The Zenith appeals more to me and not only because of the price difference.

Probably the most objective and balanced comparison of these two fantastic watches that I've come across.

@F-xe1gt

Жыл бұрын

Please tell me that’s sarcasm

1. I like a date 2. I like to see a nice movement 3. I don’t like waiting. 4. I don’t like to be mugged off with over inflated prices just so I can have my inferiority complex treated by strangers compliments 5. Money talks, wealth whispers.

Yesterday I bought El Primero. I am not going to be put on a waiting list for the privilege of forking over 13K nor will I pay 3 times or more over retail for pre-owned! As you pointed out at one time Zenith made the Daytona movement, no small deal when you are looking at heritage and D.N.A. For me it's El Primero all the way.

@ismarwinkelman5648

Ай бұрын

Congrats! Make sure to enjoy every second 😊

I'm so glad the channel is back up. I'll never again take it for granted!!!

@the1916companywatchreviews

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your concern and appreciation! We are not sure what happened at KZread, but we are extremely grateful that they were able to quickly resolve it! --Team WatchBox

@the1916companywatchreviews

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this kind note, Andres! Honestly, it was a crushing feeling and a total mystery. The miracle was that somebody at Google/KZread clearly took a personal interest in fixing this immediately. Typically, these things take weeks or months to resolve. Best, Tim

LOVE the Zenith. great watch all around, inside out. i tried to like the Daytona for many years. couldn't love it enough to buy it. THANK YOU. Great review,,,,

Thanks for an awesome video. Gets one really thinking! Id like to ask a very subjective question tho. Seeing how you seem to like the Breguet Type XXII 3880 reference - which watch would you pick as a offtime watch? The Zenith we see here or the TypeXXII? I have a 20ishcm wrist size, so the 44mm of the Breguet dont bother me; rather unsure about the 17.2-17.4mm thickness however..

Tim, you seriously make the best, most detailed videos about watches, it’s awesome. Thank you 🙏🏻

Hey Tim, I was wondering if the straps that are made for the Daytona would fit on the el primero? I’m talking the likes of the Everest bands curved lugs straps as I’m a big fan of these!

I'd get the Zenith. I have a personal history with the brand, and I nowadays I feel like a lot of people buy Rolexes for the resale value. While not unreasonable, there's just some manner of stigma in my head of that emphasis on resale value being tied to necessity. I think watches should be very personal, and luxury watches should kinda burn money, to some extent.

Already own the Daytona, but just bought the Zenith too! What the hey!

@damachine3

3 жыл бұрын

Same

@brianpalay

3 жыл бұрын

Same. jk I can't afford either...yet, haha. Nice watches, enjoy.

@Vusseyv881

4 ай бұрын

Nice dice. When provided with two options I just buy both.

I’m going for the new Tudor BB Chrono. Well...I’m waiting. My AD is getting a couple, soon he thinks, but they’re both spoken for. So hopefully I’m somewhere in line. I’ll probably get the SD 43 first, knowing my luck!

it's amazing how Rolex went from THE WORST bracelet to THE BEST.

The zenith looks cooler and is cheaper, and I can actually buy it. Clear win

@OneLordeAnimeClips

5 ай бұрын

2 years late with this comment, but just wanted to say I feel the same way. I respect the Daytona for sure, but the El Primero looks way more unique, has a much more interesting movement, see through caseback is gorgeous, and the tri-color dial pops.

Both beautiful….tough call for me….but since I couldn’t get my hands on the Rolex new from AD…advantage El Primero…

Zenith El Primero 100%. The only thing the Daytona has over the El Primero is the bracelet.

@JDDD33

2 жыл бұрын

And the thickness of the watch, daytona wins.

@steelsteez6118

2 жыл бұрын

@@JDDD33 exactly and thickness is everything when it comes to everyday wear 8+ hours at the office.

@OneLordeAnimeClips

5 ай бұрын

@@steelsteez6118 If you're wearing business formal sure. Even then the Zenith will slide under the cuff.

