I don't 'understand' Zenith

here you have a company with the 'best' (arguably) auto chrono movement in the world, yet consistently 'odd' or off-beat designs... There is nothing absolutely classic in the line up except the El Primero re-issues, redux's, etc, however they too kind of suffer from design issues which go back to Original, being unable to see a few minutes of the minutes counter due to the overlap of subdials... (annoying, not a serious chrono IMHO). OK, so why not take this legendary movement and make something LEGENDARY with it? Why all these lop-sided design dials? Why do the non El Prim. chronos appear cross-eyes for the cases being too big for the spectacular movement? The execution of ALL Zeniths is nothing short of near-perfection, and the prices are eminently fair... but the design issue plagues the brand IMHO.

Since you asked...

Any compelling novelties from Zenith this year?

By: Spellbound : April 7th, 2014-10:14

For me this year, I must say I am a little disappointed with the Zenith novelties. But there were three that stood out. Firstly the new Captain Central Seconds offered a slight refinement in design on the existing versions. It makes for an attractive 40mm...

I really like the Captain Central Seconds ...

By: blomman Mr Blue : April 7th, 2014-13:11

And agree that if they would have skipped the date window, it would have been perfect! Best Blomman

It was a year of polishing and refining...

By: Ornatus-Mundi : April 8th, 2014-07:16

with little breakthrough pieces, which is probably the reason why the Type 20 Grand Feu was presented - as a show piece. Overall, I liked how Zenith applied little changes and improvements to the collections, particularly to the Captain collection . As Ol...

The one to the right... Please! :) [nt]

By: blomman Mr Blue : April 8th, 2014-13:59

Polishing and refining

By: Spellbound : April 8th, 2014-16:32

Polishing and refining is all very well if the designs that are being refined are stunning designs that have transformed into the realms of iconic. But the Captain line has always been pleasant, but not achingly desirable. I just wish Zenith would focus o...

I think the company is at a turning point.

By: Tim_M : April 8th, 2014-19:27

Zenith's reboot under the post-Nataf management is complete, and I think this year's novelties represented something of a refractory period. Clearly, the initial work of redesigning the models, realigning the collections, and repositioning the watches in ...

The Annual Calendar

By: Spellbound : April 8th, 2014-19:57

A very perceptive and accurate commentary Tim as always. For me, the Annual Calendar, whether in the Type 20, or the Captain, could be improved upon. I have always liked a perfectly balanced dial, so the position of the day/month window at 3:00pm, and the...

I have to admit I would 'need' a fourth version...

By: Ornatus-Mundi : April 10th, 2014-12:38

the one on the very left: I just fear that one would need a new movement… Cheers, Magnus ...

I don't 'understand' Zenith

By: Mostel : April 12th, 2014-11:38

Better still

By: Spellbound : April 12th, 2014-16:16

Maybe a fifth version, a handwound central second with no date. Now, that I would go for without hesitation. Sadly, automatics have been phasing out manual winding for decades now, and I fear it won't be long before they will remain in the domain of just ...

"the domain of just a handful of niche watchmakers"

By: Ornatus-Mundi : April 12th, 2014-23:49

that could be a very interesting niche, and a niche that I think would be very profitable to fill. And, Zenith considers itself a watchmaker . But in order to substantiate this claim the company needs to gear up a bit. The El Primero is four decades old, ...