Zenith vs Rolex - 6K Daily Drivers - Where is the value?
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- Опубліковано 21 сер 2024
- #zenithwatches #rolex
Rolex makes about 1,000,000 watches annually. Zenith makes under 25,000 watches annually. One brand is beloved by the general public. One brand is venerated by watch enthusiasts. One brand's watches appreciate in value to a ridiculous degree. One brand's watches generally depreciate in after sale value. Both brands are excellent in my eyes, and I enjoy both very much. In this video I casually compare two non diver 41mm sport pieces. The Defy Classic 41 and the Oyster Perpetual 41.
Again thanks to my dear friend Mike for letting me borrow the OP41.
Honestly when I look at how incredibly well designed Zeniths are , i can’t help but think that those watches are just one celebrity away, one iconic moment away from becoming the hype, it makes no sense how slept on that brand is… Regardless I’m getting one , might not go up in value, don’t care , I like wearing my watches ✅
I have a Rolex OP and Zenith Chronomaster Sport. The Rolex is nice but every time I look at it I wonder why it cost so much for such a simple watch. The Zenith makes my eyes pop when I see it on my wrist and I feel I got a hell of a watch for my money.
Objectively speaking, both watches are superb. The Zenith Defy with its avant-garde design, silicon escapement, bi-directional date change, and use of high-grade titanium, and the Rolex OP with its tank of a movement, accuracy and timeless design (truly the quintessential Rolex). I think the decision between the two oddly enough comes from factors outside of the watch itself (i.e. Brand perception, which type of watch collector you want to be, how you feel about the Rolex market, etc.). Great video and I hope you’re enjoying the holidays!
Spot on take Jeffrey, wow
well said
You buy a Rolex to impress others...
You buy a Zenith to impress yourself...
I never knew zenith only made 20-25k annually and Rolex was 1MM+. I would take the zenith all day. Looks cool, has great movement, and I boycot rolex because of the hype. I don't think it's as great as the demand makes it appear.
I'm with you, Rolex are great but they're not worth more than retail. I'll get one when you can walk in and buy one off the shelf. If that day never comes, no great loss
I share your sentiments exactly.
So it's either supporting Rolex or LVMH... quoting Geralt of Rivia: "If I'm to choose between one evil and another, then I prefer not to choose at all".
@@TheAbysswalker grand seiko maybe?
@@geno816 Gotta admit, I'm extremely fond of GS and the care they put into their watches. If the aim is to boycott overhyped mega corporations, it's a hard task anyway. Oris might be a good example of a watch manufacturer that's still independent :-)
I actually bought the Zenith as my first and only luxury watch, I wear it daily, it looks way more special than the rolex and omega alternatives.
How much did you pay
Hater checking in! 😁 I don't hate the products that Rolex makes. I think they make great
watches. But I can't stand Rolex (The company) and if I can't stand the company I will
never own their products. And that's exactly where I am with Rolex. So for me, I'd buy
any brand of watch over a Rolex they don't make my radar and I don't desire to purchase
one.
But I completely understand why many do, they've been in the game a long time, they
have earned their spot and they do make a great product, none of that can be argued.
I'm not a huge fan of either of those particular pieces but I do like the Zenith Elite
Classic and the Chronomaster El Primero Original. I could see owning one of those.
While neither of the two in this video are my taste, they are both well made and
well finished pieces. I do like the bracelet on the Zenith a lot.
Aaaaaand , Let's not forget that Zenith made custom movements for Rolex first in 1969 than in 1988. I can't understand why so much hate for Zenith. I own and love them both (for all of you lunatics out there). If you want to die on such a stupid hill as "which watch is better" then might I suggest you go see a shrink and reevaluate your life in general. (Just Sayin)!!!!
Depends on where you are in your watch collecting. If you are just starting or in the beginning stages, OP is the way to go, far more versatile and you will always be able to sell it for profit and get something else. On the other side if you already have a few heavy hitters, and have been doing this for a while, Zenith is a no brainer. With zenith, you will get a watch that is aesthetically as good looking if not even better than any Royal oak for a fraction of the price. Few concerns with zenith are value decreasing over the years and also not knowing how the design will hold up in the future. Looks great now but it might be ridiculous in 20 years. Something you will never have to worry about with any Rolex.
