Zenith been my recent wear for 2020

Gear Review

Reflections on My Watch Collection

*Finding joy in the vintage Zenith that redefined my daily wear*

~9

Years Owned

3

Major Brands

1

Daily Driver

Section I

The Shift in Wrist Time

Recently, I've been re-evaluating my collection and shifting my wrist time away from the Omega and Rolex, which I used to wear most frequently, alongside my Apple Watch. For the past few weeks, I have primarily worn the Zenith Cal 126 vintage piece that I purchased in 2015. Its size is perfect, and the overall form factor and color combination align with my current preferences in watches. While the Rolex Explorer remains impeccable and the Omega Seamaster holds a special place in my heart, I find this simple Zenith to be truly phenomenal.

 

Provenance Considerations

I must admit that I'm not entirely certain about the provenance of this particular Zenith; it could be a replica or a knock-off. Regardless, it works well and meets my needs. In hindsight, while a Hamilton Khaki or Seiko SARB033 would have been great additions to my collection, I wouldn't have experienced the joy of owning something vintage.

• →Zenith Cal 126 — My current vintage daily driver with a black dial and silver case.
• →Hamilton Khaki — A reliable modern alternative I considered for the collection.
• →Seiko SARB033 — Another classic piece that would have been a great addition.

The Allure of the Sub-Second Dial

The 'Bauhaus' styling, which I first admired in the Nomos Tangente, initially drew me to this Zenith. Interestingly, there was another Zenith I was bidding on back in 2015 that closely resembled a modern Nomos with a cream dial and blued hands.

Tip: Enjoying what you currently have is far more fulfilling than perpetually coveting the next piece in a collection.

Watch Brand	Aesthetic Style	Status
Zenith	Bauhaus/Vintage	Daily Wear
Rolex	Professional	Retired
Omega	Classic/Sport	Retired

Finding Contentment

Ultimately, I believe that enjoying what I have is more fulfilling than coveting watches I may never own. Wearing a Rolex or Omega doesn't bring the same level of joy as it once did when I yearned for them. Instead, that desire simply shifts to the next level of watches.

I am very happy with this simple watch—a black dial, analog display, and silver case. Its minimal styling resonates with my appreciation for both the Rolex and Armani pieces in my collection.

True satisfaction comes from the watch on your wrist, not the one on your wish list.