Zeno Watch Basel Super Precision - An Affordable Rolex Explorer? // Watch Review
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- Опубліковано 1 сер 2024
- Zeno Watch Basel offers with the Super Precision a homage of the famous Rolex Explorer. In this watch review I go over the specifications of the watch, the overall quality and the unique charme of a piece, which isn't just a copy.
The genre of expedition watches gained popularity. There are some well known alternatives on the market (i.e. Smith's Everest), which combine a simple but legible dial, a robust steel case, screw down crown and an Oyster type bracelet.
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Still have mine and it will be going no where, man I love this little chunky Rolex homage, it is just cool! 😊
Thanks to the owner and you for bringing me an unknown (to me) brand. This is what I really enjoy about your channel and of course news of your many interests.
Zeno are a brand well worth "exploring". I own this particular model as well as a Zeno Joules with a gorgeous sky blue dial. A great value brand IMHO- and with swiss movements too!
Great review! It actually made me purchase one, looking forward seeing more reviews from you :)
Great review! Keep up the good work, man.
Tim, Thanks for this video. I have looked at Zeno often, but wished for more info.
One more point , the end links on the new 38mm are solid..
Thx for this very good and technical review. I just received this watch and really couldn’t figure out how to set the time.
I wish he picked up that guitar on the left and rocked out! 🎸 🎶
Just got my Zeno explorer with the AS movement and mine feels exactly how described it. Awesome watch!
This Zeno is quite attractive. The NOS status of the movement makes it even more desirable.
Excellent review Tim. I have this exact watch. If I could change one thing I would be drilled lugs. I love the old movement. A pleasure to wear.
INTERESTING REVIEW I like what you had to say , I agree with you about the explorer particularly if there are alternitives such as the this Zeno available
My Smiths Everest completed one month on my wrist yesterday. It's less expensive, thinner, has a sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance, solid end links and drilled lugs. The timekeeping of the Miyota 9039 has been exceptional; by changing it's overnight position I have kept it between -1 and +6 seconds of the correct time without having to adjust it. There is a batch of 500 currently in production after the Sept. 13 sellout of 300. The number of watches Eddie can pack and ship in a day is one of the main factors limiting availability.
I have both. The Smiths Everest is better in everything. The Zeno only have the AS caliber, but it’s just an oddity to collect. Timefactors all the way.
Any particular reason you chose the everest over the Military?
@Larry, could you please explain what you mean by changing its overnight position?
I unfortunately couldn't get one in the Sept batch, hope I get lucky with the Jan windows.
@@pamusso1466 100%. I have had both, I kept the Zeno - aesthetically better.
@@shaharyarsheikh5291 The dial design of the Everest and its really well made bracelet.
This looks like one of those watches that is greater than the sum of it's parts. You have to have it to know that really, but another example is the Smith's Everest that IDGuy likes so much. Another Explorer homage. Interesting watch, great video.
I agree.
What it lacks on paper spec wise it certainly makes up with charm. That domed acrylic crystal is beautiful.
I IDGuys Smiths Everest on that Jubilee too. A good look.
He has a great channel also and is, like our friend Tim here, a rare beast on YT: one who does pure watch journalism, free of pay for play content.
It's nice to have a few of them left.
Are you another of the many eagerly awaiting the new Smiths Navigator?
We love you Tim, don’t be surprised! 😃
For its price, I'm expecting a much thinner case. And maybe 1mm larger diameter, but that's my personal preference.
Thank you for the review. It looks like a decent homage, but it's way too thick for its size.
Nice piece yes; thanks for review Tim. However is it necessary to put the word 'watch' on the dial?
I love those simple clasps, if good material they can be reliable for many years.
You sir have convinced me to purchase this watch. It will arrive next week
You will like it!
Just got my new version 38mm Zeno 6704-a1m. It was on sale was for a week or so at $430, and while I was reluctant to buy because I have a Smiths Commando, I really like the Zeno. It is down on specs, like crystal, water resistance, non-hackable, but wow is this thing nice! Excellent fit, finish and feel. Maybe on it's way to becoming my favorite of the two! Of course I am in the Zeno honeymoon stage but so far so good.
