Zenith build quality, finishing and reliability

[jsobral]

Hello guys,

As some of you may have read in another of my posts, I'm about to pull the trigger on a Zenith defy 21 el primero (rose gold).

I live in Chile, and there is not Zenith AD. I could try on almost all my other options (Sedna speedy, Breguet type XXI). But no the Zenith.

I want to know based on comments, if the build (robustness) of the case and buckles are top notch. The same about the finishing.

Also want to know if buying a Zenith with no service center close is a really bad idea or not.

[jsobral]

No thoughts on Zenith? :*

[RolexSimon]

Originally Posted by jsobral

Hello guys,

As some of you may have read in another of my posts, I'm about to pull the trigger on a Zenith defy 21 el primero (rose gold).

I live in Chile, and there is not Zenith AD. I could try on almost all my other options (Sedna speedy, Breguet type XXI). But no the Zenith.

I want to know based on comments, if the build (robustness) of the case and buckles are top notch. The same about the finishing.

Also want to know if buying a Zenith with no service center close is a really bad idea or not.

You have to remember Zenith used to make the amazing Daytona movements - they're a pretty top league outfit. I've never heard of issues with the Defy. Most companies will pay for courier of the watch back to them if there are any warrant issues - i've just done this from Australia to the UK with Bremont.

[jsobral]

Thanks!

[jsobral]

Any thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated!

[wesdaniel]

I have a Zenith Chronomaster Sport that I bought a few months ago on the resale market. As far as the watch itself, I love it. The case is well finished, it keeps accurate time, and the chrono function is fun with the 36,000bph movement.

The only down side is the clasp on the bracelet. It could be a lot better.

But, having said that, with the price point you can find these for on the resale market, it was a totally worthwhile purchase.

If you have a competent watchmaker who charges reasonable prices and who can work on this watch, the absence of a local service center wouldn't deter me if the up-front price was right. Where is the nearest service center?

I know it's not the same model, but, hopefully that helps a little.

[wesdaniel]

Duplicate post

[djnick]

Zenith is solid and as good as it gets at the price point. Secondary market there are some great deals to be had

[jsobral]

Originally Posted by wesdaniel

I have a Zenith Chronomaster Sport that I bought a few months ago on the resale market. As far as the watch itself, I love it. The case is well finished, it keeps accurate time, and the chrono function is fun with the 36,000bph movement.

The only down side is the clasp on the bracelet. It could be a lot better.

But, having said that, with the price point you can find these for on the resale market, it was a totally worthwhile purchase.

If you have a competent watchmaker who charges reasonable prices and who can work on this watch, the absence of a local service center wouldn't deter me if the up-front price was right. Where is the nearest service center?

I know it's not the same model, but, hopefully that helps a little.

Thanks for the input! I live in Chile, we have no service center here, probably Brazil is the closest one!

[MP777]

Solid watches, just be careful of their more avant-garde pieces. They don’t flush them out as maturely so many of their production watches feel like prototypes. For example, I bought the full ceramic Defy 21 thinking it would all be made out of ceramic - wrong. The endlinks and clasp are PVD over metal to make it look like ceramic and scratched like crazy with the actual ceramic links rubbing against it.

Just feels like overall inexperience or having junior people working on new things.

[charger_vital]

Zenith is cool. Same level as Rolex and Omega in terms of build quality and finish. Solid watch brand.

[jsobral]

Originally Posted by MP777

Solid watches, just be careful of their more avant-garde pieces. They don’t flush them out as maturely so many of their production watches feel like prototypes. For example, I bought the full ceramic Defy 21 thinking it would all be made out of ceramic - wrong. The endlinks and clasp are PVD over metal to make it look like ceramic and scratched like crazy with the actual ceramic links rubbing against it.

Just feels like overall inexperience or having junior people working on new things.

Thanks for input, I will dig a little bit more into the clasp and buckle system of the reference I like, clasp is titanium but you made me wonder if the buckle is solid rose gold or just pvd!