On the matter of bracelet tolerances, while I can agree that the clasp on the Rolex is a lot better, tight tolerances are desirable in engineering terms, a bracelet has to be able to move in more than one dimension. It's a case of it moves or it breaks.

I have the 116500LN and am planning on getting the Zenith next. Both are beautiful watches that deserve their spot in every serious collection. Great video comparing the two!

I just never got the Daytona thing. I'm a big Rollie fan and it's a nice enough watch but as far a chronos go...eh. The Zenith is superior in every way outside of the thickness and the clasp in my opinion. There is no Daytona without the El Primero. Screw down pushers and no view of the movement means the Daytona won't be nearly as fun to play with while your supposed to be working....ha ha....

@supremegalacticcommander2783

3 жыл бұрын

I completely agree, I have NEVER understood the Daytona craze, and I would never, I mean never, pay $13,000 for it. Sorry, you'd have to be nuts to spend that kind of money for what you get.

@Mohamed_Elshekh

2 жыл бұрын

@@supremegalacticcommander2783 i wish i could get the daytona for 13k but sadly now the only way to get it is 36k+ on the grey market

@andybroer651

2 жыл бұрын

@@Mohamed_Elshekh agreed

@CalvinCooke18

2 жыл бұрын

The poxy drug dealing junkie fools destroyed some brands Rolex and Canada goose jackets in particular 🤣🤣🤣🤣

@986C

2 жыл бұрын

Anyone that says 'Rollie' is suspect immediately - then following that with 'Zenith is superior in every way' confirms my suspicions.

I am getting a TH carrera vibe from the Zenith, maybe because of the pushers? The Daytona, however, always felt a little too small diameter-wise on my wrist.

I am fortunate to have come into possession of my grandpa’s Zenith El Primero A386. He flew planes and raced cars recreationally. He used his watch to time his flights and he used the tachymeter scale on the race track as well. I like the look of the Chronomaster sport, but its inability to time things beyond an hour would have made it useless for him and the tachymeter would have been missed. Maybe I don’t need those things now, but if I’m paying this kind of money, I’d like it to at least be hypothetically useful. If they created a version did away with the tenth of a second scale, and went back to the tachymeter scale (keeping it on a ceramic bezel) and 12 hour subdial, and included hacking seconds, which the old models lack, I’d certainly buy it to compliment the vintage model.

Getting rid of the tachometer made the dial less busy. Adding the date window is counter to the concept of simplicity but it’s still the more minimalist presentation.

Amazing comparison, thank you!

great video. Lucky to own chronomaster sport white dial and am curious to know which of the bezel is wider. To anyone who owns both please let me know. I am on the fence that Daytona’s bezel is wider.

That Zenith is outstanding! It looks bloody fantastic. Well done TM!

holy angelina jolie, the Zenith clasp. Didn't expect to see that. No wonder they don't show the clasp on their website.

@SillytanN

3 жыл бұрын

thats why it is 30% cheaper even comparing the retail price, not to mention we cant get the daytona at retail price. but it is already good enough for me

Thank you for this....

i own the Zenith but it is so damn hard to remove the casp with short nails. I can see Tim struggling as well. But overall it is a great looking watch

@4120306

2 жыл бұрын

David Blaine's nightmare.

@tomcraig8027

2 жыл бұрын

I have one also and initially struggled but then was told to release by pressing sides of clasp and pull not finger tip under the end which is a struggle.

I managed to get this Zenith in May. It’s a fantastic watch in every way. I love when people ask me if it’s a Rolex and I start talking about it. It’s not quite a Daytona, and I know that, but it’s great in its own right. Good review, Tim.

Zenith, at it's core, is a far superior watch! Rolex has nothing close to the El Primero movement! For a few millimeters more of thickness you get a far superior movement. All the other stuff is styling and Zenith is easily almost equivalent in that department...better for remaining true to being the more precise chronograph! I guess these watch dealers like the extra $10K they get over list price for the Daytona, but that just makes me a hell of a lot happier to own a Zenith!

