Zenith vs Tudor vs Omega

[immigtc]

Getting the itch to add a chrono to my collection. A Daytona doesn't seem to be in my future since I don't buy things I don't want (or are overpriced relative to other retailers) and I'm not paying 2-3x to go gray.

Current collection includes a 116610LV, 126600, 126334 (White Romans) and an Omega SMP300(Blue). Thinking between the Zenith Chronometer Sport in white, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono in white, or the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch with the 3861 movement and Sapphire.

There is a pretty large price difference. The Omega(6kish vs 8k) and Zenith 8kish vs 10k) seem to trade a little below while the Tudor (6k vs 5k) a little above when going gray.

Any thoughts?

[mikea]

All great watches! I’ve owned multiple of each and I’d rank them as follows:

1. Zenith
2. Omega
3. Tudor

I think Zenith and Omega are far closer in terms of quality than Tudor is to Omega.

[scottwmitch]

Originally Posted by immigtc

Getting the itch to add a chrono to my collection. A Daytona doesn't seem to be in my future since I don't buy things I don't want (or are overpriced relative to other retailers) and I'm not paying 2-3x to go gray.

Current collection includes a 116610LV, 126600, 126334 (White Romans) and an Omega SMP300(Blue). Thinking between the Zenith Chronometer Sport in white, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono in white, or the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch with the 3861 movement and Sapphire.

There is a pretty large price difference. The Omega(6kish vs 8k) and Zenith 8kish vs 10k) seem to trade a little below while the Tudor (6k vs 5k) a little above when going gray.

Any thoughts?

I have the Zenith Chrono Sport and I'd recommend it to anyone! I have both the bracelet and the OEM strap (highly recommended) as I like to swap them out from time to time. Good luck. Can't go wrong with any of them. Cheers.

[immigtc]

Thanks for the responses. That was kind of my ranking too. There aren't a lot of Zenith dealers (closest to me is in Winston Salem) so a little harder to put my hands on one of them. There is someone selling a 2021 boxes and papers for 7250 in the classifieds which seems like a pretty good deal compared to 11k plus tax to buy new. I bought my Omega from one of the trusted sellers on Omega Forums and had a good experience. The Speedy seems to be trading sub 6 for a slightly used one to 6500 for a brand new one. I think I can eliminate the Tudor. The AD I bought the 4 Rolexes (a matching 31DJ to my 41 for an anniversary present) from sells omega but I doubt they would discount. In the long run I might end up with both for cheaper than a Daytona at sticker I might add :)

[TimeAZ]

My rank is tudor, zenith, and at a very distal third/last place omega.

[nicky77]

I would also rank them in terms of quality: Zenith, Omega, Tudor
In terms of what I like: Omega, Zenith, Tudor.

[nicky77]

I would also rank them in terms of quality: Zenith, Omega, Tudor
In terms of what I like: Omega, Zenith, Tudor.

[JR16]

I would eliminate the Tudor.

Between the speedmaster and chronomaster, I think it would come done to a few things , exclusive of price:

1. Do you want an automatic or manual wind
2. Case shape
3. Aesthetics of dial

Personally I would choose the omega- it’s iconic, legibility is much better, and I think the case shape and lugs are more pleasing. I have owned both and traded away the zenith but will always keep the speedmaster.


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[usmc_k9_vet]

I’d go Omega, but I’m also biased. I have a few Omega and am a huge fan. While I like Zenith and Tudor, I don’t own any. The Speedmaster is an icon for a reason.


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[wannabe-collector]

I recently purchased a Zenith El Primero and was seriously impressed with the finishing and build quality. It's certainly ahead of my Speedmaster on that front.

However the Zenith pricing is a fair bit more, and Omega is obviously a much more recognisable brand.

If you have the money for a Zenith or Omega, I would personally discount Tudor...

[RTG]

Zenith makes my favorite Chrono of the three brands. No wrong answer here. I would pick the watch you like best, regardless of brand.

[Michael1968]

My rank: Tudor, Omega, Zenith

[Andy81]

You’ve listed 2 legendary chronos, plus Tudor. My choice would be the one with the El Primero, but it’s just personal preference v the Speedy.

Both will be ahead of the Tudor in finish and horological significance if that is important to you.

Between the Speedy and Zenith it comes down to aesthetics and auto vs manual wind.

[mongrelnomoad]

Like some others here, I think the Zenith will probably be the best quality (though I've never handled one), but I would buy the Speedie without thinking twice.

