Hey guys I am playing with the idea of looking for a vintage Zenith for my collection. What are the models y'all like and why?

 

Well, not quite vintage although it's no longer in production AFAIK




It has everything I want in an elegant watch:
- very attractive dial in my view both in terms of finishing as well as dial layout
- inhouse movement
- handwound, both a joy to wind as well as a thinner profile
- power reserve as I'm just a sucker for this complication
- well balanced size, 37mm and wears very comfortable with a lovely wrist presence, neither too much nor too little
- cherry on top, it's fairly uncommon

 

A386; A Cairelli AMI; A277; Rainbow Rainbow.

Reasons: they all have that iconic look and feel to themselves. Pictures below in lieu of explanations

 

totally agree.....

A273 is cool too, A3630 is also great

 

That A. Cairelli is gorgeous.

 

Oh wow, gorgeous but completely out of my price range.

 

Why?





Just look at them, they're awesome, looking and how they're made!

 

Vintage Zenith are simply awesome, no other way to put it. It's a nice bonus that plenty of models continue to remain under rated (translates to affordable). Since members above have already provided some higher end examples, I'll choose to showcase a few cheaper favorites (I don't own all of these, yet).

 

The Captain is nice, simple and elegant.
The Defy is certainly funky, I like it too.

 

Zenith made some bumpers too didn't they?

 

Captain is a bumper.

 

If you can push the budget then go for an early El Primero. The A385 is very underrated and still provides a great value purchase IMO

 

Right now I am on a budget and pushing it isn't an option. I am trying to stay preferably under $500 but definitely under $1000.

 

I like everything in the @LouS collection.

 

There are so many models under $500. Lots of cal 25xx series or cal40. Many more. All great watches. I have 4 zenith myself. 133.8 is a bumper

 

I've only ever had the one Zenith, but it's a looker.

 

Under 1000$ a good choice could be a Defy.
If you're looking for a chrono, with a bit of luck you can find a gold plated 146dp chronograph from 60's, OR - and it would be my best choice -a Zenith Prime from '90s.

 

Okay, so I've been looking at Ebay a bit and there are some really attractive watches on there for not too much money. My question is, this dial is a redial isn't it?

 

Not mine, but the A3818 is a very cool piece! (Pic borrowed from the web)

 

The El Primero is a good looking chrono, much better than a Speedy in my book.