Tim_M
1272
Excellent Series Concept
May 26, 2014,05:55 AM
This is an excellent series concept, and I'm excited to see where it will lead. Your setting, photography, and write-up are ideal for a detailed watch study. If you have specific models in mind for future editions, please let us know whether we can sway your decision.
With respect to the watch, I'll be the odd man out and say that I liked some of the old Nataf-era Chronomaster Opens, and I'm in favor of keeping at least one such watch in the lineup.
While I think the Sun/Moon with the grand date (especially with black dial) achieves a more pleasing effect than the Synopsis, I think Zenith certainly has some license to create an elaborate and somewhat flamboyant three-hand piece in the product line. For the exceptionally conservative or three-hand PuristS, there are several sober Elite models that suit this purpose. I feel that if Zenith intends to build an El Primero-based time only watch, some aspect of the watch needs to announce its distinction from the otherwise identical Elite models, and revealing the escapement seems like an appropriate measure.
However, I do think that this watch is overwhelmed by the visual mass of the metal bracelet and excessively bulky bracelet links; this bracelet looks like it belongs on an upscale 45mm dive watch.. This watch is crying out for a more delicate bracelet. Even better would be a dark navy or black leather strap to provide striking contrast with the light dial and better compliment the somewhat delicate dial and case proportions. A strap would make this watch better suited to delicate female wrists as well, thus better positioning it as a viable option for women who don't desire an overtly "feminine" design from the Star lineup.
Tim
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Close to the Chattanooga Café? . . .
By: Dr No : May 25th, 2014-12:29
. . . ah, pleasant memories of Vienna, 1967. There was a record store nearby, too . . . still have an LP acquired there. As for this iteration of the El Primero sans chronograph, it's commendable Zenith kept its dimensions modest by current standards. Not...
If the current Chattanooga is still the one of old...
By: Ornatus-Mundi : May 26th, 2014-00:04
then no, not really close (you still can walk, though): the Chattanooga is in the city centre (1. district), whereas 'our' café is in the 4. district, an adjacent neighbourhood. Memories from 1967... I was not even in the making, then ;-) Magnus
Thanks for this great post
By: Spellbound : May 25th, 2014-22:43
Unfortunately the new Synopsis line does not appeal to me whatsoever either in concept or aesthetics. I wish Zenith would give this open dial a rest. It is iconic Zenith, but not in a good way. That said, these open dials windows are a vast improvement fr...
At least, Dean, you have to acknowledge that Zenith got one thing right...
By: Ornatus-Mundi : May 26th, 2014-12:57
with the functional aspect of the watches - compare them to other ladies chronographs from other brands: With all of the above - just try to use the chronograph... Good Luck! In general I have the feeling that ladies timepieces - regardless of brand - fol...
I like a lot ...
By: small-luxury-world : May 26th, 2014-02:07
the idea and the style of your post, my friend. I am really looking forward to the next ones :-) But the watch choosen this time is also not to my taste. A hole one the dial is quite often difficult and only a few watches are getting better with a feature...
Excellent Series Concept
By: Tim_M : May 26th, 2014-05:55
This is an excellent series concept, and I'm excited to see where it will lead. Your setting, photography, and write-up are ideal for a detailed watch study. If you have specific models in mind for future editions, please let us know whether we can sway y...
Thanks for your feedback, particularly on the Nataf era (more)...
By: Ornatus-Mundi : May 26th, 2014-12:32
I sincerely applaud your comment in favour of the Nataf-era watches, a time at Zenith which most would like to forget sooner rather than later. But I stay with what I have said before: It was a necessary period which (i) brought Zenith back onto the map o...