Best 15 Zenith Watches

Discover with us the Best 15 Affordable Zenith watches on sale at the moment! Our selection is based on criteria such as price point, movement and design features, as well as reviews from Zenith watch owners. Let us introduce 15 stunning watch models by Zenith, one of the most reliable Swiss watch brands and a titan in the history of watchmaking.

Stick 'till the end to get a sneak peek at some of the most expensive luxury Zenith watch models in the new collection as well!

But first, a few words about the Zenith watch brand

The history of Zenith goes back all the way to 1865, when it was founded by Georges Favre-Jacot at the age of only 22, in Le Locle, in the canton of Neuchâtel.

Some of the brand's key watch collections now are Zenith Defy (Innovation and Accuracy), Chronomaster (Iconic and Timeless), Pilot (Reliability and Impact), and Elite (Refinement and Simplicity).

When it comes to its watchmaking journey, Zenith is a luxury Swiss watch brand that has focused primarily on attaining the highest level of precision: chronometric precision. Needless to say, all of their movements are Swiss-made, manufactured and developed inhouse, in keeping with their continuous pursuit for higher accuracy.

Zenith has a long, beautiful watchmaking history to live up to, and it does so with impressive creativity and innovation. The El Primero Revival has recently put a spotlight on the brand. Here's a few words about how they see their watchmaking progress in this respect:

From the legendary El Primero calibre, the first high-frequency automatic integrated column-wheel chronograph movement launched in 1969, to the El Primero 21 1/100th of a second chronograph and the revolutionary Zenith Oscillator, Zenith is creating the future of watchmaking. (zenith-watches.com)

In this article we will focus on the Defy watch collection as well, since it is home to Zenith's most exciting and innovative watch designs.

At present, Zenith is part of LVMH Louis Vuitton-Moët Hennessy, alongside Tag Heuer, Hublot, and many other iconic brands.

1. Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero Watch A384 

Ranked 1st in our Top 15 Zenith watches is the long-awaited Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Revival A384 watch. This model is a reproduction of the first Zenith watch to feature the El Primero high-frequency automatic chronograph calibre, released by Zenith all the way back in 1969.

The watch retails for a price of roughly $7.700, and the reviews we have seen so far are very positive. In addition to their commitment to creating watches of high time-keeping precision, Zenith have invested a lot in the durablity of this watch model.

In fact, in 1970 the El Primero A385 (a very similar variation of the A384 model) successfully took part in Operation Sky. The watch has been strapped to an Air France Boeing 707's landing gear during a flight from Paris to New York, and it has passed this extreme test with flying colors, being perfectly functional after the landing. There should be no doubt that this Zenith watch is a trustworthy timepiece, well worth the investment.

Watch specifications:

• Model number: 03.A384.400/21.C815
• Dial window material type: Anti reflective sapphire
• Case material: Stainless Steel
• Case diameter: 37 millimeters
• Band Material: Leather
• Bezel material: Stainless steel
• Calendar: Date
• Power reserve: approximately 50 Hours
• Movement: Zenith Automatic-self-wind EL PRIMERO
• Water resistant: 50 Meters.

Chronograph:

• Central chronograph hand
• 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock
• 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock

2. Zenith Mens Defy El Primero 21 44mm Titanium Skeleton Blue Watch

The Defy watch collection is a platform to explore the future of Swiss watchmaking, as the Zenith brand puts it. For this particular collection, a lot of thought has been put into the design of the case, as a perfect home for a highly-precise watch movement. They describe the watches as retro-futuristic, gravity-defying.

And you can instantly appreciate the difference in style between the Chronomaster El Primero Revival, which is a retro-vintage-inspired reinterpretation of an older iconic timepiece, and this Defy El Primero 21 Titanium Skeleton Blue watch, which is an exhilarating look into the future. 

This is one of our favorite Zenith watches for men from the Defy collection because of the skeleton feature, which allows you to look at the blued-steel inner-workings of the beautiful mechanism of this watch. With a generous case diameter of 44 mm, you can lavishly enjoy the impressive dial design of this Zenith watch model. 

