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CRH1979 · 30 May 2013, 04:46 PM

Anyone have any experience with Zenith Watches? My friend just picked up a Zenith Pilot, looks very nice and a few things I have read seem positive. Just wondering if anyone here has any thoughts? Thanks.

Reu · 30 May 2013, 06:19 PM

Good watches from what I know of them. Modern models seem to be expensive. They got a lot more PR recently as they sponsored Baumgartner when he made the jump.

tigerpac · 31 May 2013, 01:11 AM

Great watches, great value compared to many other brands with similar prices.

Known for their El Primero chrono movement, which has a 36.6bhp beat rate but they also feature a nice standard 3-hand movement (elite).

All in-house, even down to the tools. A nice brand with some excellent watches.

MoosicPa · 31 May 2013, 01:32 AM

Zenith makes an excellent product, and their prices are reasonable compared to similarly situated watch companies. Their movements are in house, and the El Primero movement is second to none!

unknown · 31 May 2013, 01:44 AM

[QUOTE=Reu;4180170] Modern models seem to be expensive. QUOTE]

find me one brand with the same rich history, the same legendary inhouse chrono movements, the same .... which offers something like an El Primero chrono for 5.5K (euro)

All the others that want to compete are AT LEAST 50% MORE EXPENSIVE ( Panerai inhouse chrono, Daytona, JLC, IWC, ...)

unknown · 31 May 2013, 01:47 AM

I dare to say this is for the moment BY FAR the most interesting brand out there if you look at the quality / price ratio

BY FAR !

subtona · 31 May 2013, 01:53 AM

Seem to be relative good value

Java · 31 May 2013, 03:22 AM

Serious watches. I love the two I have. Nothing will touch a Zenith for the price IMHO

CRH1979 · 31 May 2013, 11:25 PM

Thank you all for the great information. I am strongly considering a Zenith for my first watch.

Maxtor · 1 June 2013, 11:10 AM

I have an El Primero HW (manual) and love it. Check it out.
You should be able to find a minty used one for around $2K if you are patient.

powerfunk · 2 June 2013, 01:41 AM

I definitely hope to add a Zenith to my collection. They make 10bps triple-calendar moonphase chronographs that can be scooped up new for 5k, so great value movement-wise IMHO.

Trouble15 · 2 June 2013, 10:21 AM

I've really taken a liking to the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 with the 4061 movement. Anyone have this piece or any feedback/experience with it? Borrowed photo below.

Shade · 3 June 2013, 11:51 AM

Zenith is a very nice watch with extraordinary movements, if not one of the best. They are understated and, the newer designs are really nice.

Reu · 4 June 2013, 07:02 AM

[QUOTE=unknown;4180687]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reu

Modern models seem to be expensive. QUOTE]

find me one brand with the same rich history, the same legendary inhouse chrono movements, the same .... which offers something like an El Primero chrono for 5.5K (euro)

All the others that want to compete are AT LEAST 50% MORE EXPENSIVE ( Panerai inhouse chrono, Daytona, JLC, IWC, ...)

Er excuse me... What's with the INTENSE response! Nothing in my post was negative - I only gave them credit (from what I know).

Did I say they weren't worth the money???? NO.

Did I say they were expensive???? YES.

They are an expensive watch, just like a lot of Rolex's, PAMS and IWC!!!!!

You're going off like I said they weren't worth the money or something...

Whether they are cheaper (and offer better value) than other high-and brands, it's still an expensive watch to what most non-wis types would wear...

HRFdez · 4 June 2013, 07:07 AM

Used to own a Chronomaster XL. Beautiful watch and the movement is just awesome. The only problem I had was lack of usage

111forza · 4 June 2013, 07:32 AM

Imho you will not find better value for the money
Great history & fantastic in house movements
The 2 i own i love

FeelingTheBlues · 4 June 2013, 09:06 AM

Zenith is a brand I like to associate with quality, they do make some great timepieces indeed and it's been like that for a rather long time if you ask me.

JP Chestnut · 4 June 2013, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shade

Zenith is a very nice watch with extraordinary movements, if not one of the best. They are understated and, the newer designs are really nice.

I'm not sure I would agree with that. Case in point, the photo directly before your post. It's a nice looking watch but there's nothing understated about it.

samarth1 · 4 June 2013, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

I'm not sure I would agree with that. Case in point, the photo directly before your post. It's a nice looking watch but there's nothing understated about it.

