Chronograph Battle: Omega vs Zenith

[Time Exposure]

Today (as in, might change my mind tomorrow), I am looking at these two different chronographs.
The Omega Speedmaster '57:

And the Zenith Stratos Flyback:

Both are about 45mm (my wrist is 7.5" and the large size just fits). Both are priced about the same.
I am not sure which of the two I prefer. The Omega has a beautiful blue dial with striking red chronograph hands. I also like the layout, with two registers (one encompassing both chrono hours and minutes elapsed like a clock) and a date at six. I do not know the history of the caliber 9300 movement. I don't think it has been around for long.
The Zenith has a flyback feature, which I really, really like. The Chrono minutes register is easy to read, and the elapsed time bezel (while somewhat redundant) may come in handy. The movement is faultless, as the design has been around for decades. Talk about a proven design!
Between these two models, which do you prefer? Why?

[Syed117]

The 57 is 41.5mm, not 45mm. That blue dial is also fantastic. Changes drastically based on the lighting.

I'm actually in the process of getting a 57 (reached out to one of our trusted sellers). I don't hate that Zenith, but I actually prefer the bi-compax dial design of the 57 because it allows for relatively easy use as a second time zone.

I also have about a 7.5 inch wrist and while it's a bit thick, I felt that it looked great one me.

Don't think you can go wrong with either. Good luck!

[tigerpac]

Do you actually like that Zenith dial? Or is it the lure of the movement that is pulling you in?

I can't get over the circus of colors there.

[ck1109]

On my (skinny) wrists, the Omega '57 was pretty uncomfortable due to the combination of straight lugs on a 15mm thick case.

[J!m]

I like the clean Omega look here; however a better comparison (for dial layout's sake) might be the Tudor Heritage Chrono. Also two register, but two hand (not three like the Omega) and also date at six...

I love Zenith, I just think you are comparing apples to Oranges slightly there.

[Billythekid]

My vote goes for zenith and if you can find a model with a black bezel and not red than go for it
Also i havent seen this zenith in person so cant comment on the colorplay but if it looks cool to you than go for it and dont worry about the movement ,you wont go wrong with either of them

[cervantes]

Like said, the Speedy is 41mm but very thick and has long straight lugs that make it wear similar to the 44mm Speedmasters. Love the El Primero but not a fan of the Stratos personally. Prefer the new Laquer dial or the ti-color classic. They both wear larger than their 42mm size in my opinion.
https://www.hodinkee.com/blog/zenith...e-at-sihh-2015

[mps354]

Of those, I prefer the omega

[lapince]

omega

[unknown]

Zenith is an icon when talking about affordable chronographs

But I would choose another model

[malarky_hk]

Originally Posted by tigerpac

I can't get over the circus of colors there.

Thus, it is appropriately nick named the Flyback Rainbow. Originally designed to spec for the French Air force. The bright colours of the minutes register at 3 o'clock is to enable nighttime reading in infrared cockpits.

Of the two, the Zenith would be my choice. Definitely a lot more interesting than the Omega.

[Time Exposure]

Thanks for the responses thus far!
A little more detail about the pictured Zenith Stratos that most comments deride.
I like it.
I have a great deal of respect for the manufacturer. If I buy a Zenith, I want the Flyback feature. In the current offerings, they are all Stratos models. They all measure 45mm. And all but the Rainbow (or Circus Colors or whatever you're inclined to call it) have the stupidly ridiculous hour register overlap of the minute register. This design flaw is quite nearly enough to make me write off the manufacturer entirely. It is the reason I have zero interest in other Zenith recommendations. All others have the overlap horror, or lack the Flyback function.
So to the Zenith champions, I do respect the name. I just don't prefer the design and function of other recommendations.
BTW, I hadn't noticed the lacquer dial model before. Nice compromise on the dial overlap! Alas, no Flyback...:(
Looking like the Omega might be pulling ahead...

[Time Exposure]

Originally Posted by malarky_hk

Thus, it is appropriately nick named the Flyback Rainbow. Originally designed to spec for the French Air force. The bright colours of the minutes register at 3 o'clock is to enable nighttime reading in infrared cockpits.



Of the two, the Zenith would be my choice. Definitely a lot more interesting than the Omega.

I have no infrared cockpit for my chronograph to play in, but previously unknown-to-me tidbits like this make me appreciate the Zenith more than I already did! Hmm...

[regnant]

I would pick the Zenith, you may also consider of trying El Primero Sport. That watch has less cluttered dial and pushers feature screw in locks ��

[Racerdj]

I prefer the Omega.

[johnny5tele]

I was looking for a 'second' watch and was actually looking at this Omega SpeedMaster 57, but when i seen it up close i was a little disappointed. In my opinion, it looked far better in the pics, rather than 'in person'. For the price they wanted for it, I decided to go for a basic Datejust II. Whilst on the topic of Chronographs, my biggest complaint about them is the small seconds, you always have. Unless the chronograph is running, the large second hand doesn't turn. Really grinds my gears.


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[joli160]

This Zenith does not have it, Omega would be my choice, classy piece.

[Xenophon]

Both are good and both have merits but I'd prefer a less colourful bezel that the Rainbow. BTW, I had a Stratos and the bracelet was a real "hair puller" on my wrist.

[sea-dweller]

I like the Omega!