In 1969, Zenith made history with the introduction of the original El Primero caliber, which was notable for, among other aspects, its uncommonly high frequency of 36,600 vph (5 Hz), which in practical terms meant that its integrated chronograph could record elapsed times not just to the second but to the 1/10th second. The Le Locle-based manufacture still holds the world record for chronometry Observatory Prizes, at 1,565. Zenith has always been all about pushing the boundaries of mechanical timekeeping precision. Zenith Chronomaster Sport on steel bracelet In this feature from the WatchTime archives, I give it a test drive.
The Chronomaster Sport asserts itself as a sporty companion for all of life’s moments where even a fraction of a second is an instance of performance.Zenith’s most attention-grabbing release of 2021 was the Chronomaster Sport, whose revolutionary 1/10th-second chronograph display is intended to lead the El Primero-equipped series into the future.
Visible through the sapphire display back, the new architecture is strikingly evident, revealing a blue column wheel and open rotor marked with the five-pointed star Zenith. With the experience gained after over five decades of the El Primero and high-frequency chronographs in general, Zenith is able to precisely offer a 1/10th of second display from the 5 Hz (36’600 VpH) escapement, as well as an extended power reserve of 60 hours. A textured cordura-effect rubber strap option with a steel deployant buckle is also available.Īlways in the pursuit of improvement, the Chronomaster Sport line is equipped with a new version of the Manufacture’s most renowned movement, dubbed the El Primero 3600 calibre. Befitting the modern yet timeless aesthetic of this exceptional chronograph, the Chronomaster Sport comes on an integrated steel bracelet similar to those conceived by Gay Frères, who supplied many of Zenith’s metal bracelets in the past. Each of the counters is graduated to 60 for an intuitive and instantaneous reading of the chronograph. Whether the black or white dial, both feature the signature El Primero tri-color chronograph registers in blue, anthracite and light grey, just like the A386 from 1969. The Chronomaster Sport comes in two references. Graduated over 10 seconds, its bold contrast offers exceptional legibility on the periphery of the dial. Crafted in a sleek and robust steel case measuring 41 mm wide with pump-style pushers, the polished black ceramic bezel sets the new Chronomaster Sport apart from its predecessors. The new El Primero 3600 calibre offers even more performance and precision than its forebearer, with its ultra-readable 1/10th of a second display etched directly on its black ceramic bezel - the only watch to do so.Ī descendant of the Chronomaster lineage through and through, the unique heritage of this emblematic chronograph line unfolds with a more refined dial, an integrated steel bracelet with optimized comfort, enhanced finishing details, an ever more accurate search for proportions and an extremely precise tenth of a second reading. Once again pushing the boundaries of high-frequency precision, the Chronomaster Sport is the culmination point in Zenith’s unequalled legacy of automatic chronographs that combines the spirit of the El Primero A386, the form of the Chronomaster De Luca and the high-frequency performance established by the El Primero calibre for over 50 years in a sporty chronograph like no other – in both style and substance.Īlways moving towards building the future of watchmaking, Zenith has built on the foundation of the El Primero caliber with a marked increase in performance directly perceptible by the user. The latest Chronomaster Sport collection marks the beginning of new era for the quintessential Zenith sportychic chronograph. Featuring a handsome 41mm case with a 60 hour power reserve, and stop-second mechanism. Equipped with the latest generation of the El Primero chronograph calibre, it measures and displays elapsed time with a precision of 1/10th of a second in a design that is contemporary yet unmistakably Zenith. The Chronomaster Sport is the culmination of over 50 years of mastery of the sporty chronograph and the automatic chronograph calibre. Please phone 303.572.1111 or email for further details on expected delivery time for this watch. YOUR PURCHASE RESERVES YOUR PLACE IN LINE.
NOTE: THERE IS A WAITLIST FOR THIS PIECE.