Our Favorite Zenith Watches
Here at Feldmar we love all our watches, but as with every world-class brand we carry, we have our favorite models. With Zenith, however, identifying one favorite is nearly impossible. Named after the highest point reached by a heavenly body in the sky, Zenith symbolizes the heights of excellence and has been crafting exquisite precision timepieces since 1865. And, they just so happen to be our March Brand of the Month. Here are a few of our favorite Zenith timepieces.
Defy
The history of watchmaking is a history of technological innovation, true, but there are some advances that are considered revolutionary. Enter the Zenith Defy collection of watches, featuring an unheard of 1/100th of a second chronograph movement. Choose from a variety of unique looks that begin with cases of rose gold, stainless steel, or microblasted titanium, each with a perfectly matched strap. Other features include transparent sapphire crystal case backs and anti-reflective domed sapphire crystals, some with a diamond bezel. Complementary dial colors include mother-of-pearl, starry sky patterned sunray, tinted sapphire, a variety of colorful gradients and more. Dial features such as chronograph counters, power reserve indicator, small seconds sub-dial and Superluminova hands and hour-markers make these rare timepieces indeed. Defy expectations and defy conventions with the Zenith Defy collection.
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Defy Extreme
All the horological expertise that makes the Defy collection so revolutionary, powered by an extraordinary beating heart—the El Primero 21 calibre, a 1/100th of a second automatic chronograph with two escapements, beating independently at 36,000 VpH for timekeeping, and 360,000 VpH for the chronograph. The watches of the Defy Extreme collection were designed for the rugged individualist—one equally at home climbing the Cassin Ridge of Denali or in a boardroom giving a high-stakes presentation. Cases are crafted from materials such as carbon and microblasted titanium, brushed titanium and rose gold along with transparent sapphire case backs and anti-reflective dome sapphire crystal. The dials feature oversized hands and markers filled with bright Super-LumiNova for ultimate readability no matter the conditions. Other dial highlights include central chronograph hand, chronograph counters, power reserve indicator and more. Extreme doesn’t begin to describe these timepieces.
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Pilot
“Everyone has oceans to fly if they have the heart to do it. Is it reckless? Maybe. But what do dreams know of boundaries?”—Amelia Earhart
These words from one of history’s most legendary pilots perfectly describe not only the Zenith Pilot collection, but the man for whom the watches were designed: adventurous with a pioneering spirit. These watches feature round cases of aged stainless steel or bronze that develop a unique patina over time, with wire-lugs and oversized crowns for a subtly vintage aesthetic. Earthy dial colors include khaki grained green, natural bronze, and evening sea blue. Oversized and uniquely stylized luminescent Arabic numerals and “cathedral” hands offer maximum readability. The eye-catching dial colors are paired with equally bold straps in oily nubuck leather, calfskin leather and more. The Pilot is the watch for the big-hearted dreamers who move fearlessly.
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Chronomaster
There are so many superlatives that describe the watches of the Chronomaster collection, and each rings true—striking design, impressive functionality, contemporary proportions, avant-garde design. Coupled with Zenith’s always remarkable technical precision, these are timepieces that will last you a lifetime and beyond. The various case materials include stainless steel, 18K rose gold, black ceramic and more, with transparent sapphire crystal case backs. Some models feature 18K rose gold or a diamond bezel. Open worked or tri-colored dials feature chronograph counters, a date indicator, gold-plated hands and hour markers, Superluminova hands and more. Matching straps in stainless steel, calfskin, or black rubber complete the look. A legendary collection, from one of the world’s most legendary watch companies.
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The El Primero Movement
There is one technological innovation shared by Zenith’s finest watches—the revolutionary El Primero movement, the first ever integrated automatic chronograph movement, to this day the world’s most accurate series-made caliber. Read more on our blog about the El Primero movement and why it makes Zenith watches so unique.
Discover these favorites along with the full line of luxury Zenith watches at Feldmar.
About The Author: Tom Roth
Born in Washington state, Tom developed an interest in photography during college at University of San Diego. There, he got started in music journalism, interviewing artists and taking photos at concerts. A life-long tinkerer and collector, it wasn’t long before Tom became fascinated with fountain pens and watches.
Those interests collided in November 2020 when Tom started at Feldmar Watch Company where he lives out every watch geek’s dream: photographing and writing about timepieces. When he’s not tinkering with his watch collection, Tom can be found traveling, biting his nails while watching PNW sports teams, and taking flying lessons.
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