Spellbound
1343
Any compelling novelties from Zenith this year?
For me this year, I must say I am a little disappointed with the Zenith novelties.
But there were three that stood out.
Firstly the new Captain Central Seconds offered a slight refinement in design on the existing versions. It makes for an attractive 40mm package that could have been perfect had they omitted the date window.
"Could have been a contender!"
Secondly the masterpiece that is the Type 20 Grand Feu. And as much as I would love to have this in my collection, it would be purely reserved for enjoyment in the privacy of my home as even I would be embarrassed to wear the 60mm behemoth in public.
A masterpiece, but unwearable in public
And finally, the latest version of the El Primero Chronomaster Grande Date in stainless steel with rose gold crown and pushers and a gorgeous chocolate sunray dial.
Whilst not a fan of the almost iconic Zenith open dials, this one is strangely compelling.
This could be the one!
For me the new Synopsis line fails to incite emotion. The new Lightweight is cool, but I prefer the Striking 10th version of the Lightweight that was released late last year.
Are there any novelties that you find compelling ?
Dean
This message has been edited by Spellbound on 2014-04-07 10:16:07
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Any compelling novelties from Zenith this year?
For me this year, I must say I am a little disappointed with the Zenith novelties. But there were three that stood out. Firstly the new Captain Central Seconds offered a slight refinement in design on the existing versions. It makes for an attractive 40mm...
I really like the Captain Central Seconds ...
And agree that if they would have skipped the date window, it would have been perfect! Best Blomman
It was a year of polishing and refining...
with little breakthrough pieces, which is probably the reason why the Type 20 Grand Feu was presented - as a show piece. Overall, I liked how Zenith applied little changes and improvements to the collections, particularly to the Captain collection . As Ol...
Polishing and refining
Polishing and refining is all very well if the designs that are being refined are stunning designs that have transformed into the realms of iconic. But the Captain line has always been pleasant, but not achingly desirable. I just wish Zenith would focus o...
I think the company is at a turning point.
Zenith's reboot under the post-Nataf management is complete, and I think this year's novelties represented something of a refractory period. Clearly, the initial work of redesigning the models, realigning the collections, and repositioning the watches in ...
The Annual Calendar
A very perceptive and accurate commentary Tim as always. For me, the Annual Calendar, whether in the Type 20, or the Captain, could be improved upon. I have always liked a perfectly balanced dial, so the position of the day/month window at 3:00pm, and the...
I have to admit I would 'need' a fourth version...
the one on the very left: I just fear that one would need a new movement… Cheers, Magnus ...
I don't 'understand' Zenith
here you have a company with the 'best' (arguably) auto chrono movement in the world, yet consistently 'odd' or off-beat designs... There is nothing absolutely classic in the line up except the El Primero re-issues, redux's, etc, however they too kind of ...
Better still
Maybe a fifth version, a handwound central second with no date. Now, that I would go for without hesitation. Sadly, automatics have been phasing out manual winding for decades now, and I fear it won't be long before they will remain in the domain of just ...
"the domain of just a handful of niche watchmakers"
that could be a very interesting niche, and a niche that I think would be very profitable to fill. And, Zenith considers itself a watchmaker . But in order to substantiate this claim the company needs to gear up a bit. The El Primero is four decades old, ...