Continue the discussion here: www.watchcrunch.com/Max/posts/rolex-doesn-t-need-us-in-2021-do-you-need-a-rolex-662

I sold my Daytona and bought Zenith. Couldn't be happier. I prefer Chronomaster in litellary every aspect. It looks cooler, has better dimensions, I like bracelet more (maybe expect the clasp ;) ), it wears better on straps, it has usable chronograph, which I actually use. No one use chronograph if you have to unscrew the pusher first... And the movement is spectacular. I bought two, black and white, got 15% discount. I eventually returned black one. It is so nice to buy and try a watch.

I too would take the Daytona...Flip it, and buy 3 Zeniths.

I prefer the movement and the design of the Zenith Chronomaster Sport to the Daytona. The Daytona is the ultimate symbol of the overhyped nature of Rolex. It reveals the mechanics of marketing: one actor wearing it while racing cars made people want a gaudy, blingy, modern variant of the watch that looks nothing like the one he wore back in the day. The story of the Daytona going into 2022 is about how it helps rich people identify each other. I think if you could look at modern Daytonas without the hype and exclusivity factor, they are simply nowhere near as attractive or storied as pretty much any modern Zenith Chronograph.

I love just about everything on this channel. Keep up the good work, Max. Astounding footages with lots of good information and opinions. Full and heartwarming support from a Korean watch enthusiast. Wish you more subscribers and viewers. Happy holidays!

I love the format in the way you do videos. Can't believe I just discovered you guys. Very cool! Also love this watch. Very cool.

Excellent video - I am in the market for a Zenith and this convinced me to buy it. Thank you!

Excellent review - love this watch - just picked up the white one today!

Another great video Max, BTW: I quite like the metaphors, especially "mini metropolis".

25 years ago, I chose the Zenith El Primero 410, because it had an anual calendar and a moon phase, and 36,000 alternations. It was 1/4 the price, and Rolex was using a tuned down version of the Zenith. It was a no brained.

love your videos bro! Can i ask what book that is in the background?

Great video and great talking points 👏👏👏

awesome video! Very clear and to the point. Thank you

The man with deep voice is back! Agreed, but not sure people would listen. Hey bro, I remember you did a video on 16710 a while back. Prices on that too are shooting up these days. Not sure where all this would all end. Excellent work bro, keep it up.

The centre of Zenith's 9 o'clock/3 o'clock subdials line up perfectly with the indices at 9 and 3 , this is also true for the Zenith powered Daytonas, and it looks so much better than the offset subdials on the modern Daytona. Just joined WatchCrunch and looking forward to finding my way round 👍👍

I know I'm two years late to the party, but stumbled on to this. Very well done!

Excellent video, I had to subscribe. I got the chronomaster sport about a week ago. My first Zenith. I always wanted to own a Zenith, was initially drawn towards the Defy 21 but then I happened to come across this beauty. Was lucky to get it in a day's time. Wore it the same day and went out with my buddies. Of course a few asked me if it's a Daytona which irked me a bit. Someone even mentioned that Zenith has a habit of copying Rolex watches, I didn't care to reply. I just know I got what I wanted and am really happy. It's not the case where I wanted a Rolex, I couldn't find it and I settled for a Zenith. I got it because I absolutely love it. I was never a big fan of the Daytona. I own a Sea Dweller and an OP and I love them. The only thing is the bracelet, maybe I need to get more used to it. Apart from that, it's a stunner. Thanks for the video.

I love the metaphors! Keep them coming!!

Excellent and insightful… and the metaphors are clever…. Keep ‘em! 😉

Brilliant video. Incredible videography.

Max, I am watching your videos since a long time now and I am never disappointed ! Keep on the great work :)

As a 116500 panda owner and trying to set aside my bias aside for a minute here, I absolutely love this Chronomaster Sport white dial and would be my 2nd choice if I didn't already have my Daytona.

Awesome watch and another great video. Thanks!

This channel deserves a lot larger numbers subscriber!

Zénith for the Watch passion Daytona for spéculation

Great video and looks classy with this leather strap

I actually Sold my Daytona for a nice profit, and bought 3 watches instead. 1 of them was this Zenith but a boutique edition. And I honestly cannot get over how good of a timepiece it is. Not only its mechanically fascinating but its an absolute gorgeous of a piece to look at and after a month of daily use -sort of- it did actually opened a lot of conversations. You will NOT get a better value for money with as rich of a history as Zenith! Now, I still own a Rolex (Batman), and yes Rolex just feels different. But in the world of many daily Chronographs, the Zenith is an absolute standalone.

哥们视频做的越来越好了，加油

Totally agree. Screw down chrono pushers are absurd!

I think the Zenith is a lot cooler than the Daytona. Really amazing movement, and I quite like the tri-color registers. I mean sure, if you gave me a choice between the two I'd still take the Daytona, but if I were spending my own money, I'd totally buy the Zenith and keep the difference. But being realistic, that'll never happen either. Enjoyed the video!

Really nice, thanks!

