Zenith

Liked a lot it in photos when it first came out, loved it in the metal, looks and feels awesome on my wrist...had to have it.

My First impressions…



- Beautifully brushed finished with subtle touches of high polished areas on the beveled lugs, between the lugs, pushers and crown.







- Highly legible dial enhanced by AR coating on both sided of the sapphire crystal.



- Well-proportioned and good looking hands



- Easy to read date display

- Great size at 42mm and 11.8mm thick, it’s smaller than my typical 44mm watches, but it has great wrist presence (to be honest, the smaller case size is actually refreshing)



- I like how the caseback is secured to the watch case using four screws and cool looking flanges.



- The El Primero cal. 4002 movement looks great inside the case; I was expecting it to look small like many I’ve seen inside some of modern Zenith watch with large cases.



- Sexy as hell large crown and rectangle pushers

- This Zenith gator strap is some of the best quality I’ve ever handled, I like the fact that Zenith utilized rubber as a backing material on the strap; it should prolong its life.



The not so good…
-They could have left the word “Automatic” off the dial (a pet peeve of mine)
-wish the water resistant were rated at 100m instead of 50m and a screw down crown would have been nice… I guess no swimming with this one.

In conclusion:
Great value considering you get a great looking watch, very nicely finished and historically significant in-house chronograph movement. These current Zenith watches are such a great deal; most of the entry level pieces are priced about the same or less than many Mid/high end brands that utilizes pedestrian ETA or Valjoux movement. (Not a knock on ETA or Valjoux...I’m actually a fan)
I see great things coming from Zenith currently and expect even more so in the next few years.

As they say wear it in good health!

-MW

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Nice 36 000 Beat Chrono!



Without the date, it would be even nicer.

Enjoy!

Nicolas.

for me....it would have been a deal breaker without a date,

Best

Drew

Nicolas,

Would love to have you comment on your opionion of this Zenith vs the GO Navigator Chronograph, if you have the time!

Marc

Would go on the G.O for tis cleaner look, but you can also consider the Zenith Re Edtiuon of the Cal 360, in the tonneau shaped case...

Both would be the King's choice.



Best,

Nicolas.

Congrats on a very cool watch.  I have been very interested in this watch.  Thanks for such a great post.  Will definitely help my decision!

Marc

Do it...you're gonna love it

Drew

. . . that you're posting your latest acquisition today, Drew.  I was just reviewing past threads yesterday - there were a few posts from yourself regarding an upcoming Zenith, albeit the Striking 1/10th. 

...Ultimately after trying it on it felt too dressy for my current liking of a more casual vibe/look pieces.

I’ll be sure to post a pic this Friday on our weekly wrist scan now that I have something interesting to share.

Best

Drew

Thanks for posting.

Just to be picky, I prefer the date between 4-5.

Cheers

...the date is at 6, I think it looks better with a two subdial configuration.

Thanks for the comment.

Drew

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I think this is a bold edition of a classic watch. Regarding the size, you may be used to larger watches, but to me it's all about proportion. I can happily wear a 34mm classic piece or a 42 mm watch and if the case proportions are right, then it looks fine. And 42x11.8mm sounds pretty good to me. I like the screwed case back and the way they have displayed the movement. The "Automatic" on the dial doesn't bother me as there were both manual wind and automatic movements in Zenith's hi-beat chronograph range - even if the original El Primero was automatic. And the rubber backing demonstrates a nice attention to detail in this price range. Another demonstration of Zenith's rising star!

Congratulations, Drew. I think you will get a lot of pleasure from this piece.

Regards,

Andrew

I do think the proportion of this watch is perfect for me; it feels right at home on my wrist.

Best

Drew

Congrats on your new arrival. I'm thinking how it'd look on a double rivet aviator style strap....

I'm scheming on all kinds strap combos on this watch already, I see it looking good on all kinds of straps; still digging the OEM Gator though.

Best
Drew

she is a beauty

and I agree--Zenith has a very bright future!

J

A sophisticated, understated piece from one of the great watch manufacturers. A very good choice!

What a beautiful watch and good to see Zenith back on track again.  I don't see any mention of the Pilot's watch being a COSC certified chronometer.   Can anyone confirm if it is?

Many thanks

Yes   thanks for the beautiful photos........I feel ,,,besides the "reserve de march " that I really want ....This Pilot is absolutely Zeniths cherry on top   WOW  whata watch     oh  buy the way ,,,about you taking this watch swimming,,,what are you crazy?????after you just  commented so wonderfully on the exquisite alligator strap...