This Zenith is one of the best watches with a non-integrated bracelet that almost looks like an integrated bracelet and that’s because of how the bracelet does a proper taper from the watch case. So visually clean in this regard.
This is an integrated bracelet in the sense that you are unable to put a third party strap onto this watch you would have to buy a factory leather or rubber which they charge like 1k or so for
@@WatchUnwind the Zenith has a relatively traditional lug width of 22mm. Do they use unique holes/spring bars?
@@motownazn I know that for this specific watch it is an intergrated bracelet and you can only use a zenith strap it’s the way that it connects into the case. I shot video with one of my own channel but with the defy 21 it’s basically the same and it’s not a quick release system it’s a pain in the ass. They have started doing a quick release on some defy models but I do t think they updated this one yet
Awesome timepieces Bruce , I would be delighted to have both in my collection however the OP pulls at my heart string . Whenever I wear my Rolexes I wear them for me and never think or care about Rolex haters . It’s never about status for me it’s just what I love and the satisfaction my timepiece brings . Great video Bruce keep them coming
For your first watch, I'd say the OP, since you're new to the watch game, still splashing with water lol. But for those of us who are drowning in this watch world, I'd take the Defy any day than the OP. It's just much more interesting. I myself have both brands in the collection.
Great vid, Bruce, thanks. Wow, didn't know Zenith such low production.
No contest, Zenith is by FAR the more interesting watch. And you can buy two for the price of the Rolex, which is a fun fact.
“No contest, Zenith is by FAR the more interesting watch” is that fact or your opinion? Because me personally I find the OP41 the more interesting of the two.
@@omarion07 Curious, in what way is it the more interesting watch? Keep in mind, "interesting" doesn't imply preference. I can't fathom in what metric or aspect the OP41 is more interesting than the Defy, or the more common El Primeros
@@omarion07 there is absolutely nothing interesting about the OP41. Sure, it does the job and is well made, but so are most watches nowadays. But it’s still a boring watch.
@@omarion07 that's because you are boring
@@GoogleAccount-vn8mu so you start attacking me just because I don’t like a skeletonised dial, eh 🤡?
Can't believe a OP is now a flex piece, pretty under the radar to me, at least as far as Rolex goes. Not sure to many people would recognize it as anything special until they take a close look and see it is a Rolex. I would only be into one if it had a unique dial color (like the green or Tblue) Zenith is a much more visually interesting to me anyway and more your style.
The Zenith is mesmerizing. Then I go back to have a look at the OP and… it’s dull as a doorknob
Have you heard of less is more sometimes ? If you’d own both for few years, there’s a bigger chance that you’d get bored of a skeletonised dial before a plain “dull” one!
@@omarion07 I like “less is more”. I have downsized my collection to four pieces for that reason. I wouldn’t pay for something and hope that it grows on me… some day.
Haha! I'm not a Rolex hater! 🙂 Like you, I own both, but I prefer Zenith. As you know, I love to be off the beaten path and I just think the little house in Le Locle makes a more personal watch for me. I really love your Defy Classic - I never thought I'd like the skeleton dial, but seeing it in person really makes the difference to me. It's really a watch you have to see to totally appreciate. 🙂
I would take the zenith every day on the week,any hour of the day
Great comparison Bruce! I agree with everything you said about the Zenith. Especially the 'conversation starter' topic and that everybody that notices the watch appreciates it without any negative behavior you would probably earn with the Rolex on your wrist. And I have to say: I own the black ceramic Zenith Defy on the rubber strap and I was in Dubai a few months ago. I visited a lot (actually too many...) of watch retailers and I got SO many compliments on the watch... I was really suprised. One statement is still in my mind. One sales associate said to me: 'I can clearly see that you're a watch enthusiast when I look on your wrist so let me skip the obvious things'... while he showed me one of the watches of a different company that he sold (it was Blancpain btw.). This was such a nice and unexpected compliment!
