AndrewD
[HoMe Moderator]
12829
Zenith – please post your favourites
Dear Purists
Zenith has become somewhat of a black sheep in recent years. However, they have a long and important history and we have great respect for the El Primero automatic chronograph movement for its place in that history.
While some of the more recent designs may not be to the liking of traditionally focused collectors, my hope for the company, and for horology in general, is that the current Zenith range is attracting a different demographic to mechanical watches.
Zenith does manage to keep up my interest with watches such as the Class Elite and recent Class New Vintage 1955.
Occasionally wonderful pieces emerge in posts, including Bruno’s El Primero Moonphase below, so I thought it would be nice to give Purists an opportunity to share their favourite Zeniths in this thread.
So please post your favourite Zenith watches …
Kind regards
Andrew
Manufacture
Recap Zenith's 2010 Singapore event with CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour, showcasing the Christophe Colomb and new collections. Discover insights on Zenith's design evolution and horological innovations.
28 replies24070 views
Review
Explore Pingtsai's review of the Zenith Elite Ultra Thin Lady Moonphase. Discover why this elegant 33mm watch with an in-house Elite movement is a top choice for women.
37 replies21438 views
Discussion
Zenith's decision to outsource movements sparks debate. Explore the brand's strategy for growth and market expansion, and collector reactions.
30 replies19464 views
Vintage
Explore the controversial concept of "marriage watches" in vintage collecting. Tony C. discusses originality, replacement parts, and the value of assembled pieces.
29 replies16985 views
Market
Zenith reduces prices by up to 20% on 14 El Primero and Elite references, effective March 2016. Get details on affected models and market impact.
16 replies16865 views
Vintage
Explore Zenith Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 'Sir Charles Edward Kingsford Smith' Editions. Discover Zenith's aviation heritage and collector debates on case size.
16 replies14282 views
Zenith – please post your favourites
Dear Purists Zenith has become somewhat of a black sheep in recent years. However, they have a long and important history and we have great respect for the El Primero automatic chronograph movement for its place in that history. While some of the more rec...
Zenith Prime (Reference 01.0010.420)
Hi All (and bonjour to Jerome), My example is the Prime, the first of the hand wound chronographs, produced from 1995 to 1999 and then continued as the 40mm Class El Primero HW. The Prime carries the Calibre 420 column wheel El Primero chronograph movemen...
Nice watch!
Hi Andrew, Nice watch! I'm glad to see that you keep enjoying it (not too worried though). This watch was my favorite Zenith for long years, and my favorite among my watches for long too. I still own a Rainbow Flyback (black dial) that I wear less as it h...
Since you mention it . . .
I have long lusted after a sonnerie, preferably a carillon, but the wristwatch prices have been beyond my means. So I decided to look at pocket watch sonneries. I have just agreed to buy, but not yet taken possession of, a Zenith Grande Sonnerie Clockwatc...
Legibility
Thanks Kong, Nice dial and very legible, including the subdials. I didn't mention it earlier but you have reminded me to say how accurate my Zenith is. On paper it is well due for a routine service, but I can't bring myself to put it in when it keeps+2sec...
My New Zenith
Although I have for many years collected moderately priced vintage watches, I have not purchased a new timepiece in more than two decades. However, I recently broke my streak by purchasing (at a relatively reasonable price) a new Zenith Chronomaster Open ...
Welcome and thanks for posting
The Open T still draws on the traditional clean design of the earlier El Primero’s and the grey dial is the nicest of the range; good choice. Do you have it on strap or bracelet? It must be nice to see that balance wheel blazing away at 36,000 vph without...
You're Welcome...
My Open T has a black alligator strap (with metal clasp) that really adds to the watch's elegance, and I often find myself mesmerized by the oscilating "heart beat" on the face of the watch. Frankly, it was the rather unusual window on the watch's face th...
El Primero Striking 10th...steel or rose gold
enjoying the second hand and one would start to appreciate zenith's decision to play up the 10/th second foudroyante and make it the center hand, echoing it's position as the key of this distinguished chronograph. i hope you don't mind some stock photo...