Rolex doesn't need us in 2021, do you need a Rolex?

So it used to be you can get discounts on certain Rolex models. Then it was that at least you can pick up a Datejust while you wait for your sub. Now a OP is going for double on the open market. I'm not hating on Rolex (I have one), just stating the facts. 

I got this Zenith in for review and I can think of multiple reasons why it might be cooler than a ceramic Daytona.

What do you think? Why in the world would you pay 40 for a panda Daytona when this Chronomaster is sub 10 🤷‍♂️

I'd rather have the Zenith, personally. I like the design better and the 3600 movement. I think other brands like Breitling with the B01 movement give Rolex and the Daytona a run for their money, too. The value prop just isn't there for Rolex, but if you want Rolex, I guess you gotta have a Rollie? Nothing against Rolex, just my personal opinions of course.

I believe that Rolex makes extremely robust, high quality watches, and I currently have 3 in my collection. There are a couple of others that I'd like to add to my collection, but I'm simply not willing to pay a significant premium over MSRP (for what you get, I feel that their MSRP can be justified for SS models, but just barely), or to suck up to my AD to get one (where is the "luxury" in that). There are so many other brands that provide compelling alternatives. The most compelling reason for buying a Rolex these days  seems to be to make money flipping it.

Agree-given the current state of Rolex (=unbuyable for most of us except at 2-3x mark-up from grays)...we all need to be thinking about other brand options.  Zenith for sure...and I also think this is an opportunity for us to all revisit IWC.  Heritage, quality, 8 year warranty. and they are available, not just dummy display models.  For around $5k (same list as an OP) how about the 40mm blue Petit Prince on a bracelet or this 40mm Ingenieur instead:

My only gripe with this model is the date at 4.30 just doesn’t look right. That aside it’s a beautiful looking watch. As for Rolex who doesn’t enjoy purchasing a watch at retail (if you’re one of the chosen few) walking out the door knowing you’re already in profit. 

Love the Chronosport, and Zenith at this time are bringing out some IBT (I'd buy that) watches. Defy 21 Chrono w/power reverse in Ti is another IBT. Then how about that IBT full carbon, which you'd be hard to find in another brand for less than 20k. Big bucks, but still one has choices. 

+1 for IWC

we as a consumer walks into a rolex boutiques staring at empty showcases with the sales rep smiling at us, hiding all ss sports model in the safes behind, telling us about a imaginary waitlist. Walk down the streets are grey market windows filled with all overprice desire ss models and me thinking to myself i will not pay a dime beyond msrp. Walking further down the streets are AD’s of zenith/breitling/IWC filled with ss sports model and i stood there with a thought that if i buy anything within will i be able to scratch the daytona itch? Not to undermine other brands quality and design, but it is kinda of disappointing thinking i finally save enough to buy the certain desire watch but end up with something else or nothing. Isn’t a hobby suppose to make us happy? Or everything is hyper inflated to make this hobby so out of reach and disappointing. 

I totally sympathize with you Chris, it's hard not to feel like you missed out on the watch. But I guess the question is where does this Rolex desire come from?  It's hard to argue that a Daytona is 4x better constructed than the Zenith.

And in this case the historical argument is tough as well. So it comes down to image or perceived value. So it seems that the internet has taught us to be happier with a crown instead of a star. And that's frustrating.

I for one think the recent frenzy over Rolexes stem from the fact that they are unobtainable for the great majority of collectors.

Nobody needs a luxury watch.  It's more of a matter of lust, and lust fundamentally is irrational.

I think the Zenith Chronomaster Sport is the better made and better looking watch with a more interesting chronograph complication.  However, the design is a little too on-the-nose with respect to the Daytona which would make me feel too self-conscious as being perceived as a wanna-be Rolex fanboy who had to settle... 

Probably not, I’m turning my focus on grand seiko now… LOL 

If prices are skyrocketing due to lack of supply, where did this huge uptick in demand come from? The forums are saying it’s mostly first time luxury watch buyers that just assume Rolex is a must have and won’t know to look at brands like Zenith. Seems like the pandemic really threw fuel on the fire that is Rolex demand.

Great watch, I too would rather have a Zenith than a Rolex.  A Rolex to me is like a Mercedes S class. It is all very nice...I just dont "fit" or look right in it. 

When will the review be online? Can’t wait to watch it 😍 this is in fact my medium term grail!

The combination is FIRE 😍

I love the Zenith.  I always have like it better than the Daytona.  The grey's and blues just look so damn good together.  Subtle, but dynamic at the same time.  I love the new movement on them too.  Just makes it explosive now.  

I also prefer the El Primero over the Daytona. The El Primero is such a conversation starter.

