Comments:
This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2024-04-15 19:31:21
Zeitwerk movement question
Gents - I've recently gotten the Zeitwerk bug and thinking about adding one. I have read what I could out there.
I have been looking at the "standard" Zeitwerk in white gold/black dial, Striking Time model, and even a recent Date version.
While the new Date version apparently has some movement improvements, and increased power reserve, I feel like either the "Standard" version or Striking Time in white gold/black dial is at least aesthetically my preferred choice. That being said, I know they upgraded the movements around 2017-18.
I am wondering how important it is to consider a later model one with upgraded movement versus an earlier version? From what I can tell, the earlier versions seem to trade in the $50s, so definitely some savings there (all things being equal). Of course, the later versions and Striking Time models respectively are more and more $$$$....
Thanks!
So for the earlier movements ...
the minute disc used to move a bit around ~5secs before the jump at 12. As if, they are getting ready to jump ... so, sometimes it's called the "preload" effect.
The newer version eliminated this. The minute discs stay static all the time, except at 12 when they jump.
There are some visible differences in the movements as well. Pic below ... old on the left ...
I went with the new one, but the old one is also good, but since they are older, they may need service soon, and service cost is not trivial ... something to consider ...
It appears ...
that they have added a "service price calculator" on their site ... here is the LINK. Must be a new addition, because don't recall seeing it before.
I just entered the serial # of my ZW and opted for "complete service", and the quoted price is 3540 GBP.
The above is without polishing, "restoration" and "case intervention".
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For restoration and full polishing, it is 5740 GBP
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Finally, with restoration and case intervention, it is 5450 GBP ...
My *guess* ...
is that intervention means laser fillings for deep dents and scratches ...
There are two main options: either "complete service" OR "restoration".
Under each option there are two sub-options: either "full polishing" OR "case intervention"
There are two main options: either "complete service" OR "restoration".
Under each option there are two sub-options: either "full polishing" OR "case intervention"
Go for what you like aesthetically, there are some differences between the first generation movement and the new one but they are of little significance to the owner.
The major difference is the "pre load" but it personally never bothered me and I am pretty sure that when the watch goes for service it will be upgraded to an instantaneous variant.
For what it's worth, I was told the original movement can not be upgraded to the instantaneous variant during routine service.
This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2024-04-15 19:31:21
Your info is probably more reliable than mine.
Again, not something that bothered me at all. You can find videos on YouTube of the first generation and decide for yourself.
The Striking Time wears similarly to the time only model.
Even though it’s 44mm it wears comfortably. They never removed the pre-load while this was in production - hence no option to make the switch on service. No hesitation in recommending this quarter striker to you. Aesthetically I think the inclusion of the hammers fills the otherwise dead space in the dial and the gongs frame it. Worn mine for the past 8 days while attending W&W and all I can say is “everyone loves a Zeitwerk”!
Thanks all for the advice.
Still interested in a Striking Time, but have this inbound from my favorite dealer. Excited all around
