Zenith Grande Class Elite Reserve de Marche Dual Time Watch

One thing I love about Swiss watch manufacture Zenith is how effectively certain models in its collection combine elegant classic design and useful watchmaking complications.  A case in point is the lovely Grande Class Elite Reserve de Marche Dual Time.  Here you have a timepiece that radiates all the great looks of 1950s-era wristwatches, and demonstrates beautiful details in every aspect of its construction.  What makes a great watch even better is the sophisticated manufacture Zenith “Elite” movement with a power reserve indication, and a 24-hour second time zone function that keeps you in touch with two global locales at once.   Continue Reading… »

Zenith Class Elite Moonphase Grande Date: A Symbol Of Watchmaking’s Return To Classic Designs

Being a sucker for classical moon phase timepieces, I was delighted to see Zenith introduce their beautiful Class Elite Moonphase Grande Date this year.  One of the most perfectly conceived Zenith watches I’ve seen in some time, this model hits all the “right notes” and is sure to delight Zenith fans like myself whose tastes lean more toward the Chronomaster than the Defy Xtreme. Continue Reading… »

Zenith New Vintage 1969 The Originals Watch A Triumph Of Zenith 40th Anniversary Collection

Tributes to historic models are a popular theme among luxury watch brands these days.  One of the nicest to appear this year is from Zenith, in the form of “The Originals” New Vintage 1969 watch.  This handsome stainless steel chronograph pays homage to the first Zenith wristwatch housing the now legendary El Primero self-winding caliber.  This “New Original” even manages to surpass its predecessor in attractiveness, thanks to some very effective design elements that really capture the eye.   Continue Reading… »

Gandhi’s Zenith Watch Sells For $1.8 Million In A Dramatic Series Of Events

It could very well be the most historically important Zenith watch of all time.  I am of course referring to the silver-cased Zenith pocket watch owned by Mahatma Gandhi, which just sold at auction for a whopping $1.8 million, accompanied by the famous Indian leader’s leather sandals, wire-rimmed glasses and the bowl and plate he often used.   Continue Reading… »

Antiquorum March Auction Stars Historic Watches Owned By JFK, Gandhi, Joseph Bonanno, And Patek Philippe Collector Henry Graves Jr.

For those fascinated by the human stories that inevitably accompany watches, Antiquorum’s March 2009 sale is sure to be an event of interest.  Among the many items on the block include a Zenith pocket watch owned by Mahatma Gandhi, a 14K gold Nastrix wristwatch that was a favorite of John F. Kennedy, and a gold Patek Philippe Ref. 1516 watch that mobster Lucky Luciano gifted in 1957 to Joseph Bonanno, Sr. of the infamous Bonanno crime family.

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Zenith Starissime Minute Repeater: Diamonds And Chimes

Creme de la creme jewelry watches with high-prestige complications are a unique breed, whether they are intended for women, or men.  Dazzling both technically and aesthetically, such timepieces daringly straddle a line that makes some connoisseurs slightly uneasy.  For those who want the ultimate, however, the siren song of such uncommon masterpieces are hard to ignore.  

The new Zenith Starissime Open Minute Repeater is a fine example. Continue Reading… »

Zenith Zero-G Tourbillon: Not For Traditionalists, But Awesome Regardless!

It certainly wont please traditionalists.  However, the new Zenith Zero G Tourbillon is definitely an eye-catcher, with its massive case, protected crown and uniquely presented off-center hour and minute display.  The big star of this watchmaking show however, is the fascinating tourbillon, which is the newest entry in the elite but growing field of multi-axis tourbillons.  166 parts make up the tourbillon assembly alone, including six ball bearings, and wheels with both spherical and conical profiles.  A fascinating gimbal mechanism keeps the balance wheel perfectly leveled on a horizontal plane, regardless of how the watch is oriented.  As cool as this is visually, the gimbal system was specifically utilized to take timekeeping performance to an entirely new level Continue Reading… »

Zenith Baby Star Sea Open Elite Watch Enhanced By Luxurious Rayskin Strap

Luxurious strap materials can make a big difference in the impression that a watch makes on you.  Alligator, ostrich, and satin are some of the more prevalent options seen.  One of the more unusual and interesting is galuchat, which you can see here on this Zenith Baby Star Sea Open Elite watch.  Galuchat is the elegant term for leather made from stingray skin, and it is sometimes also referred to as “same” or shagreen. 

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Zenith Class Traveller Elite Multicity Watch–An Elegant, Cool Worldtimer

Zenith has brought out a new travel watch within their Class collection. Called the Traveller Elite Multicity, this model has a rotating world time disc, that is adjustable via the crown at 10—by operating it, you can select a world reference city to be displayed at 12 (in accordance with where you are currently) and have an instant perspective on times across the globe.

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Robert Downey Jr. – Iron Man, Where’s Your Watch?

Robert Downey Jr. is looking good these days. With Iron Man opening this weekend, and a spot in the upcoming Incredible Hulk, he has his share of superhero duties. Iron Man could be a comeback of sorts, although Downey has been working steadily the past few years, with roles in Charlie Bartlett, Lucky You and Zodiac. This seems like a big movie for him, and longtime Iron Man fans are praising his role as Tony Stark and alter-ego Iron Man. Continue Reading… »