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Thread: Which amazing Zenith is better?

  1. #1
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    Which amazing Zenith is better?

    I hate these 'this or that' threads, except when I am asking them.

    Ever since the release of the new Zenith A384 Revival, I have been smitten. It's a fantastic combination of retro chic and modern reliability. Plus it has actually usable C3 lume (aside: why does Zenith use C1 so often? Why does anyone now that BGW9 exists? C1 is useless).


    image:Monochrome watches

    But then, Zenith released the A3817, with the iconic three-colour subdials. It's an ever cooler design than the A384, tempered a little by the use of beige lume.


    image: Fratello watches

    And now I can't decide which one to get, and haven't been able to decide for a couple of months. I've tried on the A384, and it looks great; the A3817 is only available online in the UK so it would be a gamble. Welcome any thoughts from the forum that might help break the deadlock. [And no, I won't get vintage. It's a minefield and prices are insane].

    Cheers!
    Last edited by Sweetwater; 19th January 2022 at 18:04. Reason: Trying to get image links to work

  2. #2
    Master r.dawson's Avatar
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    Tri colour. Super cool

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  3. #3
    Craftsman Adge's Avatar
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    I didn't think I would like the three colour sub-dials, but they certainly are growing on me after seeing a few photos. Super cool and probably not too common, might recommend that one!

  4. #4
    Master
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    I personally would go with the black sub-dial version - but that is because I am dull. Have to say that as a vintage nerd I can count on the fingers of one finger the number of *new* watches that I like - but this Zenith is very much one of them - fabulous!

  5. #5
    It is a great watch and yet another one on my list. Personally I would opt for the A384 on the ladder bracelet. I have never been a fan of the three colour sub-dial option. Good luck with your choice.

  6. #6
    Both look great. For me I would want the three colour dial without the aged lume, which doesn’t help!

  7. #7
    Master sweets's Avatar
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    Tri colour, so much more character

  8. #8
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    A3817 for the funky minute track.... but I'd probably go for the Shadow myself. Was tough to resist the one on SC.

  9. #9
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    Tri-colour by a country mile. I suppose I would say that, though

  10. #10
    Master 50kopek's Avatar
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    Tri colour. To me it’s the quintessential Zenith look.

  11. #11
    Master daveyw's Avatar
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    Another vote here for the tri-colour- it looks so much cooler!

  12. #12
    Apprentice
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    Zenith A384 Revival for me

  13. #13
    Master
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    A vote for the tri-colour from me.

  14. #14
    Master
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    Tri for me as well

  15. #15
    Master Omegary's Avatar
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    No contest, the A3817 by a mile.

    Gary

  16. #16
    Out of those two, tri.

    I think I want every version with this case.

  17. #17
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    The top one for me. Cleaner dial and the sub registers don't overlap.

  18. #18
    Master
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    Not seen these before, both look great, but just having seen them now it would be the top one. I like the tri colour just a bit too much going on.

  19. #19
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by 2012 View Post
    The top one for me. Cleaner dial and the sub registers don't overlap.
    Same as this for me.

  20. #20
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    A384 for me, a clean simple visage.


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  21. #21
    Craftsman kinyik's Avatar
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    The black Subdial’s. I think I would find the tricolour loud fairly quickly.


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  22. #22
    I own both (though the original vintage versions) and while I wear the A3817 a fair bit, I never wear the A384. The A384 kind of looks boring and samey compared to the A3817. In a way the dial configuration also makes it look somewhat smaller. IMO the A3817 has just that little more character.

  23. #23
    Grand Master MartynJC (UK)'s Avatar
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    + if you buy online - as long as you don’t wear it you can return without issue - check the T&C on site, plus free first service. Tri colour for me.
    Last edited by MartynJC (UK); 20th January 2022 at 19:04.
    “ Ford... you're turning into a penguin. Stop it.” HHGTTG

  24. #24
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    Tri for me all day long!

  25. #25
    Master
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    Tri-colour - no contest

  26. #26
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    Quote Originally Posted by r.dawson View Post
    Tri colour. Super cool

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    Agree!