I just got one and will arrive in a week, how do you feel about yours now?
@@canadianwatchmonkey3992 Hey! Absolutely love it. I still wear this the most of all of my watches. The accuracy has gotten better with use. It just has a great feel and look. Some watches that I get get a little boring, then I sell and try something new, but this is a keeper, no thought s at all of parting ways. Congrats on your purchase, hope to hear more!
@@CaptainWillyandTheWonderMonkey great to hear!
I have the 40mm Smith's Everest. It is a substantial watch, a little heavy. I have an 36mm Omega Seamaster, it is just too small for my liking so the 40mm Everst is perfect. Great watch. Was lucky enough to buy one on Eddie's site.
One of the great things about the real explorer is its thinness. This one is really really thick.
Yep and a way cheaper. I love mine..
Could have been a great competitor to the Smiths if it wasn’t so thick ! Thanks for the review.
Great Video, just found the channel and signed up...I have been wearing the Zeno Army Diver (auto)for 7 years as a daily. I absolutely love my Zeno, needs a service at some point though.
Thanks for the sub!
Im not sure if you have seen the new Serica 4512. Its on pre-order at the moment but oh man is it a looker. I think you would dig it. Military inspired manual wind. Check it out when you get the chance Tim.
Great review of a nice looking watch.
I could live with the plex crystal but that bracelet at almost 600$, no thank you.
I recently purchased the Islander ISL-54, same vibe but less of an homage, put it on a Strapcode Endmill.
Price on the bracelet came in at just over half this.
Finish is excellent, domed AR sapphire crystal, beautiful solid end link machined clasp bracelet.
Sure it is not Swiss but neither is my bank account, so I'm very happy.
You should check out the Islander brand, great value with quality that can stand on it own.
The Zeno Super Precision has fast become one of my favourite watches and gets plenty of time on wrist. Truly a great watch that scratched my itch for the Rolex 1016 . The Zeno is by far the truest to the original and has plenty of charm, this is truly a case where the specs do not represent just how great this watch is.
Beautiful watch 😍
Thanks Tim, I've just ordered the 38mm version with the same AS movement.
How does it wear? Is the 46mm lug to lug accurate? Thanks, just ordered one.
@@jimheckman Did you end up liking it?
Yes, it's the kind of homage I could go for. I've had a few vintage watches with A.Schilde movements and they've been reliable.
The price is at the top end imho but ok. The WR is a pity but...
The real killer is that they're going to discontinue it and then increase the size. Aaaargghh! 36mm is spot on for this design with an average wrist (175mm) or below.
For an homage of this type, personally I like it to be discreet and not 'in your face' as a bigger case size may well turn out to be.
I have a larger wrist, so the size increase doesn't concern me.
This piece and the similar Smiths 1016 homage are a little short in the lug to lug for me unfortunately, so I opted for a Tisell Explorer, a 214270 copy.
The modern piece is not as desirable visually, however Tisell offer a good little watch for very little money. A friend with an average (17-18cm) wrist also owns the larger 39mm Tisell and it still manages to stay under the radar on his wrist. Hopefully that is of some consolation to you re. the increasing size of this piece.
Great review, recently got the latest 36mm Everest and it seems to address the downsides of this version (thickness and clasp) really well. Agreed that 36 is a great size.
This version has no 'downsides' and the thickness is perfect. Excellent wrist presence. Very masculine small watch. As for Timefactor watches they are garbage and not worth the hype.
Yesh, it a lovely watch , no nonsense
I had one of these when Timefactores only had the Smiths in 40mm with very long lugs. I ended up selling the Zeno because it was a weird combination of a too small dial for what I was used too plus a chunky fat profile. Plexi looks great but it's not very pratical, especially on a thick watch like this. My tastes have changed since then so I wouldn't mind trying the new 36mm Smiths Explorer with saphire.
