No asian love for Zenith = (almost) no high-end reps?

[eBoy]

I was thinking about getting a Zenith rep...

Only to find out a (still flawed?) V2 of the DC Skeleton from L-factory on a rubber strap is the only model that can be sourced new... plus perhaps an occasional, 10-year-old left over stock of another Zenith model that a TD may have forgotten about in a drawer somewhere?

So what I take from this is that Zenith is yet another great brand, like Grand Seiko, that gets practically zero interest from the rich and famous in HK, SGP or Shanghai — thus (almost) no decent reps exist? Sad.

 

[geestyleed]

I am also surprised that there is not more love for Zenith. In my opinion, they have some great watches which are worth (high-end) repping (Chronomaster Sport, Defy (Skyline) etc. In comparison to the other big brands, Zenith is not well known and will probably not sell well.
Perhaps time will change...

 

[vicad]

Zenith is a great brand. The latest collections as the defy skyline and revivals of old models are incredible and, honestly, I believe that it makes zenith the current most innovative brand on the market.

 

[eBoy]

@geestyleed @vicad
I think what it really comes down to is that, like I already implied in my OP, for the rep factories the feedback a watch brand gets in Asia is a relevant factor in the decision which gens to replicate. To a much lesser degree is the popularity in North/South America and Europe, where Zenith is held in higher regard, I think.

Look at the, for Western tastes, rather unusal front designs BMW is giving its latest models. Those are also dictated by the markets in cities like Shanghai, not NY or Paris.

 

[newest dude on the forum]

I think the true issue is that Zenith uses some very unique movements. Look at the Skyline, Chronomaster Sport, etc. The dial layouts are not those of standard movements and the functions are even farther off. There's no way to properly rep a Zenith without repping a very complex movement. In order to justify that kind of work the demand has to be there (e.g. Daytona, Submariner, etc). It's the same reason why there's no good Speedy Pro rep

 

[TESLA760]

The Pilots are extremely good reps

Gen vs Rep

 

[Pix]

Indeed, although very large. I have a type 10 40mm, and would have loved the chrono, but 45mm...

 

[Badapple]

Just picked this XF 2824 powered 45mm Type 20 Pilot Bronzo from SEAD - getting delivered this week. Had one before and these are just awesome bombproof and the lume is to die for.

 

[eBoy]

Nice... But 45mm, practically bezel-less... Probably wears like 48mm. At least it would on my baby wrists.

 

[Pinion Minion]

It really is a shame there are not more- I was super lucky to get this rep ...
Made amazingly well

 

[Pix]

 

[Procurator]

The Pilots are extremely good reps

The chrono is really impressive.
Not my style, but the fit and finish seems to be very good. Hows the movement?

 

[Badapple]

 

[clk168]

I agree with the logic of the OP. Zenith isn't big in Asia. I sure wish they'd do a Chronomaster Sport. There's a new Zenith Defy V2 by LF but I'm not qualified to say if it's a good rep or not.

 

[clk168]

Aaand a quick search says it's not.

 

[kidcreole]

I agree with the logic of the OP. Zenith isn't big in Asia. I sure wish they'd do a Chronomaster Sport. There's a new Zenith Defy V2 by LF but I'm not qualified to say if it's a good rep or not.

I almost got the white but the strap looks so shoddy they’ve likely cut corners elsewhere too.

ZEN048H - Defy Classic Skeleton Wht PVD/RU Wht Ske LF V2 A2892 [ZEN048H] - $378.00 : Trusty Time Watch, Your Trusty Watch Shop

Trusty Time Watch ZEN048H - Defy Classic Skeleton Wht PVD/RU Wht Ske LF V2 A2892 [ZEN048H] - LF Factory V2 Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton MOVEMENT: Asia 2892-2 Automatic Movement, 28800bph Modified to 670 Calibre Looks with Decorated Rotor CASE DIAMETER: 41mm THICKNESS: 10.8mm DIAL COLOR: White...

trustytime888.io

 

[clk168]

I almost got the white but the strap looks so shoddy they’ve likely cut corners elsewhere too.

ZEN048H - Defy Classic Skeleton Wht PVD/RU Wht Ske LF V2 A2892 [ZEN048H] - $378.00 : Trusty Time Watch, Your Trusty Watch Shop

Trusty Time Watch ZEN048H - Defy Classic Skeleton Wht PVD/RU Wht Ske LF V2 A2892 [ZEN048H] - LF Factory V2 Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton MOVEMENT: Asia 2892-2 Automatic Movement, 28800bph Modified to 670 Calibre Looks with Decorated Rotor CASE DIAMETER: 41mm THICKNESS: 10.8mm DIAL COLOR: White...

trustytime888.io

Glad you dodged that bullet, friend.

 

[phelan771]

I'm actually on the hunt for a replica of the Zenith Captain Winsor annual calendar but no hits so far.

 

[Horace_Derwent]

I think it's related to the general Asian taste, i mean...it's more profitable to make AP, PP, or even full ICed Piagets or Franck Miller (both brands are high regarded in Asia, i looked at some Chinese only websites, it's stunning the amount of Piaget you will find !!!) than a Zenith, which basically is a brand for coinneusseurs.

I mean, the Defy Skyline, and others ,does NOT appeal to a wide range of people, and as @eBoy correctly wrote, Zenith is more of an European thing.

Anyway, this is an Asian El Primero DDDD

 

[Pix]

Nice, it beats far over 36000 bph