A lot of watch brands are associated with aircraft. For example, Bell & Ross and Breitling have models that are inspired by fighter jets. But a lot of people forget that the term “aircraft” is not limited to fighter jets and helicopters. Other models like Zeppelin watches take inspiration from blimps. And as you will see later, this inspiration is one of the many things that make this brand special.
While fairly new to the watch community, Zeppelin has made promising watches. In fact, you will be able to see a lot of positive feedback from people who gave their timekeepers a try. So if you’re thinking of taking a leap of faith, read our guide below to help you choose your next model.
History of Zeppelin Watches
An Impressive Family Tree
To fully grasp the history of Zeppelin watches, let’s start with the origins of its parent brand — POINTtec. In 1987, Wilhelm Birk founded the German brand that will soon become the parent company of popular watchmakers.
Their goal was simple — to create German watches that have a unique design and excellent price-performance ratio. True enough, they are the folks behind the celebrated brands such as Junkers, Maximilian Munchen, and of course, Zeppelin watches.
Zeppelin Watches Take Off
During its early years, POINTtec was successful with their models. In fact, Maximilian Munchen watches were a staple for radio-controlled watches on the market. And in 2002, they decided to expand their kingdom with the Zeppelin watches.
Based on its name, the brand was inspired by cigar-shaped airships in the 20th century. And as history would say, travelling via Zeppelins was peak elegance and was reserved for the elite. Although its quality is undoubtedly the crème de la crème, its price range is accessible. As mentioned above, one of the brand’s goals is to offer timepieces that will give you the most bang for your buck.
POINTtec’s Global Reach
Right now, POINTtec remains independent. It is globally-represented by its brands (Zeppelin watches, Iron Annie, and Junkers among others) and is currently one of the largest German watch companies.
Recommended Zeppelin Watches
To help you decide which model is right for you, here are some of our recommended Zeppelin watches. We have provided a few reasons why you may like it along with each watch’s specs sheet.
1. Graf Zeppelin Hindenburg LZ129 7060
Why is it good?
The Graf Zeppelin Hindenburg LZ129 7060 was named after the largest airship by envelope volume. And like its namesake, it offers premium service with a steampunk-looking facade.
Its designers made the correct decision in choosing cream over white for the dial colour. Consequently, it gives it the illusion that the watch is vintage. Meanwhile, its case is finely polished and well-built. However, it is important to note that this timepiece is not a sports watch or a diver, which is why it is fairly light. But rest assured that it is solid enough to withstand daily casual wear.
Going further in terms of design, it uses an art deco font that’s easy on the eyes. At the 12 o’clock position is the power reserve indicator. Meanwhile, the 24-hour sub-dial is placed where the 6 o’clock marker should be. Despite having a lot of complications, each element was carefully placed to give it an antique style.
Another interesting thing is that this timepiece uses the Miyota 9100 movement. This calibre features the standard 3-hand time, date wheel, power reserve indicator, 24-hour, day, and month subdials. Despite being automatic, the wearer still has the option to wind it manually. To conclude, this movement features high-end functions that can be seen in more expensive ones.
Graf Zeppelin Hindenburg LZ129 7060 Specs:
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Dimensions: 40mm
- Water resistance: 30m
2. Zeppelin LZ127 Transatlantic
Why is it good?
The Zeppelin LZ127 Transatlantic model gives you exactly what you need when crossing the Atlantic ocean -— a GMT function. Paired with an elegant design, this timepiece has proven itself to be a very capable watch for the globetrotter.
Its dial comes in a very bright hue of white. And if you look closely, it features subtle diamond patterns that earn 100 points for refinement. When it comes to features, it has a chronograph, a 60-second counter, a 30-minute counter, and a second time zone. All of these are shown via the three sub-dials at the 2, 6, and 10 o’clock positions. Lastly, there is a small date window that takes the place of the 4 o’clock hour marker.
The watch uses the ETA G10.211 calibre. It is a quartz movement that has a total of 4 jewels. Furthermore, it is a reliable calibre that was built to last.
Zeppelin LZ127 Transatlantic Specs:
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Dimensions: 40mm
- Water resistance: 50m
3. Zeppelin 7154-1 Series LZ120 Rome
Why is it good?
In spite of its German roots, Zeppelin is not afraid of borrowing styling tips from fellow Europeans. Case in point, the Zeppelin 7154-1 Series LZ120 Rome features Italian design.
Staying true to its name, its dial features a dark blue colour with elongated Roman numeral markers in white. To add a pop of colour, the 12th hour marker stands out in an orange hue. Additionally, a big sub-dial runs from the 6 until the 9 o’clock positions. This added element features the small seconds. All of these are encased inside a domed crystal for that unique look.
Under the hood, it uses the Ronda 6004.D calibre. It is a quartz movement and has a total of 5 jewels. A lot of watch enthusiasts vouch for its reliability and should last you a few years of daily use.
Zeppelin 7154-1 Series LZ120 Rome Specs:
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Dimensions: 41mm
- Water resistance: 50m
4. Zeppelin 8674-1 Series LZ127 Graf Zeppelin
Why is it good?
It is said that Graf Zeppelins were the most successful and important type of zeppelin airships. They achieved a lot of aviation milestones that other models only hoped to reach. With that said, the Zeppelin 8674-1 Series LZ127 Graf Zeppelin is a doozy like its namesake.
Underneath the domed crystal is a white-coloured dial. Despite its busy dial, it remains legible. Its Arabic hour markers come in a black font that contrasts well with the background. Meanwhile, the two sub-dials are carefully positioned at 3 and 9 o’clock to avoid clutter. Lastly, at the bottom of the dial is a small rectangular date window.
In terms of performance, this timepiece uses the Calibre 6S21 movement. It is a quartz-controlled chronograph that has an accuracy rating of +/- 20 seconds per month. Indeed, the LZ127 Graf Zeppelin is a watch with style that can perform well.
Zeppelin 8674-1 Series LZ127 Graf Zeppelin Specs:
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Dimensions: 42mm
- Water resistance: 50m
5. Zeppelin 7616-3 Series LZ126 Los Angeles
Why is it good?
Like the other Zeppelin watches, the LZ126 Los Angeles was named after an achievement in aviation. To explain, the Zeppelin LZ 126 was the first passenger airship that was used for long-distance flights in 1924. It broke the record and flew from Friedrichshafen to New York in only 81 hours. Of course, during that period, it was the fastest travel time.
Just like its namesake, the LZ126 Los Angeles emanates the same technical excellence and elegance. Its midnight blue dial will never look out of place in a semi-formal event. But this watch is not just for show. It has a tachymeter in blue, white, and orange print all around it. We must say, the colour scheme blends excellently with the dial.
When it comes to the movement, it uses the famous Miyota 6S21 calibre which has two indicators. One indicator at the 3 o’clock position records small seconds. Meanwhile, the one at the 9 o’clock position records 60 minutes. Generally, watch enthusiasts consider this movement a reliable and robust one.
The aged brown leather strap ties everything together. While it is a chronograph meant for active use, it can also be a watch that you can wear with a blazer or a sport coat.
Zeppelin 7616-3 Series LZ126 Los Angeles Specs:
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Dimensions: 42mm
- Water resistance: 100m
6. Zeppelin 7637-1 Series Luna
Why is it good?
This one is for the ladies (or for the gents who love small watches). The Zeppelin 7637-1 Series Luna stands small at only 35mm. It is also one of the most elegant, if not most elegant, model of the bunch.
Its dial is galvanically refined and has a distinctive shell structure. Meanwhile, it gets its clean white colour from a mother-of-pearl insert. And just when you thought it couldn’t get more majestic, the watchmakers set Swarovski crystals around the dial as hour markers. All except 3, 9, and 12 o’clock bears a stone surrounded by a yellow gold highlight.
At the bottom right portion, there is a sub-dial for the moon phase. Then right above it is a date complication. For consistency, Zeppelin went for a round date marker instead of the usual rectangle window.
The Luna is powered by a Swiss-made movement called the Ronda 706B. It is battery-powered and has a total of 5 jewels.
Zeppelin 7637-1 Series Luna Specs:
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Dimensions: 35mm
- Water resistance: 50m
7. Zeppelin 7364-2 Series Flatline
Why is it good?
If you find the Luna to be too feminine for your style, check this one out. The Zeppelin 7364-2 Series Flatline is another elegant watch that has a more masculine feel to it. In fact, we can already picture it blending well with your dark suit.
Compared to the other models, the dial of the Flatline is cleaner. Its black dial bears only thin white lines as hour markers. And at the bottom portion, you could see two complications — a small second sub-dial and an open-heart window.
Unlike the other models, this timepiece uses an automatic Miyota 82S5 calibre. It runs at a frequency of 21600vph and has a total of 21 jewels. And in terms of accuracy, it has a rating of -20 to +40 seconds per day. This calibre can be admired through the small open-heart window in front or via the crystal caseback.
This watch is ideal for people who are looking for an automatic dress watch that is affordable yet unique.
Zeppelin 7364-2 Series Flatline Specs:
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Dimensions: 40mm
- Water resistance: 50m
8. Zeppelin 7546-3 Series Nordstern
Why is it good?
The Zeppelin 7546-3 Series Nordstern straddles the line between elegance and sportiness. It pays homage to the LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin’s journey to the North Pole in 1931.
Its navy blue dial remains clean and legible despite the complications. And if you pay attention to the print on the dial, you’ll realise that one of those is the GMT function. Its GMT hand comes in a dark red hue and is very noticeable. Meanwhile, the markers for the 24 hours surround the dial in a broken circle. You might think it’s an eyesore after hearing these words, but in fact, its imperfection gives it a sporty vibe.
Under the hood, it uses the Ronda 505.24D calibre. It is a Swiss technology that is powered by a battery. But you don’t have to worry about changing the battery every now and then since it has a standard battery life of 45 months.
Zeppelin 7546-3 Series Nordstern Specs:
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Dimensions: 41mm
- Water resistance: 50m
9. Zeppelin 7240-2 Series Night Cruise
Why is it good?
The Zeppelin 7240-2 Series Night Cruise was named “night” for a reason. Just one look at it will remind you of darkness. To point out, this model represents the peace and calmness you can experience in a night-time journey via a zeppelin.
Among the Zeppelin watches, this one is the sportiest. In fact, it almost looks like a dive watch. Its pitch black dial is surrounded with round hour markers that are applied with lume. The hour and minute hands are also luminous to provide visibility at night. Moreover, it is water-resistant to 100m which is enough for a quick swim.
The strap completes its almost all-black motif. This makes it the perfect watch for people who are into techwear or for those who are looking for an adventure companion.
Zeppelin 7240-2 Series Night Cruise Specs:
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Dimensions: 42mm
- Water resistance: 100m
Final Notes
Zeppelin watches are an excellent choice for people looking for unique yet affordable timekeepers. It is a promising young brand which will definitely make heads turn. We honestly can’t wait for its future developments. So watch community, you better keep an eye on this new kid!
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