Hi Tim, you need to make a new video on the state of your watch collection ,please.
Great video Tim, but you should put this up against the Smith's Everest. 36mm, drilled lugs, only 11.3mm in thickness and has a sapphire crystal and for less than the Zeno. Although you may have to wait to buy one they are still being produced and I see no change to that because they are so popular and Eddie at TimeFactors gives you so much watch for the money. Thanks again and keep up the good work, Brian.
Ich hatte kürzlich die grand seiko snowflake am Arm und sie war echt toll. Was hältst spring drive? Würde mich über ein Video freuen
Reference
Hey Tim, there is a similar (not sure of it's the same)) watch reference 6704-a1M-small. The website states that it's 35mm, same movement described in this video. Is it the same watch?
Should be the same. I don't remember if the diameter of "my" Zeno was something like 35,5 mm or so but the appearance was pretty exactly a 36 mm watch.
Loved your review and I just purchased the updated version 38 mm from Ashford @ Total $410. Will send you pic when I receive it. Thanks for your great review.
Thanks! Looking forward to seeing that picture.
@CasebackWatches After I wear it a little I would really like to send it to you so you can review the 38mm version. ?
Your my favorite watch reviewer . Wish you would Jam on your Guitar more often. I'm a big jazz guy...❤
@@johnmiranda9310 John, thank you very much. I really appreciate that offer. But my memory tells me that your are located in the US. Unfortunately German customs is run by lunatics. They charge high fees even if you state that a watch is a loan or gift. And it takes months to get the money back. So I have to give this a pass. But thanks again for the supportive spirit!
Been wearing my 38mm since June 2023 on and off and made it my " Back to NY after 21 years ". I love it..
I have this exact watch, for about 2 years now. I fitted an aftermarket rivet bracelet which (IMHO) matches the vintage vibe a little better. I have no intention of selling it as it hits all my buttons - plexiglass, vintage (but new) movement, correct size, good build quality etc. I had the Smiths Everest on loan for a short while and whilst its good it feels a little more modern in a slightly awkward way - and it has that dam Miyota noisy wobbly rotor syndrome which is why I didn't buy one.
Which rivet bracelet did you buy?
I'm have 2 zeno watches
I'm can recommend good wach for good price
A very interesting watch. Too bad it is a limited edition - probably limited by the fact that they could find only so many vintage movements. Normally I am not very fond of homages, but in this case, the original design is so "generic" that this one doesn't bother me too much - even if I would prefer it without the Mercedes hour hand, and the Rolex-style caseback. Still, I would love to wear it.
I was going to ask you about the comparison between this and the everest before I saw the full video. I havent any experience with either but I think the Smiths has maybe more specs for the price and these are both Microbrand watches? I saw a video(watch chronicler I think) compared the 9039 Miyota in the Everest amd Expedition favourably with the ETA 2824 saying that it was a more reliable and modern movement than the ETA.
Zeno isn't really a microbrand. They're an old Swiss company with quite a few models.
@@scottparis6355 thanks for clarifying.
@@shaharyarsheikh5291 No problem. They ARE relatively small for a Swiss watchmaker.
Sadly, the Explorer that Tim is talking about here seems to be gone.
www.zeno-watch.ch/
The watch case seems a bit too high for my taste.
I can't unsee that now!
That is a BRILLIANT homage, yeah think now they just make the 39mm ones. :(
Hi Tim!
Firstly, thanks to the sub. who sent the watch in so we could all look at it/lust after it...
I love it!
On paper it doesn't stand up to the Smiths Everest, however it captures the charm of an old watch in a way that feels more genuine than the Smiths. You simply cannot beat the warmth of a domed acrylic crystal, and I could happily live with the clasp & ghost date on the mov't.
Unfortunately, the 44mm lug to lug height kills it for me. 🤷♂️
I have no problem with a 36mm diameter but I need a minimum of 46-47mm lug to lug on my 8" wrist.
