Zenith has been at the forefront of chronograph design since they first developed the El Primero calibre in 1969, with its natural home being the Chronomaster collection. However, Zenith has also produced non-chronograph versions of the El Primero to bring their hi-beat precision to time-only and tourbillon models like the Defy Skyline Tourbillon. Yet, they’ve never produced a non-chronograph version of the flagship Chronomaster – until today and the launch of the new Chronomaster Solo Sport collection, which we have been hands-on with.
On first taking the watches out of the box, I’m struck by how uncanny it is to see a Chronomaster Sport without a chronograph complication. It feels recognisable as a Chronomaster thanks to the familiar case shape and ceramic bezel (even though the bezel now has a unidirectional rotation and 60-minute scale rather than a fixed tachymeter) but the dial is completely different.
Putting the watch on, the Chronomaster Solo Sport is also a touch smaller than the standard Chronomaster Sport at 40mm instead of 41mm to make it more wearable every day. While it’s a small change on paper, it has a meaningful impact on how it feels on the wrist – transitioning from a dedicated sports watch to more of a hybrid design that would be suitable at formal occasions. Although it’s still a practical tool watch with 200m water resistance.
Focussing in on the dial, it’s a brand new design specifically for this model. At the core of the design is a heartbeat monitor style zig-zag motif, inspired by the hi-beat 5Hz frequency of the El Primero movement. The dial itself repeats that symbol across its entire face and it’s also present on the seconds hand counterweight and the logo at 6 o’clock. That pattern is paired with new, angular hands and hour markers. A date window completes the display at 3 o’clock on three out of four variants.
Speaking of the four versions of the Chronomaster Solo Sport being produced: there’s a white dial with black bezel, black dial with brown bezel and then two black dial with black bezel variants. The difference between the two black versions is whether or not the 36,000 VpH inscription at 6 o’clock is red or black, also the full black edition is dateless. I’ve been hands-on with the white, brown and dateless black editions.
My personal favourite is the full black – it’s the cleanest and most restrained. Plus, the combination of the monocolour display, lumed hour markers and 200m water resistance means that this is essentially the first Chronomaster Sport dive watch, which is fun. The white version is a bit brighter and eye-catching, so if you are intending to wear the Solo Sport at formal parties, it’s well adapted for that.
Inside, and visible through the exhibition caseback, is the El Primero 3620 automatic calibre. It has a 60-hour power reserve and operates at that hi-beat 5Hz frequency. The oscillating balance is visible through the skeletonised rotor, letting you enjoy the movement’s signature feature. In chronometric terms, a higher frequency generally means a higher accuracy and more stable timekeeping (which is why ultra-high frequency quartz movements always beat out mechanical ones).
As you might expect from the absence of a chronograph function, the Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport is a new entry-level watch in the Chronomaster range. It’s priced at £8,700 without date, or £9,700 with date. The standard, steel Chronomaster Sport is £10,600. There are a few sub £10k Chronomasters in the Original and Revival ranges, but this is the only sub £10k Chronomaster Sport with that modern aesthetic.
It’s that last fact that to my mind justifies the existence of the Chronomaster Solo Sport. Zenith’s time only or time and date watches are principally pushed in one of three directions: the 1970s style of the Defy Skyline, the aviation inspired Pilot, or the dressy styles of the Elite and G.F.J. Across that breadth, they are missing one of their key style demographics: the modern Chronomaster Sport. Now that gap is filled at last.
Price and Specs:
More details at Zenith.
