Malaysia Watch Forum
Main Forums => Watch Reviews => Topic started by: hanz079 on January 30, 2012, 05:28:28 PM
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At last... after 3 weeks of agony... stuck in customs... cny holidays... it's finally in my hands!!!
It's none other than the Zenith El Primero Rainbow Flyback, which is the predecessor to the Zenith Stratos Flyback.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Zenith%20El%20Primero%20Rainbow%20Flyback/DSC00556.jpg)
Nice 40mm classic case.
They don't make watches like these anymore.
Produced from 1997-2001, only 4000 of these (black dial model) were ever produced making them highly sought after model for Zenith Aficionados.
Priced at around 5800usd to 6000usd for NOS... That's not the price I can afford... until a preowned piece came up at 2/3rd the price... the rest is history... even my plan to get a GMT Master II Ceramic will have to take a back seat...
Initially the plan was to get this, sell my Chronomaster XXT and still be able to get the GMTIIc... but my wife wanted the XXT... another watch got robbed from me... :'(
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Zenith%20El%20Primero%20Rainbow%20Flyback/DSC00548.jpg)
But enough on all that... let's check this baby out.
Black anodized aluminium bezel. Bi-directional.
Black matte dial.
White indexes and hands.
The whole watch is brushed stainless steel, black and white.
No fancy colours, no polished areas... truly a tool watch look.
Simply beautiful!!
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Zenith%20El%20Primero%20Rainbow%20Flyback/DSC00563.jpg)
Note the chapter ring is applied with the "Telemeter" scales... I only know "tachymetre"... I will have to check more regarding this.
Since the dial and bezel is black, the black extends all the way to the chapter ring and to the bezel... it actually make this watch bigger than it really is.
Nice touch of filling in every available space on the dial.
It looks really good and balanced.
Even with the 40mm case, the dial have no overlapping sub-dials like the Stratos that seem to annoy alot of ppl.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Zenith%20El%20Primero%20Rainbow%20Flyback/DSC00566.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Zenith%20El%20Primero%20Rainbow%20Flyback/DSC00570.jpg)
Pushers and crown are sized just right.
I was abit disappointed that the crown is not signed... a star would be a nice touch.
Winding action is smooth. Pull and push type... no screw in.
I don't know what kind of sorcery Zenith uses but according to the manual, 25 full turns of the crown fully winds the watch at 50 hours of power reserve!!
Chrono pushers are firm and offers a nice click when pressed unlike 7750 clicks that can be a little tough at times.
The case is either brushed or sand blasted, I can't be entirely sure but the finish is excellent.
Minor swirlies associated with daily wear is invisible... unless it's a major ding or a deep scratch... I'd say the finish is perfect for the watch.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Zenith%20El%20Primero%20Rainbow%20Flyback/DSC00573.jpg)
The bracelet is solidly constructed, features a butterfly clasp.
The whole bracelet is brushed and matches the case which gives the watch a utilitarian look.
I like it.
The bracelet uses pressure pins for the removable parts.
Unless you have alot of time at hand, changing straps would be OK if you have the right tools...
I would just stick to the bracelet. Comes with 6 fixed links on either side and 4 full removable links and 2 half links.
Took me some time to figure out the perfect fit.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Zenith%20El%20Primero%20Rainbow%20Flyback/DSC00562.jpg)
Watch is fitted with a solid caseback.
Nicely engraved. I would have loved a display back to look at the El Primero 405z movement but hey, you can't have it all.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Zenith%20El%20Primero%20Rainbow%20Flyback/DSC00583.jpg)
Lastly, a wrist shot.
I have compared this with my Rolex Sub and even at the same case size, this Zenith somehow wears bigger... less shiny due to the brushed area. Does not reflect any light... no bling factor at all... in fact, the watch looks dull...
But the beauty lies in the details.
Double coated AR sapphire makes the watch even duller... lol
Water resistant is rated only at 100m due to the non screw in crown.
I would rate this watch a 9.5 out of 10...
Again, if you have read my previous review of the Zenith Chronomaster XXT, I am biased.
It doesn't get a perfect 10 only because of the non screw in crown and no star on the crown.
Hope you guys enjoyed reading it.
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Bro Hanz,
Even I'm not a fan of chrono watch BUT I must say this is indeed a nice contrast black and white chrono watch. Please do wear it in good health and tolong pm saya mana dapat pelangi hitam putih pelangi ni??? :Cheers:
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:thumbsup: love it bro, great buy!
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Bro Hanz, congrats on your grail :thumbsup:
Very handsome and yes, I do like to see a clear case back on this beauty.
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Congrats on the new watch. It's a beauty.
Thomas Priek makes clear casebacks for this model. Try googling it up
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Congrats on the watch. It s a beauty. I like this version better. Wear it with good health.
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hanz...
you are a BAD influence. your passion for Zenith is infecting me!!
a beauty indeed and i do wish i am in KK to view and share your passion for Zenith
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congrats on another successful hunt..wear in good health!
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Congrats on the new watch. It's a beauty.
Thomas Priek makes clear casebacks for this model. Try googling it up
Thanks for the heads up Terence2. I have checked his webshop and it seems like the clear casebacks for this model is discontinued... :(
hanz...
you are a BAD influence. your passion for Zenith is infecting me!!
a beauty indeed and i do wish i am in KK to view and share your passion for Zenith
Yeah... I am trying to spread some Zenith poison around here.
Interest for Zenith timepieces are not exactly high around here... I wonder why ???
If it has infected you, then I have succeeded a little bit... :Cheers:
Thanks for all the nice compliments. :thumbsup:
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Poison! Poison!! & more Poison!!! :'(
Bro Hanz, Congrats on your new piece. :Cheers:
Enjoy & wear with good health.