[Krash]

I’d choose the Omega. The Breitling Navitimer would be my second choice. The new Chopard Mille Miglia is nice, too.


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[V8vol]

I own all three and would rank them

Zenith - you will not regret having this watch
Omega - I love my Speedy and will never part with it
Tudor - too bulky and looking to move on from it

[1William]

Originally Posted by immigtc

Thanks for the responses. That was kind of my ranking too. There aren't a lot of Zenith dealers (closest to me is in Winston Salem) so a little harder to put my hands on one of them. There is someone selling a 2021 boxes and papers for 7250 in the classifieds which seems like a pretty good deal compared to 11k plus tax to buy new. I bought my Omega from one of the trusted sellers on Omega Forums and had a good experience. The Speedy seems to be trading sub 6 for a slightly used one to 6500 for a brand new one. I think I can eliminate the Tudor. The AD I bought the 4 Rolexes (a matching 31DJ to my 41 for an anniversary present) from sells omega but I doubt they would discount. In the long run I might end up with both for cheaper than a Daytona at sticker I might add :)

Windsor Jewelers in Winston-Salem is an AD for Zenith and they have an impressive inventory. If the Zenith is an option, jump in the car and take the hour and a half drive and check them out. Ask for Kevin or Jennifer. I have tried to like the Zenith models but they are just not for me. The choice here is the Speedmaster. An icon and a really fun watch. It works with the bracelet and all types of straps. If you look at the 1861/1863 you can come in around 4k for a clean complete set. The 3861 is great and the movement upgrades can justify the cost if that is what you want. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[REQUIEMnJADED4U]

OP, I literally found myself in the same boat as you. I was lucky enough to try all 3 on the wrist. IMO, based on look, build, quality, and history: it’s between the Zenith and Speedy. My preference is for the automatic movement and white dial but wish the Zenith’s sub dials were all 1 color. I’m awaiting to see new white Speedy Omega is rumored to announce on Tuesday. Good luck on your hunt for the one you choose, you really can’t go wrong with either!

[RolexBHR]

Omega, Zenith and distant third Tudor.

[GST15]

Speedy by a lot! Then Zenith, Tudor

[HHIslander]

Originally Posted by RolexBHR

Omega, Zenith and distant third Tudor.

+1

Tudor isn’t a name that comes to mind when thinking of adding a chrono. Not even close. The Speedy Tokyo Panda or Rising Sun would be at the top of my list.

[Justindo]

In terms of quality, I would rank them Zenith, then Omega, and then Tudor. For the models you mentioned, I personally like the looks of the Omega the best (I have a sapphire sandwich Speedmaster and a 321 coming), but if Zenith made a no-date model, I would probably add one to my collection. The Tudor is definitely the best value, in my opinion, and it's the only one you can take swimming. Still, it's a bit large for my wrist and I see the Tudor as the one that would most quickly leave my collection.

The Daytona really is an all-around great watch with the best quality, movement, and proportions of the four. However, like you, it seems impossible to get at retail without playing games and I'm not paying gray market prices for one.

[danwang0520]

Omega > Zenith > Tudor in that order

[Bugsy]

a search specific to a Chrono, Zenith is know for el primero, omega speedy. Tudor not so much. not to add confusion to the hunt but, have you considered a brietling? they are kinda know for chromosomes, and have some new and intersting styles in the collection.

[Bugsy]

lol, "chronos"

[Chrasmus]

I have had Chronos from all three - and would go with the Speedy without the slightest hesitation!

[misochew]

Originally Posted by V8vol

I own all three and would rank them

Zenith - you will not regret having this watch
Omega - I love my Speedy and will never part with it
Tudor - too bulky and looking to move on from it

+1, have all 3, are my like children. ...love them all equally.

Zenith - Wear it when I want to only be noticed by other watch geeks that "know".
Omega - Wear my 3861 just because I love it. ...Tapered bracelet is awesome Jubilee-like.
Tudor - GMT, wear it on days when I want to go "Heavy", and pretend I have a 40mm Day-Date on.

[Cru Jones]

For me, it’s the Zenith or Speedmaster. Both amazing. There are better Tudors if one needs to scratch the Tudor itch, IMHO.

[piratfisk]

I'm a big fan of the 38mm el Primero. This specifically: https://www.zenith-watches.com/en_us...-3600-69-m3200

[ppierce]

That Zenith Chrono Sport is a beauty. How are people who own it liking it?