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  27. #27
    Craftsman Strebor's Avatar
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    I have the A384 on strap and love it. The vivid panda dial is so clean and the black subdials are super legible. The lume is very impressive as already mentioned. However the tri colour version is also very nice and I like that the subdials are all equal size. Can’t go wrong either way.


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  28. #28
    Throwing a spanner in the works, I like the A385 with the brown/gold/whatever it is dial. I think it's more interesting than the other dials. Also that ti almost black one that was on the SC for ages is lovely.

  29. #29
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    Thanks everyone for the great replies. Lots to chew on!

    I do like the cleaner lines and better lume of the panda dial; conversely, the tricolour/lume combo has some warmth to it that makes it quite versatile - because it goes with nothing, it goes with everything. I have held the A385 and it was magnificently done but very brown. If either the lume or the dial were another colour I'd have bought it.

    I'll make my choice in the next month and update with a triumphant photo when it comes home.

    cheers all!

  30. #30
    I would go tri colour, imagine the variety of straps you could use with it.


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  31. #31
    Master
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    Both really nice dials.

    I think I prefer the black sub dials but the tri colour is the classic Zenith.

    Obviously buy both …

  32. #32
    Journeyman
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    Tri-color. I want one now.

  33. #33
    Master
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    I would choos the tri colour having owned the vintage version it’s gorgeous. Leather for me though, the ladder bracelet is not my cup of tea.

    My only observation is buying online there will be no discount, whereas using an AD there is always flexibility with Zenith prices.

  34. #34
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    I prefer the A384, as prefer all the sub dials to be the same colour. I'm also not a massive fan of the second markers on the A3817.

  35. #35
    Master
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    The top one for me, no overlapping sub dials and those pyramid shaped micro ticks are a bit too much for my old eyes.

  36. #36
    Master
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    I can definitely see why it would be a hard choice but I think I would plumb for the A3817 out of these two however, out of all of the models, I would go for the Shadow.

  37. #37
    Master
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    Out of those two I'd go for this one ;-))



  38. #38
    Grand Master ryanb741's Avatar
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    This version is lovely

  39. #39
    Quote Originally Posted by gcleminson View Post
    Out of those two I'd go for this one ;-))


    That’s lovely. But if I had to pick from the OPs choices it would go for the A384 Revival. I prefer the lume and less busy minute track.

  40. #40
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    By way of update - the 3817 is finally back in stock at Zenith; I ordered it and will post some pictures on arrival.

  41. #41
    Master r.dawson's Avatar
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    Good choice, look forward to the pics

  42. #42
    Master numberjack's Avatar
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    Love the 3817 but the clasp really is poor , buy it on leather
    Last edited by numberjack; 9th April 2022 at 07:47.

  43. #43
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    Which amazing Zenith is better?

    Well, it arrived!IMG_1273.JPG I can’’t seem to get the photo to work (the photo is clear, but it seems to attach as a low-res photo that could be anything). Apologies.

    I got the a3817. It wears well, and is the first watch I have bought new (apart from my sadly stolen PRS-29A) that looks genuinely vintage.

    The criticism about the bracelet is both well-founded and … beside the point. It has folding end links and a stamped clasp, feeling somehow even flimsier than I remember the 93150 feeling on my old Sub. But like that watch, it is superbly comfortable, with the bracelet contributing an absolutely authentic feel.

    The case is beautifully done - finish is excellent and the movement is exhibited well. Chronograph pushers are crisp. The dial is (somehow) legible - all in all, this is an incredible rendition of an early 1970s classic.

    I would probably be as happy with the a384 version, but this one somehow feels ‘right’ - if you’re going to get a 37mm tonneau chronograph with a ladder bracelet, then it’s better to go the whole hog and get a multicoloured dial while you’re at it.
    Last edited by Sweetwater; 2nd May 2022 at 16:02. Reason: Trying to get photo to work

  44. #44
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    Which amazing Zenith is better?

    Still can’t get the photo to work. Apologies
    Attached Images Attached Images

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