I had a very pleasant experience at a Rolex AD the other day.  Wanting to buy my first (36mm Explorer), I was bracing myself for the hoop jumping to get on the infamous ‘waitlist.’ They also sell Cartier, so we started out by trying on a few models (Santos, Americaine, Tank Must), talking watches, and then finally walking over to the empty Rolex section. I told him I want an Explorer and I knew it would be a wait. He actually had a two-tone in the back for me to try - he actually insisted I try it on to make sure I thought it fit (it did!) because of the bracelet taper. Wouldn’t give me any sort of timeline for a full stainless one, but I also told him I was in no huge rush. He did explain that while there are existing customers who they need to take care of, they also wanted to make  sure they took care of new clients like myself in order to grow the businesses. I will be stopping in the next couple months to look at a potential other (non-watch) purchase, and it will be nice to chat with this same gentleman and see what the new year might hold for Rolex availability/demand.

A little off topic I know, but the other point here is that for me there is no other way to scratch the Explorer itch. Except maybe a preowned 114270! I’ve never really cared for the Daytona so I would get the Zenith no matter what, but I don’t think buying the substitute watch will ever feel right in the long run.

I think most of us as collectors want what we can't have, whether a Rolex, PP, AP, ALS or any other fine luxury watch or item. As you rightly mentioned in yr video, the items hardest to get become status symbols for those who have more deposable $$ or it's perceived appearance. Back to the question in hand, would I get a Zenith over a Daytona. Well for me it would boil down to could I live with it without really scratching the Daytona itch, okay I could for a short time I guess. The color scheme of the Chronomaster is Zenith and unique, so it's appealing more so that the usual suspect white or black face SS Daytona. I think if I got the Zenith, I would still hunt for the Daytona. Just my own thoughts, and not meant to be a generalization of the greater good. Thanks for the Cascadia link, will def get a strap from them, they look legit.   

Totally agree, every time I've bought a watch to "scratch an itch", it's been only temporary. Also the reason why not to buy fake watches... Amongst a thousand other reasons. 

I think you get the zenith if you truly prefer it, if not, then wait for the Rolex bubble to bust (I said it 😬)

Very well agreeing with you Max on how you approached the subject on your video 👍.

Actual watchmaking history really has to comme into play here. It must be acknowledged that the El Primero was designed new from the ground up as the first fully integrated automatic chronograph movement. Buren-Hamilton used their Intramatic as a base Caliber and a 8510 chronograph module by Dubois Depraz. Seiko made their first automatic chronograph based on the 61 series automatic winding movement. So even thow they all "crossed the finish line" at around the same time, by scrutinizing the details, the El Primero is the authentic first☝️😉. By the way, we all know Rolex was not even in the competition 😂!

I made a video on the matter called, the 'Rolex Daytona wouldn't be the Daytona without the Zenith El Primero': youtu.be/rtGGtx1yBtA

Enjoy 😀!

The zenith is great but I guess some of us find what we can’t have more alluring. The challenge for many people is to try to get their hands on the holy grail of watches like the Rolex Daytona. I  actually tried to buy a zenith recently and they were sold out so it seems this watch is also hard to get these days. Anyone have any info on when these will be available again in stores? 

We're supposed to 'buy what we like' but whenever Rolex is in the discussion it's always 'buy what's cheaper'. If you love that esthetic, it's most likely because you love the look of the Daytona. If you then truly live by the philosophy 'buy what you truly like', Daytona is the clear answer. Arguing value when it comes to luxury is like arguing for the healthy option at McDonalds. 

Yup, I said it. The Zenith is the McDonalds sallad of the watch world. 

The more I look into the Zenith as a brand and the Chronomaster, the more impressed by them. I like the way they’re marketing the brand and I also really like that you can take a tour of the facilities. I’m still a Rolex fan. I’d take the Submariner over the Chronomaster, but I’d take the Chronomaster over the Daytona. 

Whole heartedly agree. I believe it comes down to ignorance on the behalf of a lot of individuals who are looking for a luxury timepiece.

I would still go for the 116500LN just on personal preference. Zenith is a great brand and as we all know used to make movements for Rolex. However, with this particular piece it is clear that it is a homage to the Daytona, with slight changes of course. To me, a Daytona is and always will be a classic where homages can come and go.

I am probably in the minority, but Rolex is not for me. Zenith no doubt. Chronograph Sport with white dial and blue strap would be the ultimate sunny/summer day watch :)

I think it's not right that for an industrially produced luxury manufacturer, you aren't even treated as a customer that the brand appears to value anymore (nor the ADs unless you are made of money).

I think no matter how good the product is, there comes a point in time where the relationship between the brand and the customer needs to be of mutual respect (as idealistic as it sounds).

I have had wonderful experience with brands who care enough to treat me like a human being instead of just a transaction. And these are in the luxury space and in the smaller brand space.

I am however, optimistically holding out for a day in which the great ol' Rolex will treat us all with some level of respect, but I doubt that day's coming soon so I look elsewhere for now!

Although your points are accurate and the video is very well done the zenith is Meh at best. The average person walks into the AD wanting to purchase a daytona because they know the brand because Rolex is a master at marketing. No way Rolex bubble will burst. The demand for Rolex has always been there and is especially high right now and will continue to rise Because of demand and supply. Let’s not also forget their marketing.

And the story of zenith with the equipment saved in the attic….. a story I often talk about when people ask me about watches ……another conversation  starter