Great video as usual Max! I'd take that Z all day over the R. It just fits my style more.

Great video, Zenith definitely has its own history. Beautiful watch.

2:57 the way it hits every single marker, its so satisfying.

Love your vids mate

As a watch nerd I would prefer the Zenith over the Daytona simply for the advanced movement, the looks and the date complication. From an investment perspective the Daytona is the better choice - if you could get one at a reasonable price. As a gift I would not reject any of both for sure! Cheers from Frankfurt, DE

I own a few Daytonas and just got the Zenith. Honestly I prefer Zenith and cannot stop staring at it. I wish there was an easy way to reverse it so I can look at the back whenever I want. It’s just so beautiful. I do like the value of the Rolex, but you can also buy Zenith for under retail and just hang onto it.

fun and honest review of an underated watch brand imo ..which has a rich history ..👍👍

Max!!!! As usual your a legend,thanks pal👍🏻🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

Great video. You make a lot of sens with your comments. I do love the Daytona but like you said, I gave up the idea of getting one. I refuse to pay 3 to 4 times the retail price for this watch. I do own 2 watches with an El Primero movement. I have a Zenith and an old Ebel Chronograph offered to me by my parents in 1989. Unfortunately Ebel has lost its aura but remain a very nice watch esthetically. I also own an AP Royal Oak chronograph with screw on buttons and as you perfectly said, it is discouraging me of using the chronograph due to this feature. Anyhow, as a Swiss citizen I always enjoy videos on Swiss watches. Good going my friend 😊

Great video. I own this watch, and bought it for the same reasons you gave. Jury is out on spending much more on the Daytona.

Good video, subscribed!

What size is the strap you got from Cascadia?

I just got this watch (White Chronomaster sport) this past Thursday and it is fantastic. I have a Panda Daytona as well. And having worn both, I genuinely prefer my Zenith. The dial is much more interesting. And having a date is very useful. Just wish they had put the date at 6:00. Great video, thank you

Just love this Watch! Great Video.

Great video, Max, a bit late to this one but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Valid points on both the Chronomaster and Daytona. It will be very interesting days when Rolex finally updates its princess to 41mm

Love the zenith. Hope to pick one up

another great video! liked and subscribed your channel. however, i am surprised that i have yet to see anyone dare (or observant enough) to point out that el primero movement has a hereditary “flaw” where the chronograph hand randomly jerks forward or backward when is stopped. this characteristic remains in the family which can be observed even in the today’s zenith models - something to ponder if you are a new to zenith.

The El Primero is an amazing timepiece! Would love to have one! Also, you forgot to mention Hamilton as one of the watchmakers who worked with breitling and heuer to release one of the first auto chronos. :)

I'll definitely get one but I'm not sure which one to pick. Chronomaster sport or open...

I've owned this watch for a couple years now and it's still my favorite, so much so that I also got the black dial as well.

Great video,, zenith makes great watches and I love many of their design but this watch just mirrors the design of the legendary Daytona . Give me the one with the crown any day it’s an icon and will transcend generations for years to come .

Can't help but think of those old time American TVs when I read Zenith (which I believe was bought out by LG)

Great! Thanks you.

Which watch have more power reserve?

Seiko was the first automatic chrono 1969 ..seiko 6309 First in production not in prototype.. Good job 👍👍👍

My dad just gifted me his 1969 Zenith El Primero Revival with the A.384 movement. I’ll have it for the rest of my life and gift it to my son. Maybe I’ll own a Rolex one day but this Zenith is beautiful…

IDK...if you save up, just for a Daytona, you may be crazy, lol! Cool video, bro👍

I never really cared much for Zenith until this video. There are so many great watch videos, but Max stands out head and shoulders; eloquent, intelligent, impressive.

To even suggest the daytona is the better watch than the chronomaster sport is madness, marketing yes but that is it.

Zenith any day....better looking, better priced, better movement and available.

Agree that. If Daytona and El Primero were the same price I would still take the Zenith but the 1969! By the way screw down pushers don’t make for more water resistance. What counts is the gasket. The Omega Planet Ocean Chrono Is tested to 600m (+20%) and it doesn’t have screw down pushers.

The El primero is a stand alone watch, minus the Oyster bracelet! Oh, but its a strap monster without hesitation, also a great time piece choice for those who have an itch you cannot scratch! Lol

Just asked for one today at retailer, they barely have one and its reserved for a customer. The other retailer wanted to put me on a waitlist!!

Max is a quality no nonsense excellent intelligent reviewer

Zenith is sooooooooooooo clean. Love this video

Say what you will, I think it’s awesome that Zenith finally updated its el primero movement and simplified much of its mechanics. However - with any cam/lateral clutch watch, it keeps me using the actual chrono function sparingly as I know I am putting micro wear and tear that will eventually lead to a routine service cost. I know it’s not that big a deal and there are lateral clutches that have been tried and tested for decades, but I feel in 2023 that every maker should focus on developing a vertical clutch mechanism instead. It’s cool watching the lateral clutch do its thing the 4x a year I might look in the back and play with it…but honestly I’d much prefer it hidden and full proof the longevity with a vertical clutch. Please LVMH, develop an in house vertical clutch chrono.