Retailing at a price of around $10.200, we believe this stunning Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Titanium watch is worth the hype, especially if you're on the hunt for a highly durable, titanium chronograph watch. 

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Watch specifications:

• New 1/100th of a second Chronograph movement
• Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second
• 1 escapement for the Watch (36,000 VpH - 5 Hz) ;
• 1 escapement for the Chronograph (360,000 VpH - 50Hz)
• Power reserve min. 50 hours
• Case Material: Brushed titanium
• Diameter: 44 mm
• Water-resistance: 10 ATM
• Clasp: Titanium double folding clasp.

Chronograph:

• Central chronograph hand
• 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock
• 60-second counter at 6 o'clock
• Chronograph power-reserve indication at 12 o'clock

3. Zenith DEFY Classic Automatic Blue Skeleton Dial Men's Watch

The Zenith Defy Classic in Blue Ceramic is a statement watch that we can't take our eyes off. This watch is powered by the Elite automatic movement, a high-accuracy movement that has been powering Zenith watches for over 25 years now, a movement that is ultra-thin, with a power reserve of 50+ hours. 

Zenith movements are truly spectacular to look at, and that is why we have favored some skeleton watches for this Top 15. A skeleton dial allows you to take a peek at the best part of the watch. And we have selected this particular model for our 3rd place because of its unparalleled blue aesthetic. 

 

• In house Elite skeletonised movement
• Silicon escape-wheel and lever
• Movement: Elite (187 components).
• Frequency: 28,800 VpH (4 Hz)
• Power reserve: min. 50 hours.
• Case material: Blue Ceramic
• Case diameter: 41 mm
• Water-resistance: 10 ATM
• Dial: Blue Openworked.

4. Zenith Defy Midnight Blue Diamond Ladies Watch

And now we move on to a captivating watch for ladies, also part of the Zenith Defy watch collection. This Zenith Defy Midnight Blue Diamond ladies' watch comes with a bewitching dial, in the blue tones of a starry night, surrounded by diamonds. We can hardly think of something more beautiful to get your inspiration from when designing a watch, than an endless sky full of stars. 

This 36-mm watch is powered by an Elite automatic movement, and it comes at a well-deserved price of $10.700 + shipping costs. For a lower price, you can opt for the classic variant of this watch that does not come with diamonds on the bezel.

 

 Watch specifications:

• Dial window material: anti reflective sapphire
• Case material: stainless steel
• Case diameter: 36 millimeters
• Band material: stainless steel
• Dial color: midnight blue
• Bezel material: stainless-steel set with diamonds
• Movement: Elite automatic-self-wind
• Movement frequency: 28,800 VpH (4 Hz)
• Water resistant: 100 meters

5. Zenith Defy Classic Blue Titanium Skeletonised Movement Watch

If our pick for number 3 is a bit too bold, and you're looking for a model that is a bit more versatile, let us introduce you to this luxurious Zenith Defy Classic Blue Titanium Skeletonised watch. This Zenith watch model is far from a classic wristwatch, but it's a silver-tone watch model that's easier to wear on an everyday basis, and with a variety of styles. 

Sleek, modern, durable, powered by a reliable in-house automatic movement, this skeletonised Zenith watch is on high demand. And if you need an extra feature to tip the scales in the direction of this watch, you should know that the movement rotor is in the shape of a star, which can be admired through its transparent back case. Positive reviews are pooring for this watch, and this Zenith model comes at a price of roughly $5.700.

 

 Watch specifications:

• Skeleton dial with blue flange.
• Brushed titanium case
• Zenith Elite Caliber 670SK, beats at 28,800 vph, 187 components, 50-hour power reserve
• Dial window material: Cambered sapphire, glareproofed both sides
• Water-resitant: 100 meters.

6. Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch

Vintage-inspired aesthetic, oversized crowns, and increased legibility, these are the main features that set Zenith Pilot watches apart from the rest. What we loved about this particular watch model is the bronze crown, which is specifically designed to acquire a vintage patina in time, adding even more value to the watch as it ages.