That said, I also love the Rolex watches I own. As you, Bruce, I'm totally aware what it is and what it means to some other people. And that's totally fine as well! I love them, too. And I don't have any problem with that as a true watch enthusiast who knows his things.
Zenith for me all day. I have an El Primero and plan to pick up a Defy some day...maybe when your ready to flip yours?
Vote goes to a clear BOTH. I own a SkyDweller and a Zenith Defy 21 El Primero - both are exceptional in their respective fields. But if you want to be remotely individual go with the Zenith - if it’s more YOU. Rolex - at least where I live - are a dime in a dozen and an OP unless it’s a Tiffany blue (turquoise) - doesn’t impress anyone.
Enjoyed the video! Merry Christmas BW 🎁🎄
another great video by BW. keep up the good work
Zenith - The Bitcoin of the watch industry, low fixed supply. Rolex - the gold of the watch industry, abundant manufactured supply. I know what I'm betting on.... ;-)
Which one is better in Regards of scratch resistance?
grade five titanium vs stainless steel
I enjoy your reviews a lot
Following
Both fantastic watches, in that price range I love Cartier as well, pre-owned Santos, Drive, or a Large Tank as well. Both great watches, and as always great video Bruce, thank you for the content and education! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Hey Bruce. What are your thoughts on how the dial design of the Zenith will age over time?
I like it but don't know if in 30 years time it will look like those odd Tag bracelets from the 90s.
I was on the as list for a op 41 blue/green in Jan 21
Then by August 21 I realised that this is not going to happen
Changed pursuit with the same ad to sea dweller sd43 and dj41 fluted,jubliee,blue dial
Got the call for the seadweller in October 21
Picked up in November 21
Crazy that an op41 has become unobtainable for a supposily entry level watch in the Rolex family
Unreal !!!
I know sd43 is not as popular as a sub or op41 but really, op41 can't be got at the moment
I had no spend history either so I feel blessed to get my seadweller
On the ad waitlist for a Pepsi/ batman but must be on jubliee
This will be a long wait unless I buy more watches or jewelry for the wife
I bought my first Rolex in 2016 - a Batman GMT2 - and a Zenith A3818 in 2020. The Rolex should have got my heart racing as a first time buyer but I find it solid, but dull. The Zenith is just beautiful - it might come with a feeble bracelet, but the dial face is stunning and gets so many compliments. The Rolex, well it’s a Rolex…!
This video is very timely because I’m currently looking at both these watches. I recently got on the waiting list for an OP 36 with the silver sunburst dial and my AD is confident he can get me an allocation, but I also want the Zenith because just look at it. At the moment I feel like I should get the Rolex when the call comes because I’m looking to add Rolex to my collection because I love the watches. One thing this video doesn’t mention is that if you do get the call from your AD, you should grab the opportunity with both hands, especially if it’s your first. If you’re serious about having Rolex in your collection then the opportunity to build a relationship with you AD is invaluable and you should take it. But I love that Zenith and even though it’s stretching my current budget, seeing them both together has made me consider just taking the leap and buying both. I’d be thrilled to bits!
Very well done video 👍 , I was recently fortunate enough to get a OP41 green at msrp and I’m in love. Very good daily wearer for any situation but I have held a zenith defy 21 in hand, very similar to the classic and the quality was unmatched. Zenith could arguably be the better quality watch of the two. No right answer they are both awesome and if you wanted a one watch collection either would fit the bill.
I have Omega Seamaster - No time to die edition and its similarly priced to the Zenith. Almost tempted to move to the Zenith skeleton. Perhaps not as versatile and cool as NTD but still worth a debate. Any takers for NTD😄
Rolex for me.
The Zenith reminds me of a Royal Oak. Rolex makes a great product but I’d rather have a watch that a watch person would recognize. Most of the time when I see a person wearing a Rolex they aren’t a watch collector. They have no idea why a Rolex costs thousands of dollars and can’t tell me much about the model they are wearing.
Zenith for me💯
that Zenith is special
“Salty” Never heard that expression before, so thank you for enlightening me. Yeah……….I’m salty 😉
Awesome comparison style!
Makes you think for sure
Do you wanna be like everyone or like no other?
