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Thread: Zenith

  1. #1
    Master
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    Zenith

    I think Zenith is firmly a WIS favourite, though as much as I am a big fan, I’m also sometimes baffled and frustrated. I have owned two zenith watches, both gone now regrettably though I will definitely get another one in the future. I don’t subscribe to the belief that they don’t have an icon or design and it’s too muchabout the el primero movement, the original zenith a38 series does have strong design language imo. But I do think the brand has often been mishandled over the years and it has never quite reached its potential, obviously if fared quite badly during the Swiss quartz crisis also.

    Here are my two I have owned (first one not my pic however), second one I purchased early 2020 but have since sold.





    Below is a collage of zeniths which shows the often beautiful and sometimes slightly off beat/strange forms the can take.















  2. #2
    Craftsman Doug86's Avatar
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    I'm strangely drawn to the Zenith Defy ceramic in black



    I'd happily do a deal with my Tudor BB58 for one.

  3. #3
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Doug86 View Post
    I'm strangely drawn to the Zenith Defy ceramic in black



    I'd happily do a deal with my Tudor BB58 for one.
    I like that a lot

  4. #4
    I currently own these two





    Use to own these




  5. #5
    One of the few brands I’ve really liked since being a child. Probably in the order of my 16 year old self looking at watches:

    Rolex
    Breitling
    Zenith
    Omega

    Id never heard of quite a few of the other luxury watch brands back then, and it was another 5 years before I heard of Patek.

    Edited to add. I only have a couple of Zeniths at present, a 70’s Espada Quartz, and a full Titanium Defy 21.
    Last edited by Omegamanic; 28th January 2021 at 23:42.
    It's just a matter of time...

  6. #6
    Master
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    I've really come to appreciate Zenith for their heritage and horological bang per buck. (JLC offer similar, but with inferior and more expensive aftercare.) Zenith depreciation makes them very attractive propositions. I therefore feel quite ambivalent about the new Chronomaster Sport: I love it, and am pleased for Zenith that it seems such a hit, while selfishly fearing that that might make them more mainstream, less niche, and less affordable secondhand ...

  7. #7
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    I love mine



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  8. #8
    Master numberjack's Avatar
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    The A3818 Cover girl is one of the most beautiful Zenith’s ever , I would love to get one of those .

  9. #9
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by numberjack View Post
    The A3818 Cover girl is one of the most beautiful Zenith’s ever , I would love to get one of those .
    Definitely. I just wish they had a normal bracelet option for it instead of the ladder which I don’t like very much.

    The manufacturer edition is also sublime.

    - - - Updated - - -

  10. #10
    Master
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    El Primero Classic cars for me today, I also have a couple of Defys from the 70's
    I was led to believe that one of my Zeniths was a the first watch ever made with Analogue and Digital display on the same face.


  11. #11
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    Always liked Zenith designs. The Elite, and particularly the Elite Chrono (or El Primero Chrono Classic in it's original release) is a stunning watch.
    Never handled one but will try and get a closer look at some point.

  12. #12
    Grand Master
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    You have to add the “Rainbow” to the list of classic Zeniths

    Cheers,

    Ben



    ..... for I have become the Jedi of flippers


    " an extravagance is anything you buy that is of no earthly use to your wife "

  13. #13
    Craftsman levkov's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gordon76 View Post
    I love mine



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    Love this model, I was bidding on one years back when i was on a very tight budget. I think about it all the time regretting I didn't (well, couldn't) bid more. One day...

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by numberjack View Post
    The A3818 Cover girl is one of the most beautiful Zenith’s ever , I would love to get one of those .
    I have to agree, it's one of my favourites from their latest creations.

    Picture is not mine of course..

  15. #15
    Craftsman levkov's Avatar
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    Here's my big blue:


  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by levkov View Post
    Here's my big blue:
    Thats a handsome looking piece

  17. #17
    Craftsman levkov's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ummar01 View Post
    Thats a handsome looking piece
    Thanks, I've owned it for 9 years, and it's always puzzled me why it's not gaining value considering it was getting most of the compliments on watch get togethers..

