Seeing this watch in media images really doesn’t do it justice. On Zenith’s website it looks attractive, but plain. In person the refinement of its elements and simplicity of its character shine for a conservative watch so comfortable to read it begs to be worn frequently. The dial is completely with the Zenith star over the logo, blued seconds hand, and symmetrical date placed over the 6 o’clock hour indicator.
Like many of the Captain collection watches, the Captain Central Second comes in a 40mm wide case seen here in steel, but is also available in 18k rose gold. We really feel that the steel version is a much better choice, given that the gold model is almost three times as expensive. The case is also very comfortable and rather thin, being only 8.15mm thick. It is water resistant to 50 meters and the sapphire crystal has a really nice amount of AR coating.
Inside the Captain Central Second is an in-house made Zenith Elite movement. Visible through a sapphire crystal exhibition window, the movement inside of the watch is the Zenith Elite caliber 670. With about 50 hours of power reserve this automatic winding movement operates at 4 Hz and is a relatively slim 3.47mm thick. It also exhibits a solid level of decoration, sitting for a more dressy piece–yet still one that can be worn casually.
We are pretty happy that we pushed Zenith to let us check out and share this watch. At least half the time when this happens, the brands are stalwart in their convictions to keep the watches away from us–and for no good reason, in our opinion, as we make the trek from far and wide to view and photograph their new products. The Zenith Captain Central Second watch combines Zenith’s quality design and prowess as a movement maker all into one affordable timepiece. It feels like a good value because it is one, and shows that Zenith continues to know what makes for a superbly enjoyable traditional timepiece experience.
According to Zenith this ref. 03.2022.670/38.C498 Captain Central Second Boutique Edition watch in steel is available only in Zenith boutiques. It is possible that the ref. 18.2021.670/38.C498 version in 18k rose gold will be available at all retailers. Price in steel is 5,200 Swiss Francs (about $5,800) and in 18k rose gold it is $14,900. zenith-watches.com
