Zenith Open Watches

[Nish]

Hi guys,

Being a big kid, I am currently really liking the zenith open watches for the movey about stuff (technical term obviously) on the face.



Considering picking up one of these with a white face, are there other alternatives I should be looking at before making the purchase?

[Penguin Keyboard]

Hello Nish

Have you a decent knowledge of watches or have you seen the Zenith and jsut liked it?

Personally I think they're a little over priced and there is plenty of alternatives that you might like.

It's a lot of money though and I'd urge you to do your own research into some others before thinking of parting with it. Maybe go to an online watch store and familiarise yourself with everything from everyone.

I hope that's of help in some small way and dont' come across as patronising.

[Adrian W]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTj__XKPl5M



Not Zenith but this one would do the job

Edited by Adrian W on Thursday 24th June 10:10

[Nish]

Penguin Keyboard said:

Hello Nish

Have you a decent knowledge of watches or have you seen the Zenith and jsut liked it?

Personally I think they're a little over priced and there is plenty of alternatives that you might like.

It's a lot of money though and I'd urge you to do your own research into some others before thinking of parting with it. Maybe go to an online watch store and familiarise yourself with everything from everyone.

I hope that's of help in some small way and dont' come across as patronising.

Not at all mate, all options gladly received.

I know watches fairly well and understand Zenith isn't very popular in Europe. I have a Tag Carrera which waas my first "decent" watch and think its time for another.

I basically have my name down for a Rolex Daytona white face S/S etc which should be available in about 2 months but I'm not sure I'm completely sold on it. Its a very nice clean design but I do like something a little different.

Saying that, my favourite watch of all time was/is the IWC Portuguese 7 day, but having seen it in the flesh on holiday I was surprised how large it is in real life. A little too large for my wrists I think

[Nish]

Adrian W said:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTj__XKPl5M



Not Zinith but this one would do the job

Edited by Adrian W on Thursday 24th June 10:05

Very nice, but 275k!

I should mention the price limit is approximately 5k, maybe more for something truly special.

[bogie]

Personally I thought Zenith were underrated and not that expensive for what you get mechanically...but there you go, thats the effect of corporate marketing for you....

they are bigger on the continent and US - just check out www.chrono24.com to see where most are for sale

not that big over here - 10 years of some idiot in charge making odd stuff (gone now) and they are not mass marketed "trendy" nor aspirationally recognised like Rolex as a brand

very low volume, but a true manufacture - they make it all in house, but less than 20K units a year total last time I saw some figures ...compared to a million Rolex per year

so buying something "one of 2000 limited edition" of a big brand and some people go "oohhh thats special - must get one"

but buy a Zenith, and likely it never sold a 1000 units of that model yet LOL

I like em - big fan, had a few, still have one now ......

buy nearly new used - they drop like a stone depreciation wise ...you can get nearly new 40% off in some places

[amar7274]

I'm a big fan of Zenith watches, i think they are beautifull well made watches.
Here's a picture of mine:



As Bogie says try and source a pre-owned one and you will save £££'s.
The website mentioned above is a very good starting point.

Edited by amar7274 on Thursday 24th June 16:31

[Nish]

That is lovely Amar, I think that Defy is available in 43mm which I could probably get away with.

Will try a few on this weekend and narrow down the choice and then start looking.

I did notice even new ones are significantly cheaper in the states so that might be the way forward.

[Stig]

For skeletons - I'd have a look at Tao if you don't want to spend the earth.

[spareparts]

Zenith still make the finest watch movements in the world. Certainly the most horologically acclaimed and awarded.

[andy_s]

Bogie - nail - head.

[Ikemi]

This video of the Chronomaster T Open's escapement is epic!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JYi0qRbckA&fea...

Wow! Are there any Zenith AD's in London or the South East?

[Nish]

Ikemi said:

This video of the Chronomaster T Open's escapement is epic!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JYi0qRbckA&fea...

Wow! Are there any Zenith AD's in London or the South East?

That's the exact video that sold it to me!

Not sure of AD's but pretty sure there's a shop that stocks them in Westfield, heading there this weekend to take a look.

The Tao watches don't seem to have the right quality of finish from what I can see.

[tertius]

I have a couple of Zeniths, hmm, well three now I think about it, they are absolutely beautifully made. I don't particularly care for the "Open" styles, but I can see the attraction.

[Dakkon]

I really like the Zenith Grande Class Traveller Multicity, but it does cost a few quid.

[bogie]

Dakkon said:

I really like the Zenith Grande Class Traveller Multicity, but it does cost a few quid.

ive seen them near £4K off list already ! ..not a design many like I guess

the re-issue of the 1969 el primero chronos are real nice...about £6-10K depending on finish ....I have one of the originals, its my fave watch