Zenith Pilot Type 20 watches come with a dial design that's easy to read. This is facilitated by the large, 45-mm case, the bold arabic numerals, and what they call "cathedral hands", which are luminescent and not at all subtle. We have a soft spot for vintage watches, and that is why this Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra special black dial watch is probably our favorite model from this Top 15. 

This masterful timepiece retails at a price of approximately $7.200. If you have a more generous budget than that, make sure to check out the chorograph watch models in the Zenith Pilot Type 20 watch collection!

 

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Watch specifications:

• Bronze Case that will develop his own patina
• Arabic numerals entirely made of SuperLuminova
• Case-back engraved with Zenith flying instruments logo
• Inspired by the legendary Zenith aviation watches
• Water-resistance: 10 ATM.
  
• Case diameter: 45 mm.
• Clasp: titanium pin buckle
• Movement: Elite Automatic, 126 components, 28.800 vph
• Power reserve: 50 hours.

7. Zenith El Primero 405 B, Automatic Pilot Chronograph Type CP-2 Flyback Bronze Watch

If the oversized crown is not to your liking, let us introduce you to another Zenith Pilot watch model. This vintage-inspired chronograph comes with a smaller case, of 43-mm, and a different bezel design. However, the retro-vintage aviator watch appeal is still there: easy-to-read numerals, luminescent watch hands, the bronze case is also making an appearance, and this Zenith comes with an exciting chronograph function. 

This automatic watch is powered by the El Primero movement, their most acclaimed and precise watch movement. What aviator watch model from Zenith is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

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Watch specifications:

• Movement: El Primero Chronograph 405B caliber, 254 parts, 31 jewels.
• Automatically wound.
• Power reserve: min. 50 hours.
• Movement frequency: 36,000 vph.
• Case diameter: 43 mm.
• Case material: bronze.
• Water resistance:100 meters. 

8. Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Grande Date Moonphase Full Open Mens Watch

For the numerous impressive design and functional features that this Zenith Chronomaster model comes with, the retail price of $10.500 is very justifiable. If you love skeletonised watches with a large dial and transparent case back, go for it! This Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Grande Date Moonphase Full Open watch allows you a generous look at its complex movement from both sides of the case. 

Moreover, there is more to its design than you can see at a first glance. Many owners of the watch have commented on the unique moon phase feature of this model, which comes with a very realistic moon, and a beautiful sky that warms up in lovely tones of yellow. Check out this comprehensive review to see more shots of the watch on the wrist.

 Watch specifications:

• Opening revealing the legendary beating heart of the El Primero movement, 332 components.
• Silicon escape-wheel and lever.
• Automatic El Primero column-wheel chronograph with large date.
• Faceted rhodium plated hands & applied indexes with luminous tips.
• Water resistance: 100 meters.
• Dial: sapphire.
• Case diameter: 45 mm.

• Moon & sunphase indication at 6 o'clock
• Hours and minutes in the centre
• Small seconds at 9 o'clock
• Large date indication at 2 o'clock
  
  
• Chronograph:
• - Central chronograph hand
• - 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock

9. Zenith Novelty Defy Classic Mens Watch Black Ceramic Case 41mm

The Zenith Defy Classic in Black Ceramic is a watch that's too beautiful not to be included in our Top 15. For those who prefer all-black wristwatches, this Defy watch model is as interesting as they get. With a skeltonised Elite movement that can be observed through the dial and the back of the case, this Zenith watch model is proof that black watches can also be statement pieces that make your jaw drop.

As for its price, we have seen it range from $5800 to $8000, depending on the retailer and country. 

 Watch specifications:

• 41-MM Black Ceramic case In house
• Elite skeletonised movement
• Silicon escape-wheel and lever
• Movement components: 187
• Movement frequency: 28,800 VpH (4 Hz)
• Power reserve: min. 50 hours
• Case material: Ceramic
• Case diameter: 41 mm
• Water resistance: 10 ATM
• Dial: Black Openworked.

