Is Zenith a respected watch brand?

[jamesh]

I'm still quite new to the world of watches so forgive my ignorance - but is Zenith a respected watch brand in the watch world? I'm also wondering how well they hold their value?

I came across the Zenith Cronomaster XXT Open and thought it was a beautiful watch. It's possibly next on my list but just don't know much about Zenith...

Any thoughts much appreciated!

[Terry Newton]

Zenith is an old house having started in 1865. It is a well respected brand and it's new CEO is taking the company in different directions. There are a lot of beautiful watches that they make and they also make some that are quite different. You either love them or hate them. A classic example of this is the "Defy" line which is very different from the average looking watch. They are trying to appeal to a new generation and more of a sporty line in this series.

I think they do fair with their value though I would not be buying a watch to care about how it's value is going to hold up. I buy mine for enjoyment and, when I'm dead and gone, the heirs are going to concern themselves with my value.

If it appeals to you, buy it. I think that one you picked is beautiful. It gets the Terry Newton Three Thumbs Up Award.

Terry Newton

[Thani]

ofcourse it is

[Henry T]

With their current range of models, Zenith seems to be targeting a whole new market - the younger and more trendy - in direct competition to Tag Heuer.

I prefer this one from their old production - a dressy Elite diver.






FYI, the older Rolex Cosmograph (Daytona) uses a Zenith movement.

[Welshwatchman]

Zenith is a fantastic brand.

I have owned two Zeniths, both El Primero Chronographs. The key is to buy them at the right price, pre-owned as then there is little left to depreciate. I lost nothing on my Zeniths and even made a £220 profit on the gold one.

[RW16610]

Got to agree with all those above, it is fantastic. The pictures up there say it all, look at the quality of the solid braceslit and nice case / dial setup. A lot of the brands we hear less about are just as good as anything else, Swiss made quality and just cater to different prefrences is all. Has a nice unique design that is different from probably any other brand I can recall seeing and that is a good thing to own or add to a collection indeed.

[skeen]

They are pretty nice. I think perhaps I shall get one at some point.

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by skeen

They are pretty nice. I think perhaps I shall get one at some point.

Yeah I am thinking the same for some day. It really adds variety and being different from the majority is a great thing truly.

[jamesh]

Originally Posted by Terry Newton

Zenith is an old house having started in 1865. It is a well respected brand and it's new CEO is taking the company in different directions. There are a lot of beautiful watches that they make and they also make some that are quite different. You either love them or hate them. A classic example of this is the "Defy" line which is very different from the average looking watch. They are trying to appeal to a new generation and more of a sporty line in this series.

I think they do fair with their value though I would not be buying a watch to care about how it's value is going to hold up. I buy mine for enjoyment and, when I'm dead and gone, the heirs are going to concern themselves with my value.

If it appeals to you, buy it. I think that one you picked is beautiful. It gets the Terry Newton Three Thumbs Up Award.

Terry Newton

Hi Terry - many thanks for the interesting and thoughtful feedback. I feel similarly that the first thing with a watch is how you feel about it and if you'll enjoy wearing it - I just enjoy wearing even more if I know it's a solid purchase. Not that it would stop me if I feel in love with a watch that I knew wouldn't hold value...

Thanks to everyone else for their thoughts too.

Cheers!

[daveathall]

Zenith certainly are held in high regard, personally I prefer their more traditional style of watches, as opposed to their newer more contemporary lines.

Fiirst and foremost though, pick the watch that you like the best, dont worry about depreciation, in 10, 20 or even 30years time that watch will be priceless to you.

[DoxaDavid]

They are an outstanding watch and very well respected in horte culture.

Not as well known here in the states and as mentioned, they hold their value well as long as you are not the first buyer who pays retail. They are innovators when it comes to movements too. They have some very cool watches, one in fact is priced at $500,000. I recently purchased a Defy Classic Aero Chrono and think it is one of the best built watches I have ever owned. I liked the Classic Defys because they are contemporary but still are well.."classic". Some of their watches aren't for the traditionalist but I look at them as mobile art.

Bottom line, don't hesitate to pull the trigger if you like the looks as the fit and finish is top notch. Keep us posted and post some pics if you acquire it.

Cheers!

[vukotab]

Zenith is one of the most distinguished watch brands in the world today.
And their chronograph named El Primero is still one of the most reliable movements in production!
If I could, I would go for Zenith in a split second!

[Thomas Carey]

Yes of course this is a respected brand. =) I would love to have an El Primero.

Best Regards,

Thomas Carey

[WatchTimes]

Are they good watches?
They used to supply the movement to Rolex for the Daytona
and even tuned it down to be less accurate than their own chronos.
I wish I had a Zenith Daytona!

They are beautiful watches and I really do like the one you picked out.

I do hope you get it as Id love to see lots of pics.

[Zed Homme]

Of all my watches, my Zenith Cronomaster XXT Open has the smoothest movement. Despite its long hands, the movement appears to be moving vibration free. Like someone else mentioned, Rolex used to use this movement in the Daytona. Zeniths are also quite uncommon in the states so its rare to see another one...

You cant go wrong with this watch.

[Jimbits76]

Zenith are beautiful watchs but since the rebranding/buy out they have shot up in price.

Expect to pay big if you go new...the open dial models are gorgeous but bang for your buck wise I would go for a used Rainbow Chronny...great watch!!!!

J

[RW16610]

Nice picture Chris

[Zed Homme]

Thanks RW, this thread convinced me to wear it to dinner tonight.

[DeepSeaWatches]

I'm personally not a fan of the direction Zenith is heading in...

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by Zed Homme

Thanks RW, this thread convinced me to wear it to dinner tonight.

Awesome Glad to hear that

Originally Posted by DeepSeaWatches

I'm personally not a fan of the direction Zenith is heading in...

How so exactly? (not attacking only wondering )

[flatpat]

I personally don't like the Zeniths because it doesn't have a hack setting or the ability to wind from the stem.

[DeepSeaWatches]

Originally Posted by RW16610

How so exactly? (not attacking only wondering )

I think the following photos sum it up nicely...