@phildo864

9 ай бұрын

It seems like the reviewer put a premium on the robustness of the Rolex in terms gauging which movement is superior. Did you also come away with that impression?

@andromedagodit2492

2 ай бұрын

Whilst Rolex did put in a ton of work n changes n marketing magic... Of which we do have to give Rolex credit... But Ask any watchmaker n they'll tell you One thing... The dial is determined by the movement. What goes where is already pre-determined once the movement is decided. One could argue that the Rolex is the better watch, but even with extensive 'improvements' instilled n patents n all... Whether Daytona owners are really gonna appreciate all that 'tech' is still subjective. Not everyone who buys a Daytona will even actually bother about that. I'll put it this way... For the marketing n the bracelet, I'll give one to Rolex. But since it's false marketing n they always take credit even when it's not theirs.... Nor treat their customers or fans right, I simply cannot concur. Hence, my next 3 points goes to Zenith, for the movement n for keeping up the great work n still keeping their Watches Available, No Artifical Shortages to push prices up n Hence keeping Prices Right! So yes, the Zenith is my choice, Not the Rolex, Nor any other Rolexes for the matter. I just don't believe in 'factory-made-luxury' nonsense.

The Zenith's dial looks so much nicer to me. The sub dials look amazing, the indexes look better and more uniform. The white is more subtle and nicer shade than that stark copy paper white. The Rolex is better overall and will appreciate but, you have to decide is it "that much" better? You could get the Zenith and a stack of other really nice watches for the price difference.

would love to see the new Tudor Chrono Panda vs the Rolex Daytona

@TheOwlGuy777

3 жыл бұрын

The new Tudor has a Breitling B01 in it.

@robertsullivan4773

3 жыл бұрын

There is nothing to compare stop. Give the king it's due.

@KMartineauMuisc

3 жыл бұрын

@@robertsullivan4773 The Daytona is hardly 'king'. Regardless, i love it. Not for the $30k its trading at or even the MSRP of $12k to be honest though. It may have cache but its not really 'King' of anything... its not the most accurate, its not the most expensive, its movement tech isnt even that updated... you are paying for the look.

@robertsullivan4773

3 жыл бұрын

@@KMartineauMuisc it's the king of this group of mid level luxury watches and miles ahead of a Tudor Panda is all I meant.

The case back is soooooo muchhhhh better, it is a beautiful movement !!!

Zenith. No contest.

You misspoke. Advantage ZENITH (not Rolex) at @11:05

The way you just smash those watch crystals together lol

Ok ok but it’s 11k vs 40k! 100% for the zenith imo!

Is this look not just the el primero that has been made since 1969 with a bezel (used to count 1/10) so how can anyone say it is a homage to the daytona?

Zenith all day for me ❤️

I love the chronomaster sport B-) but the 116500LN will always be my grail Rolex!

Why do the cased up movement and the uncased movement specs re: COSC/Superlative COSC certification change? As is in, can anyone explain why those two numbers would be different?

@the1916companywatchreviews

3 жыл бұрын

COSC is +6/-4 per 24 hours as a bare movement. "Superlative" allegedly is a 24-hour +2/-2 test as a cased watch. Best, Tim

@kolbymartineau3706

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tim, but why would a movements accuracy change from the bare movement to the cases up version?

@the1916companywatchreviews

3 жыл бұрын

@@kolbymartineau3706 Yes it would. These things are extremely sensitive, and casing involves clamping the base plate, adding hands, and running the watch at length. Also, the COSC yes includes identical daily winding, and it's unlikely that an automatic watch will receive *exactly* the same amount of winding each day on the wrist. That has a major impact on how a cased watch keeps time. Best, Tim

@KMartineauMuisc

3 жыл бұрын

@@the1916companywatchreviews Thank you! Thats exactly what I didnt understand... even just adding hands would change things... I didnt realize they could even test a movement without them lol

If I had to pick one and couldn't sell it, Zenith all day. The rolex does nothing for me. I'm sure I'm going to get the Zenith at one point.

