. I guess they are not mad at me, so I followed back.
Is there a particular colour that best represents your personality?
I would choose to be a gradient rather than a single hue. My personality, much like my work, is constantly shifting and evolving. I am drawn to the spectrum of colours because it represents movement, transition, and blending different elements into something cohesive yet fluid. If I were to pick one, it would probably be a vibrant blue — a colour that symbolises both tranquillity and intensity, much like the balance I try to maintain in my life and art.
This is one of those creations for which pictures do not do justice. It has to be seen in person, where light brings the intricacies of the watch to life. Do you agree with this statement?
Absolutely. The DEFY Skyline Tourbillon is a watch that reveals its true beauty when experienced in person. Photographs can capture the design but cannot convey the play of light on the prismatic dial or how the colours shift as you move your wrist. The depth, textures and subtle details — all of these elements come to life when you see the watch in person. It is a piece that engages with its environment, which you can only fully appreciate when holding it.
The watch design touch points like the planned iridescence dial, the gradient colours, and the boltshaped tourbillon bridge reflect your work and extend your personality. What message do you want to share with people, or what emotion do you want to evoke when they see the watch?
I want people to feel a sense of energy and curiosity when they see the watch. The design elements, like the iridescent dial and the gradient colours, are meant to evoke a feeling of dynamism and change. The bolt-shaped tourbillon bridge is a nod to the idea of speed and power, elements central to both my art and the concept of time itself. Ultimately, I want the watch to inspire a sense of movement — both visually and emotionally — reminding the wearer that time is constantly in flux and that there is beauty in that perpetual motion.
Interview by Asaph Low
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