Definitely a great release from Zenith. I think I realize that the design cue that bothers me about this piece is the abrupt ending to the lugs. It gives me the illusion that this is a chunky... maybe too modern piece - if that makes sense.

Thanks! At least there’s some history!

"From investment point of view the Daytona is a better choice"..... Probably you are right on the short term. However, (for year 2020) how many new Rolexes have been sold (± 1.000.000) and how many Zeniths have been sold (± 20.000) and what does that do for a good quality icon in 15-25 years? With the history of the 386 calibre, this El Primero 3600 has the potention to become an icon like the Speedmaster and Daytona have become in the past years. Let's wait, enjoy the Chronomaster and see...

Definitely not a cheap Daytona knock-off!

Usually one could walk in and buy one but the Zenith AD I go to was out and has been out since the release.

The only thing that I believe let’s the watch down is it’s clasp. It makes the bracelet look cheap. I would have given it a push style clasp like an Omega or a hidden deployment.

Even those that buy the Daytona are fully aware there are many watches far superor vs the Daytona for less even at retail in objective terms... but the main reason for Rolex success is marketing..people purchase it for recognition, status, and as investment. To them, Zenith is a watch people won't recognize that will drop in value vs Daytona which everyone recognizes that increases in value...having been in the industry, I realized most people are concerned about recognition/clout over objective quality.

Sick peace! ✌🏻

Why this Zenith is better than this Rolex -opens with a brief history lesson including the atomic bomb Me: ok You have My attention

Were the first 1969 el Primero column wheeled?

I got two for ya... 1. Better price. 2. Better looks.

The Clasp on the El Primero bracelet is a nail breaker, I had to change to a rubber-leather strap.

And now chronomaster sport boutique edition 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

Many people ask me why buys Defy El Primero 21 & Extreme.. why dont buy Rolex, price for after sales is more better then Zenith.. Simple answer, I Love Detail and i love the watch..

Only reason I'd choose a Daytona (at MSRP*) would be to sell it to a fool, and then I'd use the profits to buy a Chronomaster Sport _and_ a Blancpain Bathyscaphe. The chronograph isn't really a matter of utility, it's just a complication. A technical feat.

In my humble opinion, the Zenith Chronograph Original with reverse panda dial is best looking chronograph money can buy…

Zenith for me!

Don't tell that to the Daytona Snobs. I too would buy a Daytona at retail but not from the grey market. Rolex is jewelry for the Snobs, most dont even know the history of Rolex or the Zeytona. Anyway the point here is that the Zenith is a better tool watch however speculation and the market has turn Rolex into a good investment but not necessarily a better watch.

I never cared for the modern Daytona, I like the yellow gold Daytona before the ceramic bezel and I like the Vintage Daytona's Paul Newman and back. The only modern watch I really want to buy from rolex that I can't, it's probably the Pepsi GMT

My vote for El primero 🥇

I really like the zenith chronomaster original but i feel there is too many star symbols at the dial, the crown and the clasp which makes it looks slightly cheap... i wish they had change the clasp to a laser engraved zenith branding. Change the popup star at the crown to a more subtle laser engraved star and i will buy it.

Does it wear similar to the Daytona or is one noticeably smaller?

One more thing is that the Daytona is actually a very small 40mm watch, meaning that it wears more like a 38-39mm one, super slender too. Almost feminine, definitely unisex. The Zenith looks like it would suit anyone with a 7+ inch wrist better.

Being better than Rolex isn’t an achievement. I would go as far as saying most of the watches costing more than half the price of a Rolex is going to meet or beat a Rolex. The hard thing to do is to take people’s tunnel vision away from Rolex, especially people who aren’t well versed in watches but have money to spend on one.

You cannot just walk in and get one anymore. At least in Tx. Year wait at least. But looks Worth it.

I liked, just by reading the title. Its so true.

I prefer this

I would never buy a Daytona because I simply could never afford it nor wear it. But I would definitely buy a Zenith El Primero Panda Chrono.

So do you yourself have one?

Because the zenith movement was the most elegant & most compact movement on the market, Rolex Took it as their basement movement for the Cosmograph Daytona. The El Primero movement had a long way to go before it got to sit inside the Daytona. In the hands of Rolex’s technicians, it went through more than 200 separate modifications, leaving it with fewer than half its original components. Its date function was removed and an entirely new escapement was fitted, with a larger free sprung Glucydur balance wheel and Microstella regulating system. The flat hairspring received a Breguet overcoil and the frequency was dropped to keep it in line with the rest of the professional range; from 36,000vph to a more relaxed 28,800vph.

I’d take the zenith all day long and it has a date ,thanks

“Tenth Second” on the bezel would have been idiotic given that it means the mathematical opposite odd what they’re trying to say.

One Daytona = Omega Speedmaster + Breitling Navitimer + Zenith El Primero + Tag Hauer Carrera + change. What else can I say?