@philorgneopolotin8762

2 жыл бұрын

The Daytona might hold its value better but the Zenith is better in like 9/10 ways to me. If they suddenly switched the badge, or people could get over their Rolex obsession, people would be picking that Zenith look and movement over the Rolex the vast majority of the time. The Daytona might win in resale value and “hype”, but I’d take the Zenith over it any day of the week

Can’t get over the biography printed on the daytona dial

You smashing the crystals together is breaking my heart.

I’ve seen the Zenith referred to as a “Daytona homage”, an “Impersonator” and a “nearly identical watch”. Yet, to my eyes, it differs noticeably from the Rolex in almost every detail. The three subdials look completely different in design and layout as does the dial text. The markers are also quite different and the Zenith also has a date. The pushers are totally different as is the crown and the absence of crown guards. Even the case is distinct from the Rolex. Yes, it’s a white dial/black bezel chronograph on a steel bracelet but I for one could easily distinguish one from the other at a distance. So, whilst I don’t doubt for a second that Zenith have made a watch (possibly intentionally) that’s going to appeal to anyone who likes the Daytona aesthetic, to describe it as nearly identical is overstating the case just a bit.

@gregerlindberg

2 жыл бұрын

I agree to this as well.. Plus there are many more watches in the same style that could be said the same thing about, its looking like a daytona! For me i´d take the Zenith any way of the week.

@thethirdman225

Жыл бұрын

The Daytona probably wouldn't exist without Zenith. It was El Primero powered for 20 years (albeit with about half the parts replaced and the bet rate reduced).

The text on the Daytona has always bothered me. Or, on a lot of Rolex's actually... never not been clear you only buy a Rolex to brag. The Zenith wins, no contest. Date, usable chrono, history, WR w/o use of annoying screw-down pushers, exhibition caseback. Overall better engineering/more watch for your money.

Pity you never mentioned the De Luca Zenith which this new Zenith resembles, but most know nothing about Zenith history.

@perfect7liberty

2 жыл бұрын

I agree. Have you ever seen a review of the De Luca?

Very similar, yeah it has a white face and black bezel. It has far more differences than similarities. Zenith is just a much more interesting and better looking watch for me. Funny how no one has said the black faced one is a copy.

Zenith the superior tool watch, Daytona the superior investment plus bragging rights…

@andybroer651

2 жыл бұрын

Daytona is also the better watch to make you a target by thieves :-)

Hi Tim

I'm for the Zenith. Everyone knows the Daytona wouldn't exist today without Zenith anyway...

@andromedagodit2492

2 ай бұрын

Exactly. Rollie fans may argue otherwise but any reputable watchmaker will tell you... The Dial is determined by the movement. 😁

Very good review. ZENITH all day long

I know I’m 3 years later. But the rose gold zenith really speaks to me lately. The Daytonas are going down in price but the way the grey dealers are starting to act as if they’re ADs. Is just getting laughable 😅. Rolex has put me off so badly, I wanted a Wimbledon, a Daytona or an Explorer II, now I don’t want to be near that kind, also there’s been shitloads of scams with Rolex in EU, and people are daily getting robbed. So far I’ve only had one look at the watches I wear and it was a new Tudor bb41 burgundy by potential thief’s. I’m going for the zenith or JLC next, I’m just done playing games, I’m not even getting an OP by Rolex 😂😂😂 they put me on a list but said it would take years

I may have heard incorrectly, but I though he said the Zentih movement for only 2 years, but but it was the Daytona movement for 12 years

i don't think tolerance means what you think it means. tolerance and distance are not synonymous.

The Zenith does have solid end links.

I wish I had one

Both great watches, but the thickness of the Zenith is not good for well fitting business shirts/cuffs.

@thethirdman225

Жыл бұрын

I don't think 1.5mm is going to make a lot of difference. I have worn some thicker watches (I have a Breitling Crosswind which is thicker than the Zenith) and it makes little to no difference.

@JDDD33

Жыл бұрын

@@thethirdman225 100% makes a difference if you wear fitted collar shirts

@thethirdman225

Жыл бұрын

@@JDDD33 Believe me, I have.

