Globemaster SS v Zenith Defy Classic

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TimeODanaos

·Nov 11, 2019

{Apologies I'm bumping up text I already posted elsewhere}

I've been saving the pennies for some time now for a modern sports piece (in a bid to break out of vintage 😉), and generally assuming the steel/steel/blue Globemaster was going to be my destination. But this Zenith is starting to turn my head... 🙄

I always like to support genuine design and technology rather than the marketing and PR department. So I revere the METAS movement. But this Zenith is a great effort though. My particular issues are around the titanium in the real world. How are the scratches - or has Zenith put on a good coating? Does it feel "lightweight" in the pejorative sense? And does the metal have less lustre? I hope to get to an AD to look and feel one day soon, but real OF user opinions count a lot with me too.

So... anyone who owns this with the titanium bracelet classic dial, please tell me what you think, thanks! 👍

 

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SBS74

·Nov 11, 2019

The Defy is a fantastic watch and would be my choice. I don’t own one but have handled several and was very impressed everytime

 

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wristpirate

·Nov 11, 2019

I found the Defy Classic Titanium a bit large and heavy for my puny wrist. I'm a vintage guy.

Bit of thread drift...I recently tried on a Defy Classic Ceramic and was very impressed. Comfortable and lightweight without looking lightweight. Had a good wrist presence. I can feel one of these making its way onto my shopping list at some point.

Photo lifted from Hodinkee

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/zenith-defy-classic-ceramic-hands-on

 

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TimeODanaos

·Nov 11, 2019

wristpirate

I found the Defy Classic Titanium a bit large and heavy for my puny wrist. I'm a vintage guy.

Bit of thread drift...I recently tried on a Defy Classic Ceramic and was very impressed. Comfortable and lightweight without looking lightweight. Had a good wrist presence. I can feel one of these making its way onto my shopping list at some point.

Photo lifted from Hodinkee

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/zenith-defy-classic-ceramic-hands-on

Thanks for that - I saw those too and was impressed. I'm not currently in the zone for a skeleton dial, but I am interested in what is happening with modern ceramic materials, and these are pretty durn cool. 😎

 

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TimeODanaos

·Nov 11, 2019

SBS74

The Defy is a fantastic watch and would be my choice. I don’t own one but have handled several and was very impressed everytime

How did you find the "weight" on the wrist? I was interested that @wristpirate found it heavy - I think I would like that, and was a bit concerned it would feel too light compared with steel. (I know, I'm condemning titanium for one of the key qualities that make it hi-tech and cool 🤨..

 

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SBS74

·Nov 11, 2019

TimeODanaos

How did you find the "weight" on the wrist? I was interested that @wristpirate found it heavy - I think I would like that, and was a bit concerned it would feel too light compared with steel. (I know, I'm condemning titanium for one of the key qualities that make it hi-tech and cool 🤨..

I think the weight is nice, it’s neither to heavy nor light. Really gotta try it on tho for sure

 

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TimeODanaos

·Nov 11, 2019

Roger that - it's going on the list. Thanks for dropping by the thread!

 

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stuart70

·Nov 11, 2019

I would go for the Zenith every time.

 

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Lugduno

·Nov 12, 2019

The Zenith is really cool but unfortunately a bit too big on my wrists when I got to try it on a few weeks ago. So personally I'd go for the Globemaster in this case.

 

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STANDY

·Nov 12, 2019·schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector

Titanium has a warming feel on the wrist, usually quite comfortable in my opinion.

 

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DeepBlue

·Nov 12, 2019

For me the Zenith!

 

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TimeODanaos

·Nov 12, 2019

Encouraging replies, thanks to all. Any owners/long- term testers out there prepared to share experiences of Ti dings and scratches? ☕

 

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stuart70

·Nov 12, 2019

TimeODanaos

Encouraging replies, thanks to all. Any owners/long- term testers out there prepared to share experiences of Ti dings and scratches? ☕

I have Ti ok to live with (Pelagos). It is slightly greyer than steel. I do like the lightness and don’t find it scratches, not sure how much a brushed finish hides them.

 

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gostang9

·Nov 12, 2019

Is this the Globemaster SS you are comparing and also considering? If so, I'd go for Globemaster all day every day over that Zenith.

Not because Omega > Zenith, just because I like the look of the Globemaster so much more. My brother-in-law has the Globemaster on a leather strap and wears it quite often. Every time I'm struck by how nice it looks, understated, not flashy, but very nice.


https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-...axial-master-chronometer-39-mm-13033392103001

 

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weimi1

·Nov 12, 2019

So far, no problems with scratches.
Does not seem to be as sensitive to scratches as my steel versions.

 

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gbesq

·Nov 12, 2019

I can’t opine as to the Zenith, but as the proud owner of a blue dialed Globemaster in stainless steel I can tell you that it is one of Omega’s best offerings. The pie pan dial is stunning and the star of the show, but this watch isn’t just another pretty face. The METAS certified caliber 8900 is a technological marvel and quartz like accurate. I have absolutely no buyer’s remorse on this model. And it looks great on the alligator leather strap too. Highly recommended.

 

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scapa

·Nov 12, 2019

TimeODanaos

Encouraging replies, thanks to all. Any owners/long- term testers out there prepared to share experiences of Ti dings and scratches? ☕

I own a couple of Ti watches, including a Chronomaster (coated) and Pelagos. Can't say that either have proven more susceptible to dings and scratches than my steel watches, and the Pelagos has not been babied. Lore has it that a Scotchbrite can cope with scratches on Titanium and there are also Ti scratch-removing pens available. Definitely appreciate the feel and lightness of Ti over steel.

Of these two prefer the Globemaster -- striking watch with excellent movement and the Tungsten should hold up well.

 

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TimeODanaos

·Nov 12, 2019

Great fightback by the Globemaster! 🍿 Looking even on points now, and only a hands-on session at the AD is going to decide this - can't wait!

 

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gbesq

·Nov 12, 2019

Forgot to mention the Globemaster’s tungsten carbide bezel. Pretty much scratch proof. And the 8900 movement has magnetic resistance to 15,000 gauss.

 

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MalaMD

·Nov 12, 2019

I'd go for the Globemaster. Looks very classy and I think it's better suited to strap changes - as shown in the above pics it looks equally great on the bracelet or leather.