I think he might have meant underrated? Underrated certainly, but not understated

JP Chestnut · 4 June 2013, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samarth1

I think he might have meant underrated? Underrated certainly, but not understated

That makes sense. They are underrated IMO

benlee · 10 July 2013, 01:25 AM

I am also looking closely at a Zenith watch as a potential purchase, a El Primero Grande Date Chrono with a partial open skeleton display. Don't mind my asking, what is so good about the Zenith's El Primero chrono movement?

joe100 · 10 July 2013, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benlee

I am also looking closely at a Zenith watch as a potential purchase, a El Primero Grande Date Chrono with a partial open skeleton display. Don't mind my asking, what is so good about the Zenith's El Primero chrono movement?

Do a search and you'll see it's highly regarded. Rolex used it for many years in the Daytona. No better endorsement

ess45 · 10 July 2013, 02:07 AM

I love mine.

bde · 10 July 2013, 01:40 PM

I love my Zenith. In house movements with a great history. Supplied movements to notable companies like Rolex and Panerai to name a couple. The bang for the buck factor for a WIS is very high. They're also pretty rare in the US, which adds to the cool factor, IMHO.

wisguy · 10 July 2013, 03:10 PM

It's a great brand, no doubt. I want to like them, but I only find the Pilots to be very desirable.

I was at one of their events with Baumgartner and heard the CEO give a speech about the brand, very nice and likeable guy, really made me want a Zenith just by the passionate way speech.

Maybe someday a Pilot.

wisguy · 10 July 2013, 03:10 PM

It's a great brand, no doubt. I want to like them, but I only find the Pilots to be very desirable.

I was at one of their events with Baumgartner and heard the CEO give a speech about the brand, very nice and likeable guy, really made me want a Zenith just by the passionate way speech.

Maybe someday a Pilot.

bde · 11 July 2013, 04:37 AM

Here's a great thread from 'unknown' showing his trip to Zenith. It's really cool, and gives great insight into all that Zenith does in house. Thanks 'unknown'!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=291057

lightguy · 14 July 2013, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe100

Do a search and you'll see it's highly regarded. Rolex used it for many years in the Daytona. No better endorsement

Rolex actually "hobbled" the movement by taking away the date function and reducing the beat count. Its said to improve reliability (and to make it "different").

I missed a De Luca a little while back and am still kicking myself.

TauHway · 15 July 2013, 06:29 PM

i like their el primeros, especially the 3 colour sub-dial 36000vph. Seen one in real life and it was stunning.

rulessapt · 15 July 2013, 09:56 PM

I've owned a Panerai with a Zenith movement.
The 680 Elite, a three hand movement which is both thin and extremely accurate.
Beautiful.

Rolex sconsidered the Zenith movement good enough for their Daytona cosmograph.

I think they're (Zenith) up there with the best of the inhouse affordable movement watches without quite being stratospheric.

cheers,
richard

30 May 2013, 04:46 PM	#1
CRH1979 Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Beavercreek, OH Posts: 20	Zenith Watches Anyone have any experience with Zenith Watches? My friend just picked up a Zenith Pilot, looks very nice and a few things I have read seem positive. Just wondering if anyone here has any thoughts? Thanks.

31 May 2013, 01:44 AM	#5
unknown "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Europe Posts: 2,823	[QUOTE=Reu;4180170] Modern models seem to be expensive. QUOTE] find me one brand with the same rich history, the same legendary inhouse chrono movements, the same .... which offers something like an El Primero chrono for 5.5K (euro) All the others that want to compete are AT LEAST 50% MORE EXPENSIVE ( Panerai inhouse chrono, Daytona, JLC, IWC, ...) __________________ Instagram : @collectible_watches

31 May 2013, 01:47 AM	#6
unknown "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Europe Posts: 2,823	I dare to say this is for the moment BY FAR the most interesting brand out there if you look at the quality / price ratio BY FAR ! __________________ Instagram : @collectible_watches

31 May 2013, 01:53 AM	#7
subtona "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: gus Location: East Coast Watch: APK & sometimes Y Posts: 26,075	Seem to be relative good value __________________

31 May 2013, 03:22 AM	#8
Java "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Tim Location: Bangkok Watch: Lots Posts: 521	Serious watches. I love the two I have. Nothing will touch a Zenith for the price IMHO __________________ You don't buy a great watch to tell the time, any more than you would buy a fast car because you're in a hurry.

30 May 2013, 06:19 PM	#2
Reu Banned Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: London Posts: 1,152	Good watches from what I know of them. Modern models seem to be expensive. They got a lot more PR recently as they sponsored Baumgartner when he made the jump.

31 May 2013, 01:11 AM	#3
tigerpac "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Hoboken, NJ Posts: 653	Great watches, great value compared to many other brands with similar prices. Known for their El Primero chrono movement, which has a 36.6bhp beat rate but they also feature a nice standard 3-hand movement (elite). All in-house, even down to the tools. A nice brand with some excellent watches.

