I guess I got carried away by previous Purist sentiments...

Jun 29, 2014,23:37 PM
 

I'll admit to falling into some sort of herd mentality without having fully appreciated what they're trying to do.

Having said that, I don't think it was necessary for them to make statements regarding that strategy and make it into a topic as it can get blown out of proportion.  And maybe they should have not installed a Sellita on a Type 20 but on a new product line.

But the temptation to do it on the Type 20 is too great!  It's like making a Ferrari affordable by putting in a Toyota engine.  Makes it look like a replica of sorts.  But then again from whose point of view?  The article was pretty clear that it was for a different audience.  Definitely, moves like this will not sit well with watch aficionados and quite understandably.

Going back to the Ferrari/Toyota thing, well, it might sell a lot in the short run but may endanger long-term sustainability.  I am reminded of that brand Pierre Cardin.  I guess decades ago it used to be luxurious.  Now, I see it in low-end department stores.  Or  how about those watches that used to have really great movements and reputation then went down several notches for one reason or another.

Well, maybe it's a cycle.  After awhile, when sales and image start to drop off, they'll try to go back to their Manufacture roots and dump outsourced movements.  Hopefully, they will have enough money to endure such cycles.  But what a waste, eh?

Values, values, values.  Tsk, tsk.

Seeing this watch, I will admit that it's a pretty seductive piece.  And for the right price, wow.  It will probably be a hit.  But not for "us".  I'd rather go buy a Tudor. 

It's difficult to pass judgement.  I just hope that they're very careful with this strategy if they really value the El Primero legacy.

A handsome watch, definitely.

Thanks for the pics and the post!  Splendid reading as usual.

Echi

 


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Zenith Coffee House Tales (iii): Meet the Corpus Delicti: Pilot Type 20 "Extra Special"

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : June 29th, 2014-11:43
After a short break I am now happy to announce another instalment of my 'Zenith Coffee House Tales' series (previous article: click here !) . This week's call by our Miss R got my heart really bumping in frenzy - she would have Zenith's equivalent to Pors...  

I would have indeed called " Extra Special " a watch with an even greater ( if possible )

 
 By: amanico : June 29th, 2014-12:02
Movement, and not Extra as outsourced... Very con "fusionning " if you allow me this pun. Is this Watch cool? Yes, definitely. Was this version necessary? Certainly not, from my point of view. Despite the fact that you make the first clients who jumped on... 

But how do you think about IWC...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : June 30th, 2014-08:26
who are using ETA and in-house movement within a given collection? Or, at a higher market level, Patek with some (few, like here) Piguet movements? And finally, why should buyers of previous models be angry? I could understand this if prices are lowered g... 

Excellent report as usual

 
 By: Spellbound : June 29th, 2014-17:05
Great report of a handsome, well proportioned watch. Interesting to note the black border around the numerals which is not present in my true Type 20 Specials. I suspect a cheaper way of manufacturing. Would love to see how they have modified/finished the... 

Dean, I found it interesting how ...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : June 30th, 2014-08:29
an additional feature of the dial automatically recalls the notion of 'cheaper'? I don't know and I am not sure, usually additional details cost additional money, except if they allow usage of more affordable raw materials or more efficient processes. As ... 

I guess I got carried away by previous Purist sentiments...

 
 By: Echi : June 29th, 2014-23:37
I'll admit to falling into some sort of herd mentality without having fully appreciated what they're trying to do. Having said that, I don't think it was necessary for them to make statements regarding that strategy and make it into a topic as it can get ... 

Thanks for your thoughts...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : June 30th, 2014-08:30
esp. re; the cycles. I am myself eager to learn whether Zenith's move will continue under the new CEO. Best, Magnus

Why?

 
 By: ifraher : June 30th, 2014-09:04
Why did Zenith cut back on the Elite movement production to focus all their attention on the El Primero, to then go and release a watch alongside this model with an El Primero movement minus chronograph functionality (The Synopsis)?

It does make sense to me to work on a common platform...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : June 30th, 2014-11:07
to pool resources towards a common basis. I think here is a major cost saving for Zenith, plus they have a movement that is easier to market. I can understand the focus on the EP (but that would work without the Sellita as well ;-)). Please keep in mind t...