Zenith  Elite  Watches

Zenith Elite: Elegant Dress Watches that Pack a Punch

The Zenith Elite is available in two sizes: 40mm and 36mm. Because of the size difference, many would assume that the 40mm is for men and the latter is for women. However, it is good to note that Zenith designed both sizes to be unisex. The watches in this collection have a classic look with their minimalist dials and uncomplicated bezels. Most bezels are plain gold/rose gold or steel, but some have strategically placed diamonds around the bezel for an added character while still sticking to its elegant and sophisticated feel.

Prices at a Glance: The Most Popular Zenith Elite Models

How much is a Zenith Elite watch? 

The Zenith Elite Moonphase line boasts a moonphase indication located at its 6 o'clock mark and a small seconds at its 9 o'clock mark. For example, the 40.5mm Zenith Elite Moonphase Steel watch with a slate gray toned dial and a sunray pattern costs $7,000 USD. If you want an embellished one, the 36mm Zenith Elite Moonphase Steel Diamonds is a great choice. Even though it is smaller, it has a diamond-set bezel that when paired with the grey alligator leather strap, looks expensive and classy. The cost for this one is $9,000 USD.

For a more traditional look with an added feature, we recommend the Zenith Elite Classic line. The timepieces in this collection have a date indication at 6 o'clock. The 40.5mm Zenith Elite Classic Gold has an 18K rose gold case with a silver sunray-patterned dial. This timeless looking watch is priced at $14,000. To save a few bucks, you can opt for the 40.5mm Zenith Elite Classic Steel, which has a stainless steel case with blue sunray-patterned dial. It has a matching blue alligator leather strap and is priced at $6,000 USD. The 36mm Zenith Elite Classic diamond-encrusted version of this can range between $7,900 USD and $16,100 USD.

The New Zenith Elite 6150 Watch

Introduced in 2015, the Zenith Elite 6150 was named after the Elite 6150 caliber. Unlike the watches prior to this that only have a 50-hour power reserve, the 6150 has double with a 100-hour power reserve. Fortunately, even though it has a longer power reserve, it was still able to retain its thinness measuring at just 3.92mm. This allows it to fit into a thin case for a less bulky wristwatch. However, it has a slightly bigger case measuring at 42mm that is either made of rose gold or steel. 

The cool thing about this watch is that aside from the front, the back is also covered with a scratch-resistant sapphire glass giving you a full view on how your watch is working. Do not worry though since the case has a 3 ATM or 30m water resistance. More or less the steel variant is priced at $6,000 USD, while the rose gold is around $11,440 USD. There are also pre-owned ones which you can get for around $4,091 USD, depending on the variant and condition.

The Zenith Elite Watch —Is it a Good Investment?

If you are new to Zenith watches and are interested in adding it to your collection, starting with the timepieces from the Zenith Elite line would be a great choice. Deemed by some as an entry-watch when it comes to Zenith, the Elite comes with a fair price point considering that it houses the Elite caliber that won “Best Movement of the Year” in 1994. The said caliber is an oldie but definitely a goodie, as it is durable and one of the most accurate automatic movements up until today.

In addition, with the timeless look of Zenith Elite watches, it will remain in style for the years to come and can even be passed on to future generations. They are easy to pair with clothes due to its muted look and it can instantly make an outfit look more put together. 

Furthermore, Zenith has excellent customer service, so if anything happens to your beloved timepiece, there is no need to worry. The brand has an efficient process and can restore any Zenith watch, even the oldest model you have.

Zenith Elite Ladies' Watches 

The Zenith Elite Lady Moonphase is a timepiece perfect for dressing up or dressing down. The stainless steel bracelet makes it extra durable and professional looking. But the best part is that it is adorned with 64 diamonds all around the bezel. Pair it with the mother of pearl dial embellished with blue accents from the seconds hand and Moonphase indication and you have got a sophisticated timepiece. There is always something classy about the mix of blue and white. If you are not a fan of stainless steel, you can replace it with a black alligator leather strap instead. 