10. Zenith Defy El Primero 21, Power Reserve Chronograph, Titanium, Panda Dial Watch

If a skeletonised dial is not on your check list when it comes to Zenith watches, you should know that there are models in their Defy collection that do not come with this feature.

A classic example is this Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Chronograph watch, with a silver-tone Panda dial. A watch model with a versatile design, great for everyday wear, the watch is powered by the highly precise El Primero chronograph movement, and it comes with a durable, titanium case and bezel. This Zenith watch model for men retails at a price of roughly $10.500. 

 Watch specifications:

• New 1/100th of a second Chronograph movement
• Power reserve: min. 50 hours
• Silver-toned sunray-patterned dial with black-toned counters
• Dial window material type Anti reflective sapphire
• Case material Titanium
• Case diameter: 44 millimeters
• Bezel material: Titanium
• Power reserve: min. 50 hours
• Movement: Automatic
• Water resistant depth: 100 Meters.

11. Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Full Open Skeleton Dial Automatic Men's Leather Watch

With a 38-mm case, this Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Full Open Skeleton watch is a great fit for medium wrist sizes. The watch perfectly illustrates that a smaller dial can also be spectacular when unvailing the heart of a Zenith watch. 

And with a smaller dial, the watch also becomes more affordable. This Zenith watch model retails at a price of roughly $7.500. What would you go for? A larger size skeletonised mens watch, or the 38-mm? 

Watch specifications: 

• Dial window material: Sapphire Crystal
• Case diameter: 38 mm.
• Case Thickness: 12.45 mm.
• Movement: El Primero Chonograph Automatic movement.
• Water resistant: 100 Meters
• Case material: Steel.

12. Zenith Chronomaster Open Grande Date Moonphase Mens Automatic Watch

Powered by the emblematic El Primero automatic chronograph movement, this Zenith Chonomaster Grande Open Date comes with a large date window, and moon phase functions. This Zenith watch model is only partly skeletonised, with an opening that reveals the regulating organ with silicon escape wheel and lever of the movement. The watch comes highly recommended by many buyers, and it's a stunning model, at the crossroads between maximalism and minimalism. 

 

Watch specifications:

• Dial window material: Sapphire Crystal
• Case diameter: 45 mm
• Case Thickness: 16.75 mm
• Movement: El Primero Chronograph Automatic
• Water resistant: 30 Meters.
• Chronograph function.
• Moonphase feature.
• Date window.

13. Zenith Elite Moonphase 18kt Rose Gold Automatic Diamond White Mother of Pearl Dial Ladies Watch

When it comes to ladies' watches, we have to admit that we are a bit disappointed not to have found any skeletonised Zenith Defy watches with a diameter lower than 41 mm. But Zenith watch fans can turn to the Zenith Elite collection, if in search for some luxurious, stunning moonphase watches, ideal for smaller wrist sizes.

And the model that has particularly caught our attention is this beautiful Zenith Elite Moonphase 18kt Rose Gold ladies' watch, that is perfectly described by the brand as perpetually elegant. This 36-mm automatic watch has all the exciting features we're looking for in a refined, luxurious moonphase watch: rose gold, diamonds, an Elite Swiss-made automatic movement with 50-hour power reserve, and a spectacular moonphase design at 6 o'clock.

This exquisite jewelry piece comes at a price of roughly $12.500, and it's available in multiple variations. For a lower price point, you can opt for a simpler case design, without the diamonds. 

Watch specifications:

• Dial window material: Sapphire Crystal.
• Case diameter: 36 millimeters
• Case Thickness: 9.1 millimeters
• Band: Material Leather
• Case material: 18kt rose gold.
• Band width: 18 millimeters
• Moonphase features.
• Water resistant: 50 Meters.
• Movement: Elite Automatic movement.

14. Zenith Elite Lady Moonphase Automatic White Mother of Pearl Dial Ladies Watch

A combination of convex forms, curved lines and elegant proportions makes the Elite collection stand out in the realm of classical watches. That is what the brand has to say about their Elite watches. These iconic moonphase timepieces are not only available for women. On the contrary. You can find numerous Elite moonphase watches for men, in multiple case sizes. 