LOVE the Defy 💀❤ ...except the missing half links...
That watch has a 5-year warranty, not 3, I just got off the phone with them, call Zenith and check with them, if you buy it from any authorized dealer, it is five years
I’ve owned both and I kept the Rolex. The zenith isn’t as comfortable and the clasp doesn’t allow for fine adjustments. Aesthetic preferences aside - comfort is top priority, especially for a “daily”.
To each their own though, let’s all just enjoy the hobby, we don’t have to all like the same thing! Merry Christmas and God bless you all 🙂
What is the white dial watch you're wearing please?
I really like both. On the list for a green OP but I fancy the Zenith for a long time too. Maybe when I have some spare change left 😅
Very good video. Now, I’m now a fan of Rolex and never have been. Rolex is a very good watch but not the end all. I prefer the Zeneth, although my favorite one is the Defy Extreme.
Zenith for me, not that Rolex make bad watches but they have a very negative image & I don't like the ubiquitous design...plus that particular Zenith is proper stunning 😍
Interesting comparison, Cheers mate 👍🥂🎅🏻🥳🍻
I hate the Rolex brand and what it has become, but I still hold a great about of respect for the build quality and the watches themselves.
Only rich people would consider that gorgeous Zenith Defy Skeleton and the Rolex as daily drivers. I know 1 or 2 deluded people out there with whacked credit cards walking about with these as daily’s and pretensions of high status and net worth. Sadly I suspect that’s only the tip of the iceberg when you look at what some brag about online.
love that Zenith!
If I pay several thousand for a watch it better look like it. The OP doesn't look much better than a mid range Seiko SARB.
Bruce, I love the content and the channel, but you need to treat yourself to a high capacity camera for Christmas! We need to really appreciate those macros! Stay well
LOL! It's almost 2022 and we are congratulating people for actually wearing the cheapest Rolex model. Isn't that the whole purpose? Crazy times...
It was maybe 2-3 years ago, you couldn't pay someone to walk out the door with one of the sunburst OP39s.
@@rousseau327 this Rolex hype has gone nuts
Two superb watches. If you are only looking for one watch, the Rolex is the ONE. If you are looking for something more individual the Zenith might be the better choice.
zenith everyday.... come to dislike Rolex because of all their bs.....
I prefer the Rolex OP. Less “noice”, classic design, few but well made details in the design, versatile, robust, easy to read. It’s also a great color dial.
The Zenith is great - I’m sure - but not for me. Too much is happening, too loud. It also looks to much like the AP royal oak. The Rolex looks exactly like a Rolex.
Hi. Awesome videos. What is model number for that zenith? Thx
I think you should add the Laco Augsburg Blaue Stunde 39 to the comparison 🙂
Rolex, movements so badly finished, they hide them behind a steel caseback so you don't have to look at them.
Very nice , fair comment also ,personal i would be happy to own all of those
I really like the new Panda 🐼 dial Zenith chronograph but don't like the 4 o clock date window. I have nothing against date windows on 3 handers but chronographs I like dateless. The dials are already busy enough the Defy chronograph is awesome 👌
Zenith all the way!
Over emphasis on the flex of Rolex. Many who are not jaded by years in the watch game just love the simplicity and distilled beauty of the OP. The Zenith is WAY less versatile and probably a great watch if you have a stable of fancy watches.
I think Rolex watches look plain and dated, ugly and overpriced for basic tool watches.
ROLEX ONLY.
You should have compared the Rolex to the blue dial Zenith Defy Classic.
Zenith is just such a classy watch
The Zenith is a better watch, just not as popular
Where are you coming up with those prices ? I don’t see the skeleton for that cheap
They are both excellent watches, but if I had to choose with money in hand I would stick with the Zenith
I just don't know if I can take the hazing required to join the Rolex fraternity. Sour grapes? Yeah........a little bit, but you gotta draw the line somewhere. Personally, I'm not into the types of watches featured here but may be someday. That said, I can appreciate the Zenith for what it is. An attainable, luxury alternative that also validates the owner as somebody with discriminating taste. Works for me.
This skeleton watch or the zenith chrono daytona if you had to pick 1???