For those of you who are the same, or perhaps prefer modern Rolex, Tisell do a ғᴀɴᴛᴀsᴛɪᴄ Explorer, however it is a copy of the 39mm 214270 Explorer, not the more desirable (IMO) vintage ref 1016 as shown here. Still, I love my Tisell!
Great review Tim, great piece.
Cheers.
Anthony.
I had a Zeno once years ago. Sold it immediately. OK for it's price point, but you get what you pay for. There were corners cut everywhere.
They did a good job for the price! Zeno could have done saphire crystal, save money and went with strap & buckle!
Plexiglass is stronger than sapphire. Sapphire’s only saving grace is that it is virtually scratch-proof but it is incredibly brittle and can easily shatter. Plexiglass is much stronger but can scratch easily. However this can be polished out. There is too much snobbery over sapphire crystal and with this watch it has the right crystal, especially if this is taken out into the field!
14.5mm thickness is ridiculous for such a simple watch.
I have been tempted by this but the old movement and negative stories that I’ve heard are very off putting. I don’t mind the thickness so much but I don’t want a movement that can’t be serviced and then the ghost date isn’t something I appreciate. I have one watch with it and it somehow makes the watch a little unclean.
It benefits them, many if not most watch these horo channels before buying, or getting them to buy when not in the market, it only costs them shipping, the majority don't get worked up over criticism, to them it's a free ad. Some might modify the ciritism in future products.
This is a nice watch, I am however going to go with the Smiths Everest.I'm a little partial I must say...
If only you could buy that one...
Never been a particular fan of the explorer look. Just personal opinion. From other comments it seems Smith's is a better value/watch. But add Swiss to most things and it adds a lot more cost to the purchaser. Unnecessary cost or not is peoples own decision to make
Considering that the cost of living in Switzerland is extremely high in that salaries will be inevitably much higher for the skills and crafts involved and that the manufacturing procedures, including finishing are vastly superior, this watch is quite reasonable at this price. Simply having Swiss Made on the watch is to present a level of high quality to the potential customer, in that the watch must have 60% of components and manufacture to be allowed to make this claim.
@@JamesAlexander14 Well from personal experience I don't necessarily agree "Swiss made" on the dial guarantee's a higher quality of watch than ones made in other countries. Certainly doesn't mean I'm saying Switzerland makes poor watches. However it's not a guarantee you get higher quality watch for your money
I do like the overall looks of this watch, but it is too thick for my preference.
5 bar wr, ghost at first position of the crown, no seconds hacking, 14,5 mm thickness and 50 years old calibre. Then I need to pay 500 eu. ARE YOU REALLY KIDDING ME ??
Looks ok, but it feels a bit bloated, I think if they put it on a good diet and lose some of the thickness and increase the curves, it would be a great hommage.
Very nice homage. Not sure the price of 500€ is justified though
Price presumably takes into account that they are servicing and hand regulating a NOS movement from the 1970s, which is novel and many collectors would appreciate, though of niche appeal.
I thought about buying a Tudor Black Bay 41 or 36, which looks very similar to this watch, but when I saw them in person I was a bit disapointed. Best regards:)
Kommen jetzt nur noch Uhren mit Z? ;-)
Haha, stimmt, ist mir gar nicht aufgefallen. Zelos, Zenith, Zeno ...
@@CasebackWatches na dann ist ja gut, dass ich da bin, dem sowas auffällt 🤪
Nice watch but maybe $300-350 range?
After i saw your post of that watch on insta, I quiet liked it. then i went to the manufacturers website and i was a bit disapointed. Most watch models i saw there weren't my taste at all. So it seems that for me the only appealing watch is the one that is "borrowing" many design features from the Explorer. That and also the fact that I never hear of the brand itself (I live in the german part of Switzerland and there are not too many watch brands here) doesnt speak for the brand itself.
I feel the same. I really like the Super Precision, but most of their other models are pretty average ...
No intention to sound snobbish, but the Explorer is my favourite watch. I waited long to get it from my retailer. No, this homage is not for me.
