Watches

Zenith Announces a Slew of Female Watch Ambassadors

WatchesMar 02, 2021

Zenith Announces a Slew of Female Watch Ambassadors

It comes on the heels of its first collection exclusively for women, Defy Midnight.

20210302_Zenith-header.jpg
Women from all over the world who hold a variety of professions star in Zenith’s new global campaign and are called the “Zenith DreamHers.” The American ambassador is ballerina Precious Adams, pictured in a timepiece from the Defy Midnight collection, exclusive to women.
New York—This year, Swiss watchmaker Zenith unveiled its first collection geared exclusively for women, Defy Midnight.

Now, it’s unveiled a wide array of female spokespeople.

Dubbed the “Zenith DreamHers,” the women come from a mix of professional backgrounds and star in the brand’s new global campaign.

The DreamHers are: Airi Hatakeyama, Teresa J. Cuevas, Song Jia, Precious Adams, Sheila Sim, Laura Noltemeyer, Kearen Pang, Federica Segato, Laetitia Guarino and Amandine Chaignot.

Airi Hatakeyama is a Japanese rhythmic gymnast who became a media personality. At age 17, she represented Japan in her sport at the 2012 Olympics. Now, she’s a sportscaster and hosts several television shows.

Teresa J. Cuevas is a Spanish architect and painter. She worked with a premier architecture studio in South Korea, where she also learned about a polar opposite discipline, abstract art. She returned to Spain and began pursuing her new passion for painting in earnest. Now, she is a rising abstract art painter.

Song Jia is a star of Chinese cinema, making her mark over the last two decades. In the last few years, she has had leading roles in some of China’s largest films. Jia is a philanthropist at heart, working as an ambassador with the United Nations Environment Program promoting sustainability, as well as WWF’s Earth Hour Campaign star to advocate for preserving Chinese wildlife.

American ballerina Precious Adams is one of classical dance’s greatest stars. Her lifelong dedication to her craft brought her to ballet academies around the world. Now, at the peak of her career, she dances with the English National Ballet. She is a vocal supporter of diversity and inclusiveness in her art form.

A number of roles describe Singaporean media personality Sheila Sim. She’s a model, actress, businesswoman, mother, and most recently, a wellbeing advocate. A student of positive psychology, her latest business venture “WonderandWellness” promotes achieving wellness and personal growth.

Sim said, “As someone whose career has evolved many times over the years, I wish to always be surprised by new horizons and endless possibilities. Life is full of 
surprises, and I will make sure that when the next door opens for me, I'll be ready to receive them with open arms.”

German entrepreneur Laura Noltemeyer started a blog covering her passion for design, art and fashion while working on a master thesis in architecture. It took off and opened new doors for the creative. 

This year, Noltemeyer founded a German-made, vegan cosmetic brand called Bayage Beauty.

Noltemeyer’s advice for other young women is to, “Be yourself and trust your heart. This will always lead you in the right direction and help to make your dreams come true.”
Actress Kearen Pang is one of Hong Kong cinema’s biggest stars. Pang got her start at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Today she is an award-winning multimedia creator who has written, directed and acted in plays and films.

“Time does not change for anyone, so enjoy and treasure every minute in life, because your dream can come true at any moment,” she said.

Federica Segato is an Italian entrepreneur who turned her frustration over obstacles to entering the business world as a young woman to innovation. In 2019, she created an online networking connecting Italian professional women called “Career Leadhers.” 

Today, it boasts a network of 30,000 professionals, landing Segato on Forbes Italy’s “100 under 30, leaders of the future” list.

“I am thrilled to take part of Zenith’s ‘DreamHers’ campaign as I strongly feel we share the same mission,” she noted. “Both DreamHers and my company, Career 
Leadhers, celebrate women and support their uniqueness and ambition.”

Laetitia Guarino is a Swiss model-turned-doctor. 

She was 2015’s Miss Switzerland before completing her education in medicine. She now works in general surgery and serves in philanthropic roles as an ambassador for the Swiss Red Cross and for Terre des hommes, a Swiss charity that helps ill children around the world.

Of her current career she said, “I always wanted to become a doctor and commit myself to helping others. I truly believe the key to success in life is being passionate, daring and getting involved. Through my humanitarian actions and my career in surgery, I work hard to inspire, do some good in this world and ultimately follow my dreams.”

French Chef Amandine Chaignot followed the family tradition of pursuing pharmacology, before switching gears to pursue her passion for cooking. 

She studied at the Ferrandi cooking school before working for some of the world’s most celebrated chefs. She became executive chef at the Rosewood London, then acted as a judge on the French edition of “MasterChef.”

Today, she is the founder of her own restaurant, Pouliche, in Paris. 

She explained, “For the longest time, I thought that some things were out of reach, until I realized that I had built barriers myself. Since then, I dare, sometimes I stumble, but I move on and I never regret. The greatest gift you can give a young girl today is to teach her to believe in herself.”

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Steven Lagos and Keith Rolfe
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO

Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.

Kat Florence Paraibas
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’s

The “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.

AGTA logo
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected Directors

Four directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

New Julien’s Auctions CEO Ken Citron
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions

Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.

Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Blue Nile Ellipse earrings
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong Sales

The jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.

Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers family
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 Years

The Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Fura rubies
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest Sale

The auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.

Stuller Fine Jewelry 2027-2028 catalog
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine Collection

Fine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.

2018_Stuller-lab-grown.jpg
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher

Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.

Frederick (Ricky) Wilkinson Bromberg
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67

Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.

Zahn Z Zaha rainbow sapphire ring
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone

With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.

The Retail Smiths principal and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing Matter

Laughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.

Gretchen Koback Pursel
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury Group

Gretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.

Rendering of renovated Orloff Jewelers store
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better Location

The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

Chelsea Gabrielle Momentum Infinite Ring
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

JCK Industry Fund logo
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 Applications

The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.

Remi Guillemin
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of Watches

The auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.

Simon G CEO Zaven Ghanimian
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry Design

Zaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.

Jewelers of America logo
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship

Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.

Sydney Evan Little Love Open Coin Fixed Necklace
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New Collections

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi Scheme

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

Sandy Lerner’s 18-karat gold and diamond cat brooch
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for You

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.

Arnaud Michon
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of Americas

Arnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.

Glitter in the Grove Logo
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’

The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.

Stainless steel Patek Philippe Calatrava watch
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry Box

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy