Mega Port Royal

[lexalot]

Hello all- I am considering a Mega Port Royal. I am new to high end watches and Zenith. Can anyone tell me about the watch? It doesn't look like it's made anymore. Is there anyway to tell how long its been sitting? Thanks in advance.

Zenith Mega Port Royal Open Grand Date Chrono 03.0560.4039/21.R512




eBay TALK: Get answers and connect
Lex

 

[ulackfocus]

Are you, by any chance, related to this guy?:

 

[lexalot]

Sorry to disappoint but no. I would love to hear something about the watch though. What price I should pay? What year it is? Etc.

 

[Tony C.]

I'd advise against going for any watch that includes the prefix "Mega".

 

[LouS]

Lex, there's not a lot of love for the Zeniths from the Nataf era on this forum. They are not bad watches, but the design vibe is a little out of synch with the mainly vintage scene around here. I'm not sure any of the regulars can give you a sophisticated appraisal of this one. You'll want to find a fellow named ducatidoc - he hangs out (or used to hang out, at any rate) at TimeZone or Wathcuseek and has knowledge of these models.

 

[SpikiSpikester]

Tony C.

I'd advise against going for any watch that includes the prefix "Mega".

There's an exception to every rule



(Picture by CFR from WUS forums)

 

[Tony C.]

SpikiSpikester

There's an exception to every rule

I can't begin to tell you how ironic it strikes me that the exception you point out is when the prefix is used before "quartz"!

 

[SpikiSpikester]

The name may be naff but they were still landmark watches

 

[ulackfocus]

I like "mega". I reminds me of the badly dubbed Japanese monster movies I watched as a kid.

 

[LouS]

I saw that one! Mega Port Royal meets Big Bang.

 

[Northernman]

You all seem to forget about the f720 Megasonic!? Finest electro mechanical movement ever IMHO. And different from the f300 it is all Omega in-house.

 

[dsio]

That's probably just because the tuning fork movements in general have always had this stigma surrounding parts availability and repair costs, I don't know if f720 suffers from that too but the number of people having to engine swap f300s is higher than makes many people comfortable

 

[Northernman]

dsio

That's probably just because the tuning fork movements in general have always had this stigma surrounding parts availability and repair costs, I don't know if f720 suffers from that too but the number of people having to engine swap f300s is higher than makes many people comfortable

I think the number of watchmakers without the needed skills to service these delicate machines is the key reason.
I have had several serviced that was bought as "lost cases". All back without major part needs, and humming happily.
The f720 is a completely different beast from the f300. It is a much more modern movement. The reason why they never succeeded was the dire times when launched in the 70's.

Anyone not familiar with the f720 should read up! It is one of Omegas biggest ever design feats in my view. The technology behind is hardcore engineering porn.

 

[ulackfocus]

Northernman

I think the number of watchmakers without the needed skills to service these delicate machines is the key reason.

That's because they need computer repair knowledge as well as watchmaking skills.

Northernman

Anyone not familiar with the f720 should read up! It is one of Omegas biggest ever design feats in my view. The technology behind is hardcore engineering porn.

There'a a battery powering it, right? Mmmmmm, probably not gonna make my reading list.

 

[Northernman]

U ulackfocus

That's because they need computer repair knowledge as well as watchmaking skills.



There'a a battery powering it, right? Mmmmmm, probably not gonna make my reading list.

Sorry to say that both above statements are a bit uninformed, or perhaps just biased.

There are no computer parts inside, and no computer skills needed. Basic knowledge of electricity helps.

I still maintain my recommendation on making a study. It is one very fine machine!
A link:http://members.iinet.net.au/~fotoplot/acctech720.htm

 

[MMMD]

If you're going to go "Mega," go 49 mm Mega.
Now those are shark-tooth markers.