As We Explore Heuer's Heritage / DNA . . .

Posted By: jeff stein

Date: 2/8/08 16:52 GMT

as we explore the Heritage / DNA of our old Heuers, it's interesting to see the evolution / mutations that have affected some of the other "classic" brands.

I've been trying to be polite and exemplify the adage "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything"... But since you bring the subject up Jeff...

I'm an owner of a fairly decent spread of Zeniths:

Since those pictures were taken, I've added the following El-Primero in Titanium:

Which they only made 200 examples of... I also own this old Zenith Pocket Watch:

So, at the moment, I own 6 Zenith El-Primero's, a 146HP and a Zenith Pocket watch.

Zenith has always been following the beat of their own designer when it comes to design:

I mean, you wouldn't see something like that from Omega or Rolex...

But these new designs... I mean I know that a lot of people dropped a lot of acid in the 1960's, it would seem that some still do it regularly! I see those as interesting design practices, but I don't really see them as practical watches. It's hard for me to picture these as successful high models with significant production runs.

These new Xtreme El Primeros have been successful, and many enthusiasts must like the design . . .

I don't know about the degree of either part of that statement... I know that circa 2000-2003 there were several Zenith El-Primero models that I liked a great deal, they are all gone now, discontinued. It seems that every model of El-Primero that Zenith made three or four years ago has been discontinued in favor for something that looks closer to to the pictures you included in your post, Jeff.

I mean it is a cool looking watch, on a certain level. And I do like "outside the box" thinking. But I can't see many instances where I'd wear something like that on the street unless I was wearing a Darth Vader costume. I mean it's tough enough co-ordinating the "Darth Vader" Seamaster with anything in my wardrobe:

But at least once I get olé Darth on my wrist, I can read it. I can't say that about the Defy you posted Jeff.

but the more I see them, the more I appreciate TAG-Heuer's commitment to its Heritage / DNA.

Agreed, and the more I see them, the more I wonder how it's so difficult for TAG-Heuer to source El-Primero movements. I mean Zenith is no longer making the base movement for Rolex's Daytona... I can't believe with the prices Zenith is charging for these models, and their odd unusual styling, I find it very difficult to believe the sales would eat up the available production from the assembly line.

If you were collecting the classic Zeniths (146 movement, circa 1964, and El Primero, circa 1969), how would you feel when your brand launched these new watches?

To be frank... That unless something changed, I wouldn't have to worry about buying any Zenith products in the current product line. There is one last Zenith El-Primero model which I seek... The Espada:

Once I have obtained my example of that model, I don't see me seeking any other Zenith models. Which in a way is kinda sad.

Jeff

I sure wish Zenith would produce some sensible models, or provide movements to TAG-Heuer so they could.

-- Chuck Maddox

Chuck Maddox

Chronographs, like most finer things in life, only improve with time...

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