Funny some people say the Time Factor's "Smith" is better, while it's not even a real Smith at all, but a cheap Chinese made resurrected brand.
OK but prefer the Timefactors Smiths Everest
Smiths has history, this is just a visual clone...
@@superpeca Fully agree. Only problem the Smiths are difficult to source. I had a 40mm one and let it go. Hope to get a 36 at some point when Timefactors get a delivery
I checked the model on the website, it has crown guards and 38mm. With this model, it does not and you stated it is 36mm. Did they send this to you recently?
Did you watch the video? ;-) It was send by a viewer and it's discontinued now. The successor is that 38mm watch. Unfortunately if you ask me.
Yup, please forgive the oversight. I messaged Zeno and they responded back to let me know they still a few of the 36mm in stock, these aren’t published on their site. The respondent mentioned it can be ordered directly. I imagine by contacting them and issuing a PayPal transaction.
@@kurtnunn6116 Nice. How much does it cost when bought directly?
@@CasebackWatches $560 chf
@@pamusso1466 that sounds like the best deal
Smiths Everest is a better deal except for a non Swiss movement
Hard to call these things hommage watches anymore. This one and that other with the very german name and the pepsi bezel.....these are basically replicas. But at least they don't write rolex ont their dial. That's a good thing. Steinhart. That's it.
You can find a lower end Ball watch which looks similar but not a hommage since they were making watches before Rolex, as well as top quality finish and of high quality, you can catch them on sale, or clean used for a few hundred more. I'm not sure about the movement good or bad that Zeno uses. I do see them on Amazon, Jomashop and Long Island Watch seems to be getting ready to sell them, which if you live in the North America is good, he's an AD for what he sells and stands behind his products. Right now he has just a place holder page and seem's as if Marc is getting ready to start carrying them. Going to be a hard sell against Laco and Damasko of which he is big AD of. Oddly from what I've seen, Zeno's prices were cheaper than Amazon.
As others have said, they'd go with a Smith's, that is if they ever come available, and their website is worse than trying to rebuild your cars transmission.
There is one REALLY big problem I have with replicas: someone asking: "oh is that an Explorer?" "oh is that a Rolex?"
Since they already dont use "Rolex" on the dial they could have changed the hour hand (imho).
Treat that as an opportunity to demistify rolex's fake prestige!!!
Smiths Everest all the way! Cheaper, way thinner, sapphire, AR coating, 100m WR. If the Zeno is 14mm thick I would've expected 300m water resitance lol
Thickness has nothing to do with water resistance. Good seals within the case and the crown is what is required which is mostly what diver’s watches should have. Explorer watches aren’t intended to go very deep and therefore 50 meters is quite adequate for the intended purpose. Most of us would never go below 1 metre with this type of watch let alone 50 metres.
I got mine with miyota8215 for 40$.
Honestly why would you pay so much money for a Chinese made homage like Smiths.
I think the brand name sounds kinda unpleasant.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeno's_paradoxes
02:23 Wait, did you say "plexiglass"? Really? A 500€ watch with a plastic dome? Surely not.
Why not? Omega do this with the Speedmaster and in the right circumstances a plexiglass crystal is much more preferable!
Cry a bit louder
Not really a fan of homages or Rolex, but if it was bigger (38mm), had sapphire and got rid of the hideous Mercedes hand I'd consider it....otherwise its expensive for the specs imho. Cheers 👍🏻
Thicc
Much too chunky. Looks out of proportion. Paid less than half for my Tisell explorer with sapphire crystal and 100m and just a cleaner look.
$700+ for a stamped clasp and plexiglass. Pass!
Why do you wear it on your bone? My arm hurts just looking at you!
@@IDKline But why? It looks terrible. It must be terribly uncomfortable and it limits your hand's range of motion.
Sorry, this watch makes absolutely ZERO sense to me, and the Chinese homage industry just blows it completely out of the water (comes with 200 meters of water resistance, too, in addition to better specs across the board). If you're into the size and design, check out the Pagani Design PD-1751. Thank me later.