Zenith
Comparing zenith vs Rolex is like comparing flagship Hyundai to a mid-tier Mercedes E-Class
you enjoy and will flip both 🙂
Bruce, isn’t part of the design theme of the GS “Snowflake” lightness, like a snowflake?
It is, but I kinda agree. I own the Snowflake and I'm totally fine with the leighweight titanium but sometimes you look at the watch and really think it needs to be heavier... hard to explain but it's quite a big watch and it's weird to have it this lightweight. If it would be thinner and more sleek this would fit the watch better. I think it's something you really have to experience. Hard to talk about it but I definitely know what Bruce is trying to say in this video.
@@SinnerAndSaint I have a GS spring drive GMT in steel and it is surprisingly heavy. I love it and my daily is a Marinemaster which is heavy and tall (therefore top-heavy), I rather like the Snowflake and appreciate the lightness but it is a bit of a cross-up for sure as you expect it to be heavier than it is.
Hello! congratulations for the channel. I'll ask you a favour. can you write me the reference of the zenith? thank you! Francesco 💪🏻
Whydoes Rolex say its a 41mm when it’s 39.5mm ? Makes no sense.
Need a Defy classic skeleton in 38mm
Ok i know that my next whatch will be a Zénith Defy
be careful about chasing that street cred. or recognition that you have 'made it' when you get a Rolex. Especially when you are getting an entry-level watch... People that know their watches won't be impressed by an OP, so you might come out being disappointed... Love the watch yourself first as a starting point.
Just ask any non watch person to chose between these 2 and you ll see how much over hyped Rolex is .
OP all day long for me. Zenith too busy, too hard to read, for me. Thanks.
Zenith is not 6k it’s 11K
Z Lost me at no screw down crown.
In terms of value.. the zenith is better.
Alfa Romeo vs Audi
Go Utah Jazz !!
Zenith is actually a better watch but noone cares because the fan boys want MAH ROLLAX. Those are the same people that would trash talk on rolex and wear 2 RMs on each hand if they were millionaires.
A guy who talks bad about Rolex is the guy who can't get a Rolex 🤭
@@Ronin228 You do know that the zenith costs just as much right? And i own it and would never switch it for a rollie.
@@Ronin228 Calm down, Rolexes are not unattainable, even at their inflated values
At this price point face it you're not buying a watch just for specs.
come on now, you cant even read the zenith while watching your vid lol
but you dont buy it so you can read the time on it, lets at least be honest about that
What's Zenith? That's the reason Rolex is #1
That doesnt even make sense.
@@Psysso fanboy alert methinks 😂
@@chrisjones6439 five pointed crown for a reason! 👑
@@Ronin228 not arguing they produce decent watches mate, many brands ahead of them from a horological point of view, including Zenith
@@chrisjones6439 Rolex would be a decent brand if they would sell OP41 for ~3k. But as it is now, they are overpriced. The movements inside are not better decorated than what we find inside a 2-3k watch from other competitors.
The problem Bruce is that the zenith looks like dogshit and no one really wants one.
For me it's another way around, the Rolex looks like a POS and that Zenith (with normal dial) is an absolute stunner.
LOL. I think the problem is brand ,no one gives a shit about Zenith and watch guys are all about branding
@@excelerater Ive never heared a watch guy talk bad about Zenith, everybody praise them on Reddit and google forums. I dont think you are a watch guy
@@excelerater Zenith is an excellent brand. Watch people are more about what they like based on mechanical design, aesthetics, and possibly history.
@@tapirdeaalex7104 When you have 6000 bucks and are given a choice between these two on the video let me know what you will choose...
Zenith looks like a Hublot 🤮
A status symbol recognised the world over, bulletproof residuals and upside potential vs. some random...thing. No contest.
Your right, the Zenith is way better
If you buy watches to impress others then that’s the way. If you buy watches for your own enjoyment - buy what you like to more.
Found the rolex fanboy
@@thegirthquake8574 just a realist
@@stewester a LARPist
Can't stand the zenith design. Looks like a toy, not a luxury item.
The rolex looks like a 500 dollar watch in terms of design, super boring