Take care, Ciao! :thumbsup:
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More pictures = more poison... :Cheers:
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Zenith%20El%20Primero%20Rainbow%20Flyback/DSC00588.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Zenith%20El%20Primero%20Rainbow%20Flyback/DSC00591.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Zenith%20El%20Primero%20Rainbow%20Flyback/DSC00595.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Zenith%20El%20Primero%20Rainbow%20Flyback/DSC00604.jpg)
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Zenith%20El%20Primero%20Rainbow%20Flyback/DSC00599.jpg)
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Your momentum is moving fast again, Great watch, must be a Zenith fanatic.... :Laughing_on_floor: but luckily my resistant is strong....
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Congratulations Bro Hanz. Wear the Zenith with Good Health.
Even I'm not a fan of chrono watch or the Zenith brand, but I must say this is indeed a nice contrast black and white chrono watch from Zenith. I only understand the pain and struggle Zenith employees had to go through to hand make a watch.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers.
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Your momentum is moving fast again, Great watch, must be a Zenith fanatic.... :Laughing_on_floor: but luckily my resistant is strong....
No momentum bro... wallet empty still got momentum meh? hahaha
No need to resist bro... sooner or later you will get hypnotized... :Cheers:
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Congratulations Bro Hanz. Wear the Zenith with Good Health.
Even I'm not a fan of chrono watch or the Zenith brand, but I must say this is indeed a nice contrast black and white chrono watch from Zenith. I only understand the pain and struggle Zenith employees had to go through to hand make a watch.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers.
are you sure Zenith is hand made?
but i guess the definition of hand made is quite broad
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Most likely minor assembly work.
Parts are all machined using high tech.... erm... machines?
Terrence2, the pics on Thomas' site with the clear caseback for this model is killing me!!!
I want one!!!
Any other independent manufacturer doing this?
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not that i know of.
have u tried e-mailing Thomas?
his english may not be the best and replies may not be fast too but I am sure the tooling to reproduce another caseback would still be there.
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not that i know of.
have u tried e-mailing Thomas?
his english may not be the best and replies may not be fast too but I am sure the tooling to reproduce another caseback would still be there.
1st thing i did when i know there is such a thing is e-mailing the fellow.
Still waiting on the reply though...
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I like this watch too....like the chrone and colour...good one bro...
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Congrats Hanz. :thumbsup: And yes, you're spreading the Zenith virus quite well, I can tell you. :HammerHead:
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Nice 40mm classic case.
They don't make watches like these anymore.
Superb piece + excellent pics!! I've always believed that Zenith made some outstanding aviator-style watches before the mid-2000's. In the same breath and at the risk of incurring the wrath of some doyen from Dewan Bahasa, perhaps you should post some equally pictures of:
Zenith Tuan Chrono;
Zenith Jantung Terbuka;
Rolex Tuan GMT;
Rolex Pengembara;
Rolex Pengembara Kedua;
IWC Orang Portugis 7 Hari;
IWC ludah api;
Omega Tuan Laju;
Omega Tuan Laut;
Omega Tuan Laju Michael Pembuat Kasut;
Ulysse Nardin Ganjil (or should it be aneh??);
Bola Jurutera; and don't forget......
Bola ahli bomba.
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Nice 40mm classic case.
They don't make watches like these anymore.
Superb piece + excellent pics!! I've always believed that Zenith made some outstanding aviator-style watches before the mid-2000's. In the same breath and at the risk of incurring the wrath of some doyen from Dewan Bahasa, perhaps you should post some equally pictures of:
Zenith Tuan Chrono;
Zenith Jantung Terbuka;
Rolex Tuan GMT;
Rolex Pengembara;
Rolex Pengembara Kedua;
IWC Orang Portugis 7 Hari;
IWC ludah api;
Omega Tuan Laju;
Omega Tuan Laut;
Omega Tuan Laju Michael Pembuat Kasut;
Ulysse Nardin Ganjil (or should it be aneh??);
Bola Jurutera; and don't forget......
Bola ahli bomba.
Orite...
Yang aku ada ni saja...
Harap mencukupi untuk kamu yer...
Zenith Tuan Chrono Terbuka
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Zenith%20Chronomaster%20Open%20El%20Primero%20XXT/DSC00124.jpg)
Rolex Pengembara Kedua Hitam dan Putih.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Rolex%20Explorer%20II%2016570/3b638d02.jpg)
Omega Tuan Laut Encik Bond.
(http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss179/hanz079/Omega%20Seamaster%20Bond%20222080/6ae3504b.jpg)
Itu saja yang aku ada boss.... :Cheers:
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great looking Zeniths you have there!
The flyback is simple yet elegant.
The Chronomaster Open is simply one of my fav open heart watches...
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hanz.....i found this in chinese forum.
to celebrate taiwan lunar celebration 101, zenith taiwan launch this limited edition in taiwan 101 tower and only 101 made. the 10 n 1 in the watch is writen in chinese word meaning 101. read the link below.
http://www.watchbus.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2033
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tht day watch channel 319 , got this fly back i rainbow hand d right...
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tht day watch channel 319 , got this fly back i rainbow hand d right...
Yup... Covered here as well.
http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,4732.0.html
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Hi Hanz..hope u don't mind to hijack your thread..
i just found out that my rainbow is the older model with tritium ("T" on both side of the "SWISS MADE" markings) and your's are the newer model with Luminova (with dot "." markings).
mine...
(http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q796/mohd_najmi1/my_watches/mark1_zps86adcfac.png)
newer model (pic from internet)..
(http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q796/mohd_najmi1/my_watches/zenith_newer_luminova_zps357d2cb4.jpg)
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I actually really like the pictures you took of the watches. I have to say that this the contrasts of black and white meant that the legibility is excellent. Main thing is bracelet which is is comfortable and well designed.