To begin with, I have never written about Zenith replica watches before. I even don’t know the exact reason for that. I’ve been involved in the big brands’ replicas lately, as factories began to release new models one after another. It’s not that Zenith is an inferior watch brand, not at all. It’s just that I usually write about what people ask me about. And that’s usually Omega, Rolex, Panerai, Patek, and Audemars, predominantly.
Not so long ago, one of my blog readers asked me “Are there any reliable Zenith imitations?” And I remained perplexed because I realized that I’d been skipping this brand involuntarily. Now I’m ready to correct my mistakes and share everything I know about Zenith replicas.
First of all…
I have to mention that replica factories usually collect feedback from people like me talking about watches. As far as I interact frequently with replica watch enthusiasts, I know a thing or two about the impressions people have about watches. So, they are interested in these impressions, making all efforts to improve and upgrade further iterations. So, if there is anything you have to say about previous Zenith replicas, please feel free to share it with me. I commit to delivering the message to the factory so that we all can enjoy beautiful and reliable imitations.
Second, I’ll talk about a couple of Zenith replicas. These might not be the freshest models. But, I think they somewhat remained without attention, even though they deserve it fully. So, don’t blame me for not talking about the latest releases. Sometimes, an older model might be much more reliable than a new one. Enough with justifications, I think, let’s get started.
Zenith Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 GMT
A quick spoiler here: the blue dial version is the optimal one, in my opinion. The blue color is greatly selected and this model attracts me predominantly because of that blue. By the way, not all factories use the same font. Some make it darker, others too bright. The one from AAAReplica is well-balanced and intense enough.
As a general rule, Zenith makes itself recognizable through its generous dimensions. At least, all collections from recent years shared this common feature. When I say “generous” I mean 48mm case diameter. Maybe you thought of a Submariner-like case, but not, it’s much bigger.
While I see something stylistically similar between Zenith and Bell&Ross brands, Zenith opts more for the round cases. Bell&Ross is more with square cases. You might ask where the comparison comes from. Actually, I think that both brands are close in their design approach and I even confused them a couple of times.
Back to the Zenith replica, the case exposes a generous pumpkin-shaped crown. Its function is to make time and date adjustments comfortable by only rotating it. The whole case construction comes in a brushed finish, except for the bell edge, which is accurately polished. Generally, all Zenith watches have their specific engraving patterns on their casebooks. In this watch particularly, you will see an airplane pattern.
Additional particularities
Apart from the abundant blue color on the dial, there are 3 additional color accents. Right in the center, you will spot silver hands with a red spear tip. It’s for the GMT function in fact, even if many customers might confuse it with the second hand. Actually, the second hand runs on the 9 o’clock subdial. Right above the Zenith name in the center of the dial, you’ll spot the specific brand logo in a silvery grey tone. All the Arabic hour numerals come in clean white turning in bright green in dark conditions.
The watch comes with a leather strap. To be honest, this Zenith strap reminds me of Panerai watches, especially if I look at the buckle. Replica manufacturers used calfskin to make the leather strap, so you can imagine how dost and comfortable its texture is. As for the color, the strap is brown and features accurate white hand stitching on the margins.
From a technical point of view, this model runs on a 23-jewel automatic movement. Frankly, I expected it to be more expensive than how it looks and feels. But, the price pleasantly amazed me, as it’s more affordable than other Zenith replicas like the pilot Type 20, for instance.
Zenith Pilot Ton-up
If you’re the “vintage” guy, you must take a look at this Zenith model. It won’t sound modest at all to say that our replica manufacturers made a great job reproducing this model. Not fresh, I must say. But vintage watches don’t need frequent updates to keep up with high demand.
Let me tell you that this replica has a high chance to record as much interest as the IWC Mark series. OK, maybe not that much, but definitely an increased interest. To answer your “WHY”, here is what I can say about it…
Detailed description
Like almost all Zenith replicas, this one comes in 316 stainless steel. But, unlike the others, the step looks a bit darker. It’s a deliberate effect; manufacturers wanted to give the steel an “aged” look, and they succeeded. This replica is a bit smaller than the Pilot Montre d’aéronef Type 20 GMT, yet still pretty big for a watch. The case is 45 mm in diameter, not taking into account the crown.
Remember what I told you about caseback engravings?
This time, we have a Zenith flag engraved on this watch’s back.
Returning to the face of the watch, the dial is all a beauty. Though, I don’t really embrace the exaggerated hour markers. I might think thatchy would look better if they were a little bit smaller. Either way, the grey dial with its sandblast texture makes me forgive the big hour markers. Though, I must be correct and accept that they look alluring in the dark, reflecting a strong white Lume.
The good news with this Zenith is that its chronograph function works similarly to the authentic Ton-up. That’s due to the Asian ETA 7750 mechanism inside. Consequently, you will find the minute-chronograph counter at the 3 o’clock marker, while the 9 o’clock position is reserved by the second hand subdial.