Just like the Zenith Elite 6150, the Zenith Elite Lady Moonphase has a scratch-resistant sapphire glass and a 50-hour power reserve but has a higher water resistance of 5 ATM or 50m. It is 36mm but a much smaller version is available measuring 33mm. The estimated price for this is around $8,000 USD.

If you prefer a watch that can tell you the date, you can try the 36mm Zenith Elite Classic that has an 18K rose gold case and a silver-toned sunray-patterned dial with the date indication at 6 o'clock. It also has a diamond-set bezel that looks stunning with the burgundy alligator leather strap. It is an excellent watch for that pop color that is fun yet still elegant. You can get it for $16,100 USD.

Up Close with the Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic (El Primero) Watch

Originally named the El Primero Chronograph Classic, the Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic is pretty much the same as the old model. The only difference is that the old model has a silver dial with a steel case while the new one has a classy blue dial with a steel case or a gradient smoke grey dial with an 18K rose gold case. Both sport a black alligator leather strap that looks sleek and elegant.

The Elite Chronograph Classic case measures 42mm and is 12.2mm thick. Inside it is the iconic El Primero movement, the first ever automatic chronograph caliber. It has a 50-hour power reserve and a 50m water resistance. The back of the watch has a scratch-resistant sapphire glass which enables you to see the movements and the same material is also used for the front. There are two registers on the dial which are the constant seconds and chronograph minutes. In addition, the indexes have alternating single and double lines for added aesthetic. The new blue version costs around $6,900 USD, and the rose gold is priced at more or less $9,000 USD. 

Prices for the Vintage Zenith Elite Models

In 1994, Zenith released the first Elite watch containing the in-house Elite caliber. Amazingly, in the same year it was launched, the 3.28-mm ultra-thin Elite caliber won “Best Movement of the Year” at Baselworld, a global watch and jewelry trade show. 

The Zenith Elite 680 has a subdial for the seconds on the 9 o’clock mark and a date indicator on the 3 o’clock mark of the watch. All comes with a genuine leather strap, a 36mm case, and an automatic movement. Pre-owned, an 18K gold case will cost around $3,590 USD, an 18K rose gold is priced at approximately $6,460 USD, and a steel case for around $1,975 USD.

History Behind the Zenith Elite Collection

Zenith already has a long history in watchmaking considering that it was established in 1865. Throughout the years, the Swiss watch brand has changed its logo four times before settling with their current one. It is believed that Zenith was the first watch manufacturing company. While other brands got their cases, dials, and other watch parts from other sources, Georges Favre-Jacot, the founder of Zenith, decided to gather people skilled at making these materials which led to the creation of the manufacturing company.

Fast forward to 1994, the Zenith Elite was recognized because of its thinness. It is enclosed in a thin case that goes very well with the minimalist theme of the collection. Among all the collections of Zenith, including the Zenith Chronomaster and the Zenith Defy, the Zenith Elite collection is the most refined due to its clutter-free dials and uncomplicated structure. Details such as sunburst dials and diamonds give an added flair to the timepieces. 

Five Reasons to Buy a Zenith Elite Watch 

Although not as famous as other the Swiss watch brands like Audemars Piguet, Rolex and Patek Philippe, Zenith has proven itself to be worth buying. Listed below are the reasons why you should get yourself a Zenith Elite watch.

1. Its movement, the Zenith Elite caliber, won “Best Movement of the Year” at Baselworld 1994.

2. The collection boasts simple, timeless and thin timepieces that are not bulky and heavy to look at. 

3. The Zenith brand has a rich heritage. Its famous patrons include notable individuals such as Mahatma Gandhi, Louis Blériot, and Caroline Rémy de Guebhard.

4. The Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic (El Primero) Watch was the first and one of the most accurate automatic chronographs.

5. No matter the model, even if it is a vintage model, the Zenith Manufacture can repair your timepiece.

Zenith Elite: Sophisticated and Timelessly Chic Watches

If you are just starting out with Swiss made-luxury timepieces, the Zenith Elite should definitely be on your list. The brand was right when they said that the Elite collection is “sophisticated and timelessly chic”. It suits all men and women due to its simple and unisex look. Consistent with the quality of their timepieces, allow yourself to enjoy the Zenith Elite watches for many years to come.