ZENITH
10925423
4 390.00 CHF
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Buy a pre-owned Zenith watch at The Swiss Collector
Founded in 1865 by Georges Favre-Jacot in Le Locle, Switzerland, Zenith is one of the few watch manufacturers to produce all its movements entirely in-house. This vertical integration (from design to assembly) allowed the manufacture to develop the El Primero calibre in 1969 : the world's first integrated automatic chronograph capable of measuring to 1/10th of a second, thanks to a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. That movement remains at the core of Zenith's production today. A member of the LVMH group since 2000, the manufacture offers chronograph-focused collections (Chronomaster, Defy) and three-hands lines (Elite, Pilot) across a wide price range. At The Swiss Collector, our selection of pre-owned Zenith watches is certified by our experts and updated regularly.
The History of Zenith : 160 Years of Integrated Manufacturing
The Foundations (1865–1969)
Georges Favre-Jacot founded his manufacture in 1865 with the aim of bringing all watchmaking trades under one roof : a forward-thinking industrial approach for the era. From 1903, Zenith won its first prizes at the Neuchâtel Observatory chronometry competitions, a recognition that would repeat itself dozens of times over the following decades. The manufacture also developed aviation instruments from the early 1900s, establishing the legitimacy of its Pilot collection.
The El Primero and the Quartz Crisis (1969–1984)
In 1969, after seven years of development, Zenith launched the El Primero calibre : the world's first integrated automatic chronograph movement. When the quartz crisis prompted management to order the destruction of all plans and tools, engineer Charles Vermot secretly hid them in the attic of the manufacture. This act preserved the El Primero, which Rolex later adopted for its Daytona under the name Calibre 4030 for several years.
The Contemporary Manufacture (1984–Today)
Zenith relaunched the El Primero in 1984 and built new collections around it. In 2000, the brand joined LVMH. In 2017, it presented the El Primero 21 calibre, featuring two distinct escapements (one for timekeeping at 36,000 vph, one for the chronograph at 360,000 vph) enabling timing to 1/100th of a second. In 2022, the Defy Skyline introduced an integrated sport design, and the Chronomaster Sport established itself as the manufacture's reference sport chronograph.
Collections & Models
References & Secondary Market Prices
Chronomaster Original Steel 38mm (El Primero)
CHF 4,500 – CHF 6,500
Chronomaster Revival A384 Steel 37mm
CHF 5,500 – CHF 7,000
Chronomaster Sport Steel 41mm (El Primero 3600)
CHF 7,500 – CHF 10,000
Chronomaster Open Steel (calibre 4061)
CHF 4,500 – CHF 6,000
Defy El Primero 21 Titanium skeleton
CHF 8,000 – CHF 12,000
Defy Skyline Steel 41mm
CHF 5,500 – CHF 7,500
Elite Ultra Thin Steel
CHF 1,800 – CHF 3,000
Pilot Type 20 Bronze / Steel
CHF 4,000 – CHF 6,000
Values vary depending on condition, presence of box and papers, and vintage. Contact our TSC experts for a precise valuation.
Zenith vs Breitling vs TAG Heuer : Which to Choose ?
Zenith
A strong choice for enthusiasts of high-frequency manufacture chronographs, with a well-documented technical history (El Primero, 1969). Zenith's pricing policy is recognised as among the most transparent in the sector for its level of quality. Good secondary market performance on Chronomaster references, particularly Revivals and the Chronomaster Sport.
Breitling
Aviation focus rather than automotive. All watches COSC-certified. Reliable and well-regarded B01 calibre. Comparable price positioning to Zenith on equivalent models, with stronger brand recognition among the general public.
TAG Heuer
Motorsport DNA, with chronographs available at a more accessible starting price. In-house Heuer 02 calibre since 2017. Less technical depth than the El Primero on comparable models, but a reasonable secondary market performance on the Monaco and Carrera.
Our TSC view
For a high-frequency manufacture chronograph with a documented technical history and strong value for money, Zenith is one of the most reliable options on the market. The Chronomaster Original for the 1969 heritage, the Chronomaster Sport for the contemporary format, the Defy El Primero 21 for technical performance.
Zenith : Key Figures
- Charles Vermot : Zenith engineer who hid the El Primero blueprints in the manufacture's attic during the quartz crisis, the defining act in the brand's history
- Rolex : used a modified version of the El Primero (Calibre 4030) in its Daytona for several years, a direct acknowledgement of the movement's technical quality
- Dior collaboration : Zenith developed exclusive calibres for Dior watches, including the Chiffre Rouge and D de Dior
- Julien Tornare : CEO since 2017, who repositioned the brand around its technical heritage and a more focused collection structure
Buying Pre-Owned Zenith at The Swiss Collector
- Budget : Pre-owned Zenith watches start from CHF 1,800 for the Elite Ultra Thin. Chronomaster Original and Chronomaster Open references range from CHF 4,500 to CHF 6,500. The Chronomaster Sport is priced between CHF 7,500 and CHF 10,000. Defy El Primero 21 models start at CHF 8,000. Grand complications (tourbillon, Double Tourbillon, Zero G) exceed CHF 30,000.
- Condition : Every watch is classified across four levels (like new, very good, good, worn) with high-definition photographs.
- Selection : Each piece is checked and assessed by our experts before listing.
- TSC Guarantee : 12 to 24 months depending on condition and configuration.
- Box & Papers (full set) : Clearly identified in our listings.
- Delivery : Insured and trackable worldwide shipping.
Servicing
Zenith recommends a full service every 5 years. El Primero-based movements are robust, but regular maintenance preserves 1/10th-of-a-second accuracy and the condition of the silicon escapements on Open versions. The dual-escapement system of the Defy El Primero 21 requires specific attention during servicing.