Zenith or breitling

[rob-vicar]

Genuinely curious why some consider the El Primero movement to be superior to the B01. As far as I can see, the only advantage one might give it is the higher beat rate — and I'd easily take Rolex's 28800 bph EP-based 4030 calibre over the 36000 bph versions.

It could possibly be the history / nostalgia 'thing', as on paper both movements are comparable with the B01 slightly ahead, but for me the El Primero is 'better' I can't really quantify why.
Then again budget allowing, you could go for the all Rolex 4130, proven reliability much greater power reserve, but without date of course.

[Belligero]

It could possibly be the history / nostalgia 'thing', as on paper both movements are comparable with the B01 slightly ahead, but for me the El Primero is 'better' I can't really quantify why.
Then again budget allowing, you could go for the all Rolex 4130, proven reliability much greater power reserve, but without date of course.

Understandable. I do in fact have a 4130-movement Daytona, but I'm considering getting the cal. 4030 version, as I appreciate the old(er)-school movement and I much prefer its dial and brushed lug tops. For me, the lack of a date is a plus, as I find the watch is plenty busy already. I find that very few chronographs benefit from having a date, at least aesthetically.

I'd also happily wear either the Zenith or the Navitimer.

[rob-vicar]

Understandable. I do in fact have a 4130-movement Daytona, but I'm considering getting the cal. 4030 version, as I appreciate the old(er)-school movement and I much prefer its dial and brushed lug tops. For me, the lack of a date is a plus, as I find the watch is plenty busy already. I find that very few chronographs benefit from having a date, at least aesthetically.

I'd also happily wear either the Zenith or the Navitimer.

I had a 4130 white, and until I just looked at pictures of the 4030 I never noticed the brushed top lugs, just a little thing does change the look somewhat.
Also had an El Primero moonphase chronomaster, now that's a busy dial, with triple date, moon phase and chrono. Great watch with a lovely bracelet it was a pleasure to own, but sold it off as it was a little too 'smart' for my needs.

[Glen Goyne]

Another zenith vote!

[andrew]

It could possibly be the history / nostalgia 'thing', as on paper both movements are comparable with the B01 slightly ahead, but for me the El Primero is 'better' I can't really quantify why.

If you prefer it, that's an entirely valid opinion of course. But using criteria that can be measured (and therefore illustrated), the B01 is the same or ahead on everything but the beat rate, which isn't really important unless you're timing stuff, where the 1/10th division is perhaps more sensible than 1/8th, or the rather unhelpful 1/6th.

Vertical clutch
72 hour power reserve
Hacking (d'oh!)
Less frequent servicing requirements; longer warranty
Set date forward or back at any time

However the El Primero has history or something

I prefer the classic and 1969 shapes to the Navitimer. But Zenith is capable of making some pretty silly mistakes. The one in the OP has a lovely case but that daft subdial (quick, time something between 16 and 22 minutes long!).

This one is much better:

[cyrusir]

is that the 38mm version?

[cyrusir]

soooooooo

i decided against both

The zenith because i had already owned a striking 10th and flipped it, and the navitimer because i had the previous version

instead i have this on the way, not a common choice, but the new breitling movement is a cracker and i like the classic looks of the transocean. Coming on calf leather

[rimajo]

vote Zenith

[poc4e]

Added one more vote for Zenith...I do like the Breitling too.

[flugzeit]

I voted Breitling... and I think the incoming (not part of the poll) is a great choice!!

-flugzeit

[MrGrumpy]

Just to be contrary, I like Breitlings. I love their blingy in your face, almost vulgar, nature! (I never said I had taste). I love the big beefy chrono ones, especially those with Panda dials. Zenith are just too refined for me!

[jcoyne1]

Zenith not a breitling fan at all.

[Prowler]

Zenith!.

I dont know why but I have a tendency to not even look at or consider a Breitling, probably a great watch but it's not my brand of choice

[Knisse]

I voted Breitling. It wasnt easy as by pairing it with the Zenith we have a solid contest, i might voted Zenith another day. If the Zenith was the 38mm version i would probably had went with Zenith as it was suddenly a wearable watch for me.

[MuRph77]

Navi is more iconic. And I believe the Zenith will take a bigger kicking come resale. A dealer would prefer the Breitling all day long.

[cyrusir]

Ended up going for the navi in the end !

[MuRph77]

Ended up going for the navi in the end !

Splendid

[johnthemull]

Ended up going for the navi in the end !

For some reason I knew you were going to do that.
Cant beat that iconic thing???

[cyrusir]

[nr73]

I do like Breitlings, in fact I have a Superocean on the way, but in this case the Zenith wins it.

[johnthemull]

You know it makes sense!

[Astraeus]

I think the Zenith.

[Deckard81]

Zenith any day of the week

This one is much better:

And the above twice on Sunday.

[shalako]

Zenith for me - by quite a margin.

[markosgr28]

Really tough choice. Zenith has a better movement, but I just love the iconic looks of the navitimer, so I voted for that.

[Bootsy]

Zenith - no question

[Andyc319]

Another one for the zenith

[Schofie]

Zenith to me by far. I've never seen a Breitling that I like apart from a 1960s Sprint that I used to have

[snowman]

I've got a Cosmonaute, so it'd be the Zenith for me.

Tough choice otherwise!!!!!

ETA I see you chose the Breitling - I don't expect you'll be disappointed.

M.