  18. #18
    Master 50kopek's Avatar
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    A couple of my favourites, though unfortunately I don't own either one.







    (pics borrowed off the web; Bulang&Sons and timeline.watch)

  19. #19
    Master
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    Love my El Primero HW - gets regular use as it's such an easy.wearer.

  20. #20
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by levkov View Post
    Thanks, I've owned it for 9 years, and it's always puzzled me why it's not gaining value considering it was getting most of the compliments on watch get togethers..
    The TV El Primero such a unique beast, and I also think very underrated.

  21. #21
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    Big fan at the right price. The 38mm el Primero tricolour is great. I also think the Elite range offers excellent value used.

    Like everyone else, that Chronomaster Sport looks tasty too.

  22. #22
    Master Strnglwhank's Avatar
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    This is my second Zenith & I love the brand. I'm looking to get the A385 revival at some point as it had a bit more character than the new C-Sport even though the new movement looks awesome!

    Sent from my KB2003 using Tapatalk

  23. #23
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Berty234 View Post
    I also think the Elite range offers excellent value used.
    Yer I think they look great also, the black dial ultra thin is my pick of that range, a serious value prop vs JLC ultra thin range

  24. #24
    Master Rocket Man's Avatar
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    38mm case and El Primero movement are sublime.

    Mine is the most accurate automatic that I've ever owned.


  25. #25
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rocket Man View Post
    38mm case and El Primero movement are sublime.

    Mine is the most accurate automatic that I've ever owned.

    Big fan of that model - the Heritage 146?

  26. #26
    Grand Master Neil.C's Avatar
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    I must admit I am not too enamoured by some of Zenith's recent creations but they have been a great brand over the years.

    Here's mine from 1952.

    Cheers,
    Neil.

    My Speedmaster website:

    http://www.freewebs.com/neil271052

  27. #27
    Master Rocket Man's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Berty234 View Post
    Big fan of that model - the Heritage 146?
    Yep, that's the one!

  28. #28
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rocket Man View Post
    Yep, that's the one!
    I didn't know this existed. It's very nice.
    Quite similar to the Elite Chrono, though a bit less bauhaus, I like but in a smaller case which would make it a bit more wrist friendly for me.

  29. #29
    Master Caruso's Avatar
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    Nice to see so many other Chronomaster Moonphases.



    I've always wanted a Futur


  30. #30
    Master Strnglwhank's Avatar
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    ^^^^^

    Moonphase is out of whack

    Sent from my KB2003 using Tapatalk

  31. #31
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    Quote Originally Posted by Strnglwhank View Post
    ^^^^^

    Moonphase is out of whack

    Sent from my KB2003 using Tapatalk
    Looks correct to me with the last full moon on the 28th of Jan.

  32. #32
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    Here’s a Rainbow from 2003. It’s the watch in my collection that has had the most number of services, which is 4. 2 of the earlier ones were with LVMH Manchester - which I don’t recommend. The latter 2 were much better with independents. My explorer 114270 bought in the same year only required servicing last year.


  33. #33
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by emmm View Post
    Here’s a Rainbow from 2003. It’s the watch in my collection that has had the most number of services, which is 4. 2 of the earlier ones were with LVMH Manchester - which I don’t recommend. The latter 2 were much better with independents. My explorer 114270 bought in the same year only required servicing last year.
    Out of interest is it easy to get older Zeniths serviced at indies?

  34. #34
    Master markl's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ben4watches View Post
    You have to add the “Rainbow” to the list of classic Zeniths



    Love this model. A grail of mine !

  35. #35
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tom-P View Post
    Out of interest is it easy to get older Zeniths serviced at indies?
    Yes, try Duncan at Genesis.