The dial also features an eye-catching colorful accent: it’s the orange “PILOT” series name printed right above the 6 o’clock hour marker. As if it wasn’t enough, all hands and markers feature a specific patina lume, making the whole view expressive and striking. Needless to mention that the patina imitates the original version perfectly.
Additional Specifications
To preserve the vintage charisma of the Zenith case, manufacturers have added to it a khaki leather strap. In fact, I can’t name it “khaki” as it tends to look grey. Anyways, something in between khaki and grey. Apart from the specific color, the texture of the band is acing-treated, so that it comes in line with vintage lovers’ tastes. In addition, the leather strap comes accompanied by a moisture-resistant rubber lining. I might suppose that it not only has a design role but also makes the band resist longer in time.
I rarely praise replica watches. But I can’t avoid praising this work. I believe that vintage lovers will consider it a real piece of treasure in their watch collection.
Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special
Saying that this watch is special is saying nothing. I saw this watch from other manufacturers. I don’t exaggerate when I say that the one in our store is the most successfully imitated. Big thanks to our manufacturers, they indeed have done a great job. The first I spotted in it is its delicate flavor of vintage in its design. But, let me take it step by step.
Detailed description
Starting with dimensions, it’s identical to the previous model: 45mm case, and 15mm thickness. The 316l stainless steel case has a perfect round silhouette, meeting modern standards. The case looks rich and exquisite due to the brushing and polishing craft on it. For the bezel, manufacturers opted for the brushed technique. In contrast, the case sides all come in a polished surface, providing a soft feeling to the wrist.
On the right side of the case, you’ll see the same pumpkin-like crown as in the previous Zenith versions. The dial exposes all the beauty of the blue. It’s intense, bright, and deep altogether. In addition, the central second hand comes in blued steel, which is pretty uncommon for most watches. In dark conditions, the watch turns bright green due to the thick Superlume material on the hands and hour markers.
Thus…
Easily readable and expressive, the dial comes with the right forms and colors. There is nothing else to add to it, nor to remove from it.
Manufacturers use 6 screws to tighten the caseback up. Again, we see a specific engraving on it, making the watch recognizable by only looking at its caseback. Under it, an Asian ETA 2824 movement drives the whole construction. The movement runs at 28,800 mph and features correct information.
The final touch of the watch is its leather strap. Soft and delicate, it comes in dark brown color with blue stitching. I rarely see the blue hand stitching on watch straps, so seeing it brings me viewing pleasure.
Conclusion on Zenith replica watches
I think these 3 models are enough for now. Otherwise, you will get exhausted trying to digest all their details and specifics. To be honest, I forgot about how fabulous Zenith watches are. So many Rolex, Tag Heuer, and Patek Philippe imitations around that I simply let it slip my mind. I hope I can revive your interest in these beauties. And when I say “beauties” I mean it. It’s been a while since we didn’t receive such great imitations. The great part of it is that they are as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. If you know a little about this brand, maybe I could make you more familiar with it. So, here is what you might have missed about the Zenith brand…
Zenith brand value
Zenith is a Swiss watchmaking house with a large and relevant history. I don’t exaggerate when I say that it’s one of the most iconic watch manufacturers in the horological field. Its biography includes the invention of a wide number of complications like the minute repeater and Flyback chronographs.
Like most of the iconic watchmaking houses, the Zenith’s history began 1,5 centuries ago, in 1865, to be more specific. “Perfection” is perhaps the most relevant word to describe Zenith’s watchmaking philosophy. Apart from building perfectly-crafted timepieces, the brand is one of the few brands offering a great quality-price ratio. The brand name ”Zenith” is actually symbolic. It came out when the manufacturer was designing a watch that somewhat reminded him of the beauty of the night stars and sky.
Zenith’s most memorable collections
The cornerstone of this brand’s collections is the El Primero line-up. It all started up with a calibre description and ended up with an iconic watch collection.
The Elite collection doesn’t need much description as the name says it all. This dress watches’ line is all about subtle forms and unusual positions for complications.
The Pilot collection presents the beauty of generous sizes to the public. In addition, their design is strongly reminiscent of aviator’s watches of the 1930s. These are predominantly opulent and feature dominating dials and numerals.
The star collection is addressed to all ladies. This women’s line comes in dimensions varying between 33 to 37 mm. In addition, their distinctive feature is the striking pillow-shaped case. Actually, this feature is also found in some Panerai models. As a general rule, the Star line runs on either Elite or El Primero movements.
Final thoughts
I hope you could discover something new if you didn’t know much about Zenith. The quality and attention to aesthetics are unquestionable in Zenith timepieces. If you still don’t have any watches from this brand, maybe it’s high time…
Until you decide which genuine model to have, you might begin with having a replica version first. As far as you already know, the above-mentioned models come in a pretty decent quality grade. it only takes to decide which design suits your tastes and preferences better.