Rolex Daytona By Zenith: My Opinion & Other Lookalike Watches
Watches Tonight with Tim Mosso
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39m
Tim Mosso and Watches Tonight review the Rolex-like 2021 Zenith Chronomaster Sport, review the history of lookalike watches, and investigate independent brand watch collecting. All of this and watch collector wrist shots are ready to share on YouTube's only live talk show for watch enthusiasts.
First, Tim breaks down the controversial new Zenith Chronomaster Sport, a watch that bears an uncomfortable or becoming resemblance to the Rolex depending on your perspective.
While the new Zenith should be making headlines for its series-production introduction of the hugely anticipated Zenith El Primero caliber 3600, the 2021 Zenith Chronomaster Sport has become a lightning rod for detractors who view it as a shameless and opportunistic knockoff of the current Rolex Daytona 116500LN. From its ceramic bezel to its white/black dials to its Oyster-like bracelet, there is zero doubt that the new Zenith was designed to capitalize on the market's current obsession with the steel-ceramic Daytona. But does the new Zenith El Primero caliber -- effectively the "El Primero 2" -- redeem this sports chronograph? Tim and our live audience discuss the matter in depth.
Later, we recall a brief history of watches designed to emulate the appearance of popular watch models from major brands. The 1938 Hamilton Otis was the earliest and most egregious transgressor courtesy of a rotating case stolen from the patented Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso that arrived in 1931. Hamilton managed to skirt consequences for two years before JLC's attorneys put paid to the American watchmaker's reversible case watch.
In modern times, the 2016 Piaget Polo S was a barely-veiled homage to the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711. Piaget's steel integrated-bracelet sports watch went so far as to copy the dial colors and dial texture of the Patek Nautilus. Watch buyers lambasted the Piaget for shamelessly emulating a better and more exclusive watch, but sales proved to be reasonable, and the Polo S was judged a qualified success with clients.
The 2020 Casio G-Shock GA2100 "Casi-oak" became the year's most unexpected homage to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore. While elongated octagonal bezels and cases were longtime fixtures of the Casio G-Shock collection, the specific symmetrical faceting of the GA2100 bezels are a nod to the famous Swiss sports watch designed by Gerald Genta.
Finally, Tim reviews the questions that a watch collector should ask prior to purchasing an independent brand luxury watch. While independent horology has become one of the hottest trends in the luxury watch community, the huge disparity in brand strength, resilience, product warranties, service access, and resale values demands an in-depth guide to confronting these challenges. Watch collectors who seek to buy watches from brands without major luxury group financial support must research, experience, and review these watchmakers prior to committing with their wallets.
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