Minimalist, yet impactful, Zenith Elite watches have a special place in the hearts of moonphase watch lovers. This particular 36-mm Zenith watch for women comes at a price of $5.900, being quite an affordable watch model for Zenith fans that have a smaller budget to invest in a timepiece.

Watch specifications:

• Dial window material: Sapphire Crystal.
• Case diameter: 36 millimeters
• Case Thickness: 11.00
• Band Material: Stainless Steel
• Bezel material: Stainless Steel
• Moonphase feature.
• Movement: Elite Automatic Movement.

15. Zenith Defy Classic Blue Dial Titanium Watch for Men

Finally, this DEFY Classic 41-mm dial watch comes with a blue sunray-patterned dial and a blue leather strap, being powered by the Elite automatic calibre, with a power reserve of at least 50 hours. In addition to its minimalist design that impresses through the powerful blue tones, this Zenith watch is also very durable thanks to its titanium case and bezel. 

At a price point of only $5.100, this Zenith watch for men is one of the most affordable watch models part of the brand's newest watch collections.

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Watch specifications:

• In house Elite skeletonised movement
• 41-mm Brushed Titanium case
• Silicon escape-wheel and lever
• Power reserve: 50 hours. 
• Date window at 3 o'clock.
• Material: Brushed Titanium
• Diameter: 41 mm
• Water resistance: 10 ATM
• Dial: Blue-toned sunray-patterned.

A quick look at the newest Zenith's luxurious watch models

And now for those who want to take a peek at some of Zenith's most impressive watch models, let us introduce you to 3 of our favorite luxurious watch models from the brand.

1. The Limited Edition Defy Double Tourbillon - 50 Units

At a price point of $113,000.00, this limited edition Defy Double Tourbillon will leave you speechless. To discover the whole story behind the design of this first-class watch, make sure to check it out on the Zenith website.

 

Watch specifications:

• Full Carbon model : Case, pushers, crown and buckle head 1/100th of a second
• Double Tourbillon Chronograph movement
• 1 Tourbillon escapement for the Watch (36,000 VpH - 5 Hz) ;
• 1 Tourbillon escapement for the Chronograph (360,000 VpH - 50Hz)
• Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second for the Chrono hand
• Certified Chronometer

2. The Limited Edition Defy Fusee Tourbillon - 10 Units

With only 10 such spectacular watch models available, the Defy Fusee Tourbillon is a masterpiece of Haute Horologerie, and its design is truly inspiring. Read all about the complexity of its movement and the fusee and chain system here. This watch is available for $103,500.00.

Watch specifications:

• Tourbillon Fusee-Chain Calibre Chain made of 575 components
• Manual winding El Primero Tourbillon with Fusée-Chain escapement
• Constant force fusée-chain transmission connected to the barrel
• 45 mm Platinum case
• Titanium & white gold double folding clasp

3. The Defy Zero G

Probably one of the most impressive timepieces we have laid eyes on, the Defy Zero G Zenith watch comes with a Gravity control gyroscopic regulating organ module in a skeleton movement, and a stunning rose gold case and openworked dial. A watch like this truly allows you to look behind the case, and discover the spectacular art of watchmaking and its masterful mechanics. 

Find out more about this timepiece here. This Zenith Defy Zero G watch is valued at $131,000.00.

Watch specifications:

• Entirely skeletonised movement : El Primero 8812 S
• "Gravity Control" gyroscopic module that ensures horizontal positioning of the regulating organ - Now occupies only 30% of its initial volume
• Inspired by the legendary marine chronometers
• Openworked dial
• Rose gold 44-mm case.

Thus our Top 15 Affordable Zenith Watches comes to an end. We hope you've enjoyed our watch recommendations, and that you had fun discovering 3 of Zenith's most distinguished timepieces as well. Make sure to let us know in the comments what your favorite watch is! 

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