31 May 2013, 01:32 AM	#4
MoosicPa "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Don Location: Moosic PA Watch: King Midas & Subma Posts: 1,158	Zenith makes an excellent product, and their prices are reasonable compared to similarly situated watch companies. Their movements are in house, and the El Primero movement is second to none!

31 May 2013, 11:25 PM	#9
CRH1979 Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Beavercreek, OH Posts: 20	Thank you all for the great information. I am strongly considering a Zenith for my first watch.

1 June 2013, 11:10 AM	#10
Maxtor 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 X2 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Max Location: Toronto Watch: Exp 1, DJ Tuxedo Posts: 2,447	I have an El Primero HW (manual) and love it. Check it out. You should be able to find a minty used one for around $2K if you are patient.

2 June 2013, 01:41 AM	#11
powerfunk "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Rob Location: Boston, MA Watch: 1530 Posts: 3,789	I definitely hope to add a Zenith to my collection. They make 10bps triple-calendar moonphase chronographs that can be scooped up new for 5k, so great value movement-wise IMHO.

2 June 2013, 10:21 AM	#12
Trouble15 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Real Name: Steve Location: USA Watch: A few Posts: 8,856	I've really taken a liking to the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 with the 4061 movement. Anyone have this piece or any feedback/experience with it? Borrowed photo below.

3 June 2013, 11:51 AM	#13
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	Zenith is a very nice watch with extraordinary movements, if not one of the best. They are understated and, the newer designs are really nice. __________________ My collections.. Plus PAM 233, 232, 249 & PAM 417.

4 June 2013, 07:07 AM	#15
HRFdez "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: Hector Location: Lake Placid, NY Watch: Rolex Day-Date Posts: 390	Used to own a Chronomaster XL. Beautiful watch and the movement is just awesome. The only problem I had was lack of usage

4 June 2013, 07:32 AM	#16
111forza "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: uk Posts: 2,634	Imho you will not find better value for the money Great history & fantastic in house movements The 2 i own i love

4 June 2013, 09:06 AM	#17
FeelingTheBlues "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Carl Location: Always moving Watch: If you wish... Posts: 22,039	Zenith is a brand I like to associate with quality, they do make some great timepieces indeed and it's been like that for a rather long time if you ask me. __________________ Mon corps c'est un pays en guerre sur l'point d'finir, Le général de l'armée de terre s'attend au pire, J'ai faim, j'ai frette, je suis trop faible pour me lever debout, On va hisser le drapeau blanc un point c'est tout. - André Fortin

10 July 2013, 01:25 AM	#21
benlee "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Ben Location: SIN & JKT Watch: Rolex, AP, PP Posts: 9,873	I am also looking closely at a Zenith watch as a potential purchase, a El Primero Grande Date Chrono with a partial open skeleton display. Don't mind my asking, what is so good about the Zenith's El Primero chrono movement?

10 July 2013, 02:07 AM	#23
ess45 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Fl. Posts: 521	I love mine.

10 July 2013, 01:40 PM	#24
bde "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Real Name: Brad Location: Indiana Watch: -aholics anonymous Posts: 1,589	I love my Zenith. In house movements with a great history. Supplied movements to notable companies like Rolex and Panerai to name a couple. The bang for the buck factor for a WIS is very high. They're also pretty rare in the US, which adds to the cool factor, IMHO.

10 July 2013, 03:10 PM	#25
wisguy "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Earth Posts: 2,406	It's a great brand, no doubt. I want to like them, but I only find the Pilots to be very desirable. I was at one of their events with Baumgartner and heard the CEO give a speech about the brand, very nice and likeable guy, really made me want a Zenith just by the passionate way speech. Maybe someday a Pilot. __________________ 5230G / 5146G / 124060 / BB58 / '59 Constellation

11 July 2013, 04:37 AM	#27
bde "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Real Name: Brad Location: Indiana Watch: -aholics anonymous Posts: 1,589	Here's a great thread from 'unknown' showing his trip to Zenith. It's really cool, and gives great insight into all that Zenith does in house. Thanks 'unknown'! https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=291057

15 July 2013, 06:29 PM	#29
TauHway "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Earth Posts: 54	i like their el primeros, especially the 3 colour sub-dial 36000vph. Seen one in real life and it was stunning.

15 July 2013, 09:56 PM	#30
rulessapt "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: richard Location: Tasmania Watch: u c Posts: 514	I've owned a Panerai with a Zenith movement. The 680 Elite, a three hand movement which is both thin and extremely accurate. Beautiful. Rolex sconsidered the Zenith movement good enough for their Daytona cosmograph. I think they're (Zenith) up there with the best of the inhouse affordable movement watches without quite being stratospheric. cheers, richard

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