Comments:
Reacquisiton of an old love
I was foolish enough to sell this Zenith a few years ago and certainly happy to reacquire it at a great deal recently.
The Zenith Chronomaster Open was much criticised when it was launched during the controversial Thierry Nataf era. Comments heard ranged from "too avante garde", "bring back to the past glory of Zenith instead please", and "who cares for a hole in the dial".
Strangely the model outlived most critics and many more iterations , including limited editions, have since been launched.
This is a keeper for me. The mesmerising dial under different lightings is a sight to behold.
A Worthy Addition, A Great Zenith
The open dial was an incredibly successful execution and endlessly influential. Nataf correctly grasped that the core attraction of a mechanical watch lies in the beating heart. He brought it to the fore and compounded the decision with skeletonized bridges to amplify the visibility. Consider how many brands have emulated this design masterstroke. 90% of the appeal of a tourbillon at 10% of the cost.
Also worth noting; this generation of stepped-bezel Chronomasters is destined to be remembered as one of the company's design classics. Zenith is known mostly for calibers, but from time to time, an A386, De Luca, Rainbow Flyback, or Chronomaster (including Opens) gives Le Locle an actual watch design to hang in its Pantheon. Wear it in great health!
Best,
Tim
Don't pay attention to other people feelings about this Zenith. You love it and that's the essential. One of my friend owns one too and he really loves it. Enjoy you
Best wishes
Alkiro
Alkiro
What is old is sometimes better than new. A design that stands the test of time. Look at the finishing details with step-up case, different guilloche patterning for dial and sundial, and a dash of skeletonization.
In many ways better than more modern iterations.
Yes, those older Zenith dials with guillochage are absolutely stunning! [nt]
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