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Main Forums => General Discussion - Modern Watches => Topic started by: spoonfork on February 15, 2011, 09:58:29 PM

Title: Opinions on Zenith El Primero Chronograph
Post by: spoonfork on February 15, 2011, 09:58:29 PM
Hi all,

I'm looking for a dress watch, and the Zenith El Primero Chronograph comes up during my research, in particular the 02.0500.420 with the off-white dial. I've searched through this forum, but there's not much topics on Zenith. So question regarding the Zenith El Primero: what are your general opinions on the watch?
Is it durable? Does it scratch easily? How's the servicing like? Apart from it's history, what other aspect of Zenith watches that makes them appealing?

I've also taken a look at Maurice & Lacroix Les Classiques Chrono and Baume et Mercier Classima 8692. Both are mainly due to the looks. IWC Portuguese, although beautiful (seems like a favorite here) is just way too freaking expensive.

As a side note I currently own an Omega Speedmaster From the Moon to Mars and Damasko DA36.

Cheers,

--mel
Title: Re: Opinions on Zenith El Primero Chronograph
Post by: GlennTanChiaChiah on February 15, 2011, 10:42:26 PM
The choice of the El Primero is a good one nonetheless. The movement itself is well made, robust and meant to last as well as being the first ever high beat automatic chronograph movement. In fact when Rolex was looking for a movement for it's (then) new Daytona model they decided on the El Primero.
Title: Re: Opinions on Zenith El Primero Chronograph
Post by: rioet on February 16, 2011, 05:03:38 AM
Hi all,

I'm looking for a dress watch, and the Zenith El Primero Chronograph comes up during my research, in particular the 02.0500.420 with the off-white dial. I've searched through this forum, but there's not much topics on Zenith. So question regarding the Zenith El Primero: what are your general opinions on the watch?
Is it durable? Does it scratch easily? How's the servicing like? Apart from it's history, what other aspect of Zenith watches that makes them appealing?

I've also taken a look at Maurice & Lacroix Les Classiques Chrono and Baume et Mercier Classima 8692. Both are mainly due to the looks. IWC Portuguese, although beautiful (seems like a favorite here) is just way too freaking expensive.

As a side note I currently own an Omega Speedmaster From the Moon to Mars and Damasko DA36.

Cheers,

--mel

wondering if you said IWC is freaking expensive, then what is the price for Zenith El Primero, did you check?
Title: Re: Opinions on Zenith El Primero Chronograph
Post by: hanz079 on February 16, 2011, 07:48:13 AM
Hello there,

I have that model you are currently looking at.
Feel free to read up on my experience.
My hunt to perfect the watch is ongoing and will post updates when everything is in order. :Cheers:

http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,2081.0.html
Title: Re: Opinions on Zenith El Primero Chronograph
Post by: danny on February 16, 2011, 11:00:12 AM
From 1998 to 2000 Rolex actually used the El Primero movements in the legendary Daytona chronograph.
If it's good enough for Rolex then it's good enough for me. Nuff said.

 :Cheers:

Title: Re: Opinions on Zenith El Primero Chronograph
Post by: spoonfork on February 17, 2011, 11:51:57 AM
wondering if you said IWC is freaking expensive, then what is the price for Zenith El Primero, did you check?

Cheaper - I am looking at the 420Z movement. About half the price I would say. The newer incarnations of El Primero (Striking 10, 36000 VPH) are of course more expensive than IWC's Portuguese.

--mel
Title: Re: Opinions on Zenith El Primero Chronograph
Post by: takashi78 on February 17, 2011, 12:51:40 PM
From 1998 to 2000 Rolex actually used the El Primero movements in the legendary Daytona chronograph.
If it's good enough for Rolex then it's good enough for me. Nuff said.

 :Cheers:



Wow learnt something new today. I always thought that the Zenith movt Daytona had a longer production span than that.
Title: Re: Opinions on Zenith El Primero Chronograph
Post by: jacky8888 on February 17, 2011, 12:55:04 PM
ya me too.... i always thought that all daytonas hav zenith movement..... sorry guys... pls bear with my ignorance... :HammerHead:
Title: Re: Opinions on Zenith El Primero Chronograph
Post by: gloomis on February 17, 2011, 02:30:11 PM
wondering if you said IWC is freaking expensive, then what is the price for Zenith El Primero, did you check?

Cheaper - I am looking at the 420Z movement. About half the price I would say. The newer incarnations of El Primero (Striking 10, 36000 VPH) are of course more expensive than IWC's Portuguese.

--mel

:Startled: oh....i tot zenith price is always higher than IWC. hehe....now can consider 1 as well.
Title: Re: Opinions on Zenith El Primero Chronograph
Post by: TheHobbit on February 17, 2011, 06:37:05 PM
ya me too.... i always thought that all daytonas hav zenith movement..... sorry guys... pls bear with my ignorance... :HammerHead:

Rolex started using the Zenith movement from 1991 to 2000. The Zenith movement replaced the Valjoux movement originally fitted to the Cosmograph. Some people say that the Zenith movements were actually used as early as 1988.
Title: Re: Opinions on Zenith El Primero Chronograph
Post by: duke916sps on February 28, 2011, 04:08:11 PM
From 1998 to 2000 Rolex actually used the El Primero movements in the legendary Daytona chronograph.
If it's good enough for Rolex then it's good enough for me. Nuff said.

 :Cheers:



+1. Tough Nut to crack this movement...