In the first months of this 2024, Zenith launched some novelties in the El Primero world: The Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar and the Chronomaster Sport Titanium.
The Chronomaster collection was founded in 1994 when it was presented at the Basel Fair. Its name comes from the Greek word khrônos, which means time, and from the English master, master of time.
At its beginning the Chronomaster line consisted of steel or gold models in classic style, with El Primero 400 or 410 calibre. All the first Chronomasters were equipped with a 40mm case, domed sapphire crystal, transparent case-back always made of sapphire crystal and tachometer scale. In addition, all Chronomaster models were waterproof up to 30m and certified with the words ‘Chronometre’ on the dial.
Today the Chronomaster collection unites the past and the present of the models El Primero, through the Original, Open, Revival and Sport lines.
The Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar is inspired by a rare 1970 reference of just 25 pieces. It is said that this model was given exclusively to insiders only, such as Zenith’s experts and executives.
Like its predecessor, the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar features a 38mm steel case, the same case that used and still uses the iconic A386 model.
The Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar is available in three versions with a different dial: a silver-white “panda” dial with black counters and scale, a slate grey dial with silver-white counters and scale, and a third olive-green “Soleil” effect variant with silver-white counters and scale.
In the sapphire glass case-back it is possible to admire the high-frequency automatic chronographic movement El Primero 3610, a variant of the El primero 3600 calibre due to the addition of a complete calendar with a lunar phase mechanism. El Primero 3610 also has a reading accuracy at 1/10 of a second and a power reserve of 60 hours.
Official chronograph of the UTS 2024 tennis championship, the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Sport Titanium features a 41mm grade 5 titanium case. In the bezel, also made of brushed titanium, the scale is engraved with 1/10 of a second. Some details of the case, bezel and bracelet have a polished finish. This effect is possible thanks to grade 5 titanium. The “Soleil” effect nickel grey dial features the three chronograph counters of different shades of anthracite, gray and silver.
The bracelet with adjustable closure is made of satin titanium. This Chronomaster Sport Titanium weighs 30% less than its steel equivalent. In addition, Zenith, for the Chronomaster Sport collection, has created, for the first time, a new line of FKM rubber straps that are elastic and resistant to extreme heat and harsh chemicals.
Through the sapphire glass caseback, you can observe the El Primero 3600 high-frequency automatic chronograph movement equipped with a chronograph with reading accuracy at 1/10 of a second and 60-hour power reserve.
Titanium has unique properties. It is an extremely light metal, moreover it has one of the highest strength/density ratios of all metal elements, ensuring robustness. Titanium is also very resistant to corrosion, paramagnetic and has hypoallergenic properties.
These two new Zenith models reminded me of the 80s Port Royal in titanium with full calendar and moon phases.
Port Royal was one of the first chronographs to be made of titanium. The use of this innovative material made it technically superior to most of the watches present at that time.
I’ll tell you more about this model in a future article!
Who knows if Zenith will want to re-propose this rare 80s reference in the future!
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