I need help with my next purchase. Both are beautiful chronographs. Which would you pick and why? The Omega will give me no trouble, with longer servicing intervals. The Zenith's ability to time to nearest 1/10 of a second is just awesome (forget that my finger's reaction time makes this function useless for practical purposes). My concern is the 36000 vph and the more frequent servicing interval.

Here's a picture of the Zenith if it helps.

 

I should add that the Zenith is a limited edition! Only 1969 made.

 

If you can afford either, you can afford the slightly more frequent services.

 

Both are amazing, I have a zenith and it is not high maintenance, that said I would hesitate at buying on the chromo properties alone because, really, who really uses a non digital chromo when it counts.

Between them I would get the zenith, if you where thinking a truly vintage speedier then I would hesitate but the modern 57 is a bit gimmicky while the zenith is not.

 

what's the difference wrt their respective OEM's recommended service intervals?

 

@ Nobel: good advise. I'm leaning towards the Zenith as well. It's not just the chronograph properties, but it sure does stand out from the crowd. I also like the dial and the distinctive red split second hand.

For what it's worth, I already have a vintage 105.012-65 Speedy.

@ alam: I don't know. But I figure the new Co-axial Omegas come with long warranties for a reason. And the fact that the Zenith beats at 36000 vph vs the usual 28000 probably puts additional wear on the unit.

 

Is the 57 a coaxial? I don't think it is.

Either way if you already have a vintage speedy stay legit and get the Zenith. I am no expert on movement wear but it's not like I see a lot of complaining from zenith owners, including me, on the performance and durability of the primero movement. Quite the opposite.

But at the end of the day for me it's about covering more ground with your collection. I don't think the modern 57 has that much to offer. Great aesthetic , but a little gimmicky like the smp300 master coaxial. Just my opinion.

 

Here's my zenith. Very different from yours....

 

Different on the outside, same on the inside?

 

All the modern Omegas are co-axial.

 

I actually don't know how much the movement you have evolved from the mid eighties. I'm fairly new to zenith and just fell for the De Luca. Also I like limited editions and there are only about 700 of these

 

The manual movements are not are they? I'm a little drunk right now so bare with me. I'm guessing the 57 is automatic?

 

ever mind just look it up

 

Yes Sir it is

 

I'm your guy. I have Speedmaster 9300 with the same movement as in '57 and Zenith Pilot Big Date with El Primero movement.

I love both. Now, I'm not sure that the idea of frequent maintenance of El Primero is correct. In theory, this is true, but life, as we know, is different from the theory.
Although El Primero is not co-axial my Zenith is more accurate then Omega (which is also not bad at all). My Omega is running +3.5 sec/24hrs while Zenith is -1.5 sec. My friend has the Striking, it is fantastically accurate. But 9300 is almost insensitive if the chronograph is running or not. You can run it constantly. Instruction to El Primero does not recommend running chrono all the time.

Pay attention that Striking 10th does not have hours sub dial. One more difference: Omega substantially thicker. In the end, both a great watches. Zenith is smart casual, Omega is more sporty.

English is not my native language, forgive the possible grammatical errors.

 

If you've already got an Omega then go the Zenith simply as a change.

Plus the Zenith is a "limited" edition with a movement that is rightfully lauded as one of the finest ever put into a chrono.

easy choice really...

 

Goes to show how little I've paid attention to this watch. And it's a beautiful watch, no question.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I've got several votes for the Zenith, which I was leaning towards anyway. I'll try and negotiate a deal with the seller tomorrow. I'll follow-up with a wrist shot if I purchase.

 

Nice to see a McGill alumni.

 

Watch finally purchased! Couldn't be happier, though somewhat surprised the movement is non-hacking. Looking to dress down the shiny metal bracelet with a leather strap. Any suggestions?