My only issue with the Zenith is the date at the 4:30 mark. However, it is a beautiful watch - especially with that sapphire case back display. I do prefer the slimmer profile on the Rolex, but I do not like how they omit sapphire case back displays. I feel It is also a cleaner look without the date. Ignoring resale value, in my opinion, the Zenith is by far a better buy.

I would pick the Zenith! However does anybody know if the Zenith has silicone hairspring? I care about anti magnetism capabilities.

I love Zenith but hate this Rolex-inspired piece. The old Zenith El Primero 38 mm for me any day. Especially the pink gold version. Just exquisite.

@4120306

2 жыл бұрын

@HeC S Like how you've shsmed yourself with your unbecoming reply?

My pick: The Daytona. Thanks for the comprehensive review.

$13,000, pass. I have never understood the aesthetics of the Daytona. For that money it wouldn't make my top 20 list. There are so many watches that are much nicer you could buy for that cash. I guess if your main concern is resale value, the Rolex wins, but other than that, you can keep it. That particular Zenith doesn't do it for me, I'd take the hand-wound version so you can see the movement in all its beauty. I can't help but sort of laugh at the prospect of going on a "waiting list" for any watch, or being asked about my income. The day someone at a watch dealer asks me about my income is they day I laugh in their face and walk out.

@smokingbeetles5793

2 жыл бұрын

El Primero is better but I wouldn't buy either. There are better looking watches

@Mysteryboy0007

4 ай бұрын

whats 3 watches that you think look the best then??

@Mysteryboy0007

4 ай бұрын

@@smokingbeetles5793 give 3 examples?

I'm new to watches, when I heard of Zenith, I thought it would be a budget brand. After looking at prices, I was wrong 😂

the overall design of the daytona is unbeatable but i like the case design more on the el primero

Do you think the zenith we be found at discounted prices as the hype dies off?

@bass08053

2 жыл бұрын

No

Love the dial on Zenith, but the clasp and the thickness self-explains the finesse of Rolex. But truly do not like the attention that it may draw by wearing a daytona.

Daytona !!

Why not a Jaeger-LeCoultre Chronograph?

for 30k in 2021 i would have preferred a JLC and Zenith and Omega chrographs and annual calendars. in 2024 the rolex is down to 15k

Zenith for me please. Daytona doesn't have a date, and a chronometer that's practically useless in today's standards. At least the Zenith's actually works up to the 0.1 second.

so based on the comments, buy the Zenith & use the Daytona steel bracelet... and you have the perfect watch

Think I maid a mistake with the daytona 🐼 , nah still love it 💋

Simple answer to this video: whichever you can actually buy, whichever wins.

Tighter tolerance of Rolex bracelet links will pull hair.

Zenith gets the vote from me. But only the models with 30-minute sub-dials. I'm not even 50 yet and I can't read 60-minute sub-dials! :sad-laugh:

Zenith

Zenith no question. The heritage is what speaks to me or any collector. Great marketing or horological significance ...I will take .Zenith bar none.

Jeez, I don't know...

Bracelet looks very cheap on the zenith . And I like the zenith .

8:35 THANK GOD you finally wipe that dust off Jesus was that bugging the hell out of me....

4:50

Daytona for me. Also, the 10 seconds per 60 is pretty ridiculous.

To me the video is ever so slightly slanted towards Rolex but honesty the Zenith is a much nicer looking watch. There’s no doubt that Zenith has struct a nerve here and is seriously threatening Rolex on multiple fronts which is why these videos are popping up all over the place. The most serious blow is coming from “movement aficionados” who find the Zenith’s movement superior to the Rolex. Just curious, can you use the Zenith’s second hand to move at a normal rate (60 seconds) instead of 10 seconds.

The Bracelets , both are made by ETA Swiss Made

This should have been on HBO pay-per-view.

Only thing that can be called "Rolex inspired" is the ceramic bezel and clasp. Zenith had similar bracelets in the past, the sub-dials are heritage, as it the case design. Also, Rolex did not pioneer the ceramic bezel on a watch. Lots of other watches have the same look, Rolex fan-boys pick on the Zenith given the intertwined history of the brands. No mention of the crown jewel here even when talking about smoothness, technical prowess or power reserve, the El Primero beats over almost 9,000 times per hour.

