Considering buying my first Zenith watch

Strangedream · Nov 6, 2019

Hi everyone!
I have my heart and eyes set on this gorgeous 2002 Class El Primer 01.0501.400. I absolutely love the design of this watch, the dial looks retro in the best way possible with its bold lumen numerals and yet the case gives a hint of modernity. This model definitely has a sporty vibe to it but I can still see myself wearing it at the office with a business casual, semi-formal outfit. Anyways, seller quoted me $2,050 and I was wondering if that was fair for what I'm getting:
- watch (obviously), few micro-scuffs on the case, tiny flaw on the 12 o'clock lumen, otherwise A+
- box in 6/10 condition
- aftermarket deployment leather band
- a lighter bank account
What I don't get:
- watch was last serviced more than three years ago
- No papers, but extract from registers from Zenith
- original band
I attached some pictures, what do you guys think? Should I take it or leave it?
Any other tips are also welcome. Thanks!

DHKNOLA · Nov 6, 2019

I would counter lower...band is nothing special, not a hot seller at all. I would counter at $1500 and either get it cheap enough to build in a later service or let it go elsewhere.

amcclell · Nov 6, 2019

It depends on how badly you want this watch. This is a nice understated design and the asking price is probably fair. You can budget $600-750 for a service. If it was a full set with Zenith deployment strap, warranty card, and booklet, the price would likely be $600-$800 higher.

Strangedream · Nov 6, 2019

amcclell
It depends on how badly you want this watch. This is a nice understated design and the asking price is probably fair. You can budget $600-750 for a service. If it was a full set with Zenith deployment strap, warranty card, and booklet, the price would likely be $600-$800 higher.

Without a proven servicing history I don't feel comfortable shelling out two grands. But I feel really attracted by this watch and would love having it on my wrist ...

michael22 · Nov 6, 2019

You should offer what it is worth to you. Work out your max, & offer 200 less.

preacher · Nov 7, 2019

Watch looks very nice, try to get a discount because of the cost of a service probably needed.
Don’t be hurry, figth for a good price.
I don’t know if the box is correct

shaun hk · Nov 7, 2019

I own one of these, and pick it up fairly regularly. Positives are quick set date, a decent size, it's accurate and quietly understated.
Negatives are non hacking (I'd rather quick set date anyway) and no anti reflexive glazing on the outside of the crystal. Reflections when telling the time I don't mind too much, but it's a bitch to get a good photo!

BAJJ · Nov 7, 2019

I got one of these about six months ago, paid 2600 for it, full set, box, papers etc, in NOS condition, original strap etc. It was sold originally in 2012 and virtually unworn since then. I think I got a bargain. I absolutely love it and wear it often, this is a really nice watch and if you can haggle down a bit, it is good value.

Dan S · Nov 7, 2019

I auctioned off one of these on eBay last year with the original deployant clasp AND bracelet. It had been factory serviced in 2017 (with papers), had original box and warranty papers, and was in perfect shape. The winning bid was below $2k USD. These are just not very popular.

Strangedream · Nov 7, 2019

Dan S
I auctioned off one of these on eBay last year with the original deployant clasp AND bracelet. It had been factory serviced in 2017 (with papers), had original box and warranty papers, and was in perfect shape. The winning bid was below $2k USD. These are just not very popular.

Damn, I wish I had seen your listing before. The fact that this watch is niche somehow attracts me a lot. I would buy a Speedmaster because it's a classic design, but I would buy this EP because it ignites something inside me.

03Hemi · Nov 7, 2019

Strangedream
Without a proven servicing history I don't feel comfortable shelling out two grands. But I feel really attracted by this watch and would love having it on my wrist ...

Just buy it then. It's only money and you can't take it with you, you can always make more.

fskywalker · Nov 19, 2019

Strangedream
Hi everyone!
I have my heart and eyes set on this gorgeous 2002 Class El Primer 01.0501.400. I absolutely love the design of this watch, the dial looks retro in the best way possible with its bold lumen numerals and yet the case gives a hint of modernity. This model definitely has a sporty vibe to it but I can still see myself wearing it at the office with a business casual, semi-formal outfit. Anyways, seller quoted me $2,050 and I was wondering if that was fair for what I'm getting:
- watch (obviously), few micro-scuffs on the case, tiny flaw on the 12 o'clock lumen, otherwise A+
- box in 6/10 condition
- aftermarket deployment leather band
- a lighter bank account
What I don't get:
- watch was last serviced more than three years ago
- No papers, but extract from registers from Zenith
- original band
I attached some pictures, what do you guys think? Should I take it or leave it?
Any other tips are also welcome. Thanks!

Looks really good, make a counter offer to see what happens!

Considering buying my first Zenith watch

Strangedream

DHKNOLA

amcclell

Strangedream

michael22

preacher

shaun hk

BAJJ

Dan S

Strangedream

03Hemi

fskywalker

Similar threads

Considering buying my first Zenith El Primero

This is my first Zenith!

My First Zenith - "Collector Grade" A386

my first zenith--help with identification

My first Zenith

Incoming: First Zenith and gambling on Fab Suisse.