Pre-owned Zenith watches

Founded in 1865 in Le Locle by Georges Favre-Jacot, Zenith is one of the few Swiss watch manufacturers to produce all of its movements entirely in-house. A pioneer from the start, the brand revolutionized the industry by bringing every stage of watch production under one roof—ensuring exceptional quality and unmatched precision. By the early 20th century, Zenith had already earned acclaim in chronometry competitions, cementing its status as a reference for accuracy.

A major turning point in Zenith's history came in 1969 with the launch of the legendary El Primero, the world's first high-frequency automatic chronograph movement, beating at 36,000 vibrations per hour. This technical breakthrough enabled tenth-of-a-second accuracy, positioning Zenith at the forefront of mechanical watchmaking. The El Primero powers iconic models such as the Chronomaster and is now a benchmark for high-end sports watches.

During the 1970s quartz crisis, the brand was acquired by the Zenith Radio Company and mechanical movement production was halted. However, thanks to the foresight of master watchmaker Charles Vermot, the El Primero tooling was secretly preserved. This crucial decision allowed Zenith to resume production in the late 1980s—most notably to power the Rolex Daytona, further elevating the El Primero's legendary status.

Acquired by the LVMH Group in 1999, Zenith entered a period of revival. The brand modernized its collections, reimagined its classics, and introduced cutting-edge timepieces such as the Defy El Primero 21, capable of measuring 1/100th of a second, and the Chronomaster Open, which reveals the beating heart of the movement through its partially skeletonized dial.

Today, Zenith stands as a major player in the world of luxury Swiss watchmaking. Its vertically integrated production, technical mastery, and innovative spirit place it alongside iconic brands like Omega and Breitling. Models such as the Prime, Pilot, and Chronomaster continue to attract collectors and enthusiasts seeking performance, authenticity, and timeless craftsmanship.

At Mostra Store, we offer a carefully curated selection of pre-owned Zenith watches, each one a true symbol of fine watchmaking and mechanical excellence. Owning a Zenith means choosing legendary precision rooted in the rich history of contemporary horology.