1: among the two Ofc go for Rolex because it prints “Rolex” 2: neither of watches is good buy for personal uses at current price point. Rolex is the way to go but there are better looking models at better price points

In my opninion. If you can buy just one of them, almost no one would go for the Zenith (supposing both are avaiable at retail price and not to resell ovb)

@asura2545

3 жыл бұрын

But you can't, so the discussion becomes interesting

@adrianoquesadallinares4358

3 жыл бұрын

@@asura2545 i wish I had both :D

@asura2545

3 жыл бұрын

@@adrianoquesadallinares4358 true. However, it is tempting to sell the Daytona and buy an Overseas (etc.) To create a collection

@markrichards3720

3 жыл бұрын

Nope I'd have the zenith as the daytona too small for me tbh. Plus given the price of daytona I'd go blancpain Air Command lol

@Diepvries11

3 жыл бұрын

How can you say in my opinion and then say no one would. That is a contradictio in terminis.

The date window on the Zenith kills it for me

don't like the date on Zenith..... also don't be mad if someone asks "is that a Rolex?" or "is that a Daytona?" 😂😂... overall a freakin good watch by Zenith!

Zenith looks better. I have both but I rather wear the zenith daily

@thethirdman225

Жыл бұрын

Wow! Lucky you! I'm still trying to figure out how to buy a Zenith!

Save yourself about 5k and get the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero 38mm Mens Watch 03.2150.400/53.c700. Looks NOTHING like the Daytona, and is definitively an El Primero.

@SimulatorWhiz

3 жыл бұрын

@@BobbyDazzler888 cringe

@thomashelm6931

2 жыл бұрын

Great consideration! I knew they had a 38 but I forgot which one

I'm very glad I like the Zenith more, because if I want it, I can get it.

@kittenfan

3 жыл бұрын

i feel these days, i wanna hate rolex because its torturing to love rolex. you cant have it anyway

@thethirdman225

Жыл бұрын

@@kittenfan There's nothing wrong with the watch. It's the company's attitude I hate (cut production to create waiting lists and jack up the price).

Where is the video on the Daytona being a nice Speedmaster’s homage? As for the Zenith, they messed up with the bracelet, poorly copying the design. The rest of the watch is outstanding with a better dial design, and more advanced movement. The only real advantage of the Rolex is the resell value, assuming prices continue to go up. From this perspective it is the king. For the rest it’s not a better watch (and not better than the speedmaster it copies for that matter).

Unfortunately, the few people who actually notice you are wearing a watch, will think the Rolex is a fake. Until you walk into a watch store, most people could care less whether you are wearing a watch or not. With that in mind, wear the watch that pleases YOU ( and does not cause your wife to seek a divorce attorney )!

@burkholdst.rudderberg3574

2 жыл бұрын

@HeC S Give me a dumb Zenith watch any day!

That Zenith looks pretty good, until you put it next to the Rolex. No contest.

the daytona is just too small at 38.4 mm. much awaited update is due.

Funny to compare two watches that, in real life, are nowhere near the same price segment

@Monami262

3 жыл бұрын

Almost the same price in retail. Rolex just 2k+ more expensive.

@luclambert1187

3 жыл бұрын

@@Monami262 tell me where you find the Daytona at retail😬

@Monami262

3 жыл бұрын

@@luclambert1187well, because you said in real life so retail are the best way to gauge the quality of a product. Hence, Zenith and the Daytona are at the same level interns of quality and price and definitely worth the comparison. Infact Zenith has high quality chronograph movement there .

@andybroer651

2 жыл бұрын

I agree with you Luc. I've been looking at this Zenith and am seeing it new for $5-6k while the only Daytonas I can find are $36k+, luckily I already own a couple of Rolex watches, but I don't yet have a Zenith... so easy choice for me

Zenith looks like the better watch