  36. #36
    Grand Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tom-P View Post
    Out of interest is it easy to get older Zeniths serviced at indies?
    LVMH don’t supply wholesalers but they will supply bona fide repairers directly, parts aren’t cheap.
    Last edited by walkerwek1958; 30th January 2021 at 19:54.

  37. #37
    Master Strnglwhank's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Litcan91 View Post
    Looks correct to me with the last full moon on the 28th of Jan.
    I should know better than to comment on stuff liked that when I've had a shandy or 2 . Could even have looked at my own bloody watch!

    Sent from my KB2003 using Tapatalk

  38. #38
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    Zenith

    Quote Originally Posted by Strnglwhank View Post
    I should know better than to comment on stuff liked that when I've had a shandy or 2 . Could even have looked at my own bloody watch!

    Sent from my KB2003 using Tapatalk
    I've had to scroll up to check, but think yours could actually do with two days advancement on the moon phase position
    Last edited by Litcan91; 30th January 2021 at 12:46.

  39. #39
    Quote Originally Posted by ENES View Post
    Love my El Primero HW - gets regular use as it's such an easy.wearer.
    I have one of these - except mine has a black date wheel - terrific watch, my daily “office” wearer. Love the hand wind nature.

  40. #40
    Master Strnglwhank's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Litcan91 View Post
    I’’ve had to scroll up to check, but think yours could actually do with two days advancement on the moon phase position
    Boom

    Sent from my KB2003 using Tapatalk

  41. #41
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    I like Zenith's 1960/70s 3 handers like the Autosports, Sportos and early Defys - much underrated in my view and still cheap (though Defys have shot up recently - quick look on ebay shows some very optimistic pricing for decidedly poorer than average specimens). The new A385 is great along with most of their classic reissues but some of their other current and recent years offerings are (IMHO) overly complicated to look at with too many competing elements of design - mind you it often seems to me the more expensive a watch is the look becomes more about over the top flash than real style. I'd say there is a big gap in their range for a classic, simple, robust tool watch or diver powered by one of their quality movements
    Last edited by Drumcairn01; 30th January 2021 at 12:28.

  42. #42
    Master Strnglwhank's Avatar
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    Here you go! Actually took 4 forward adjustments just shows you how much you know

    Sent from my KB2003 using Tapatalk
    Last edited by Strnglwhank; 30th January 2021 at 12:37.

  43. #43
    Craftsman
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    Quote Originally Posted by Strnglwhank View Post
    Here you go! Actually took 4 forward adjustments just shows you how much you know

    Sent from my KB2003 using Tapatalk
    Looks great! What app is that?? I need it in my life

  44. #44
    Master Strnglwhank's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Litcan91 View Post
    Looks great! What app is that?? I need it in my life
    It's Watchville fella

    Sent from my KB2003 using Tapatalk

  45. #45
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    Quote Originally Posted by Strnglwhank View Post
    It's Watchville fella

    Sent from my KB2003 using Tapatalk
    That'll make setting the watch much easier, thanks

  46. #46
    Master Shakespeare's Avatar
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    Zenith

    What’s this model here?



    If that came in white or blue dial it would be my perfect dress watch.

    Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app
    Last edited by Shakespeare; 30th January 2021 at 17:01.

  47. #47
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Shakespeare View Post
    What’s this model here?



    If that came in white or blue dial it would be my perfect dress watch.

    Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app
    That’s the zenith elite ultra thin, only other colour is silver.

  48. #48
    Master Shakespeare's Avatar
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    Thanks. Found this on Chrono24

    IMG_0121.JPG

    And I think this is from the current range

    IMG_0120.JPG


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  49. #49
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Shakespeare View Post
    Thanks. Found this on Chrono24

    IMG_0121.JPG

    And I think this is from the current range

    IMG_0120.JPG


    Sent from my iPad using TZ-UK mobile app
    That’s the one, should be able to get them usually around 2-3k which is great value vs the JLC equivalent

  50. #50
    Master Shakespeare's Avatar
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    Thanks for the help.


    Sent from my iPad using TZ-UK mobile app

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