Last year Zenith launched the Chronomaster Sport, a stylish new take on their El Primero chronograph. It was so impressive that it went on to win the chronograph prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève later that year. Now they’re expanding the range with the first Chronomaster Sport Boutique edition, two rose gold versions and a bi-metallic one.
Chronomaster Sport Rose Gold
The first glimpse of a rose gold Chronomaster Sport came last year, a few months after the original steel version. However, that version had a black ceramic bezel and a leather strap. Now though, the entire piece is dripping gold as the rose gold case has been matched with an engraved rose gold bezel and full rose gold bracelet.
As for the dial, there are two to choose from, either a traditional white version with tricolour subdials or a black variant. Both feature rose gold indexes and hands, including the 1/10th second chronograph hand.
Zenith Chronomaster Sport Rose Gold White Matte Dial (ref. 18.3101.3600/21.M3100) and Black Lacquered Dial (18.3101.3600/69.M3100)
Internally, the Rose Gold editions, and indeed each of the watches presented here, is identical to last year’s model. They house the El Primero 3600 automatic chronograph movement, the most sophisticated and modern version of the legendary calibre with a 60-hour power reserve.
The price tag of £32,000 reflects its new premium luxe status. But if any sports watch makes gold work, chronographs are the ones.
Chronomaster Sport Bi-Metal
Ref. 51.3100.3600/69.M3100
If you want a luxury aesthetic without compromising on the robust durability of a steel case, bi-metal is the way to go. This new version of the Chronomaster Sport is exactly that, with a rose gold bezel, pushers and crown combined with a stainless steel body. The bracelet is also split between the two materials, with the outer links in steel and the middle in gold. Bi-colour watches are seeing a surge in popularity so it’s not too surprising to see one at Watches & Wonders, in fact it’s surprising there haven’t been more.
The dial is silver-tone with sunray brushed finishing that emphasises the colour of the steel case and providing a contrast to the gold. The display is equipped with the traditional subdials in blue, anthracite and grey.
Due to the reduced amount of gold present on the watch, the price is also lower than the rose gold editions above, at £14,300.
Chronomaster Sport Boutique Edition
Then there’s the Chronomaster Sport Boutique Edition, which has been out for a little while at this point. “Boutique” means that it’s only available to purchase directly from Zenith’s own stores and online retail site. In addition to a new silver-tone sunray brushed dial, it has a totally unique bezel.
Ref. 03.3103.3600/69.M3100
The bezel is a three part ceramic piece in blue, anthracite and light grey, matching the iconic tricolour subdials of the chronograph display. The three separate portions of ceramic have been forged together within the base of the bezel, which is also ceramic. It’s not a ground-breaking change by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s funky enough to warrant a visit to your nearest Zenith location.
It’s also the most accessible of the watches here at £10,600.
Price & Specs:
Model: Zenith Chronomaster Sport
Reference: 51.3100.3600/69.M3100 (silver-toned sunray-patterned dial, stainless steel & rose gold)
18.3101.3600/21.M3100 (black-lacquered dial, rose gold)
18.3101.3600/69.M3100 (white matte dial, rose gold)
03.3103.3600/69.M3100 (silver-toned sunray-patterned dial, stainless steel with tri-color ceramic bezel)
Case/dial: 41mm diameter, stainless steel & 18k rose gold case with silver dial, 18k rose gold case with black-lacquered or white matte dial and stainless steel case with silver dial and tri-color ceramic bezel (Boutique Edition)
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: El Primero 3600 automatic, automatic column-wheel chronograph (able to measure and display 1/10th of a second), 35 jewels
Frequency: 36,000 vph (5 Hz)
Power reserve: 60h
Functions: Hours, minutes, date, chronograph (small seconds at 9 o’clock, central chronograph hand that makes one turn in 10 seconds, 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock, 60-second counter at 3 o’clock)
Strap: Metal bracelet with a double folding clasp
Price/availability: Stainless steel and rose gold – £14,300
Boutique Edition – £10,600
Rose gold (black or white dial) – £32,000
More details at Zenith.
