Introducing The New Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar

Zenith made history in 1969 with the launch of the El Primero, the world’s first high-frequency automatic chronograph movement. It was adopted by several prestigious brands, including Rolex, Panerai, Daniel Roth, and others. In 1994, Zenith introduced the Chronomaster collection, a line of high-end mechanical chronographs designed to showcase the brand’s expertise and mastery of the chronograph complication. It would go on to become Zenith’s flagship collection and the primary platform for the El Primero movement.

The original El Primero was engineered to support a triple calendar and moon phase. In fact, Zenith developed 25 prototypes of the El Primero triple calendar in the early ‘70s. While the movement later entered regular production, it was paired with various case designs and remained part of the catalogue for decades. Last year, Zenith revived this timepiece in stainless steel, paying homage to the A386, a design that helped define a generation of chronographs. Now, the collection expands with an 18k rose gold version featuring a black dial.

Measuring 38mm in diameter and 14mm thick, the watch stays true to its vintage proportions. It features a box-shaped sapphire crystal and a polished-and-brushed case finish. A sapphire crystal caseback reveals the latest generation of the El Primero movement, while a 50-meter water resistance rating ensures it’s suitable for daily wear.

The black dial features a tri-compax layout with a full calendar and moon phase, integrated into a 1/10th of a second chronograph. The central chronograph hand completes one full revolution every 10 seconds. Rose gold-colored sub-dials and indexes complement the case, while the hands and indices are treated with Super-LumiNova for legibility in low light. The day and month appear in twin apertures flanking the upper sub-dials, while the date is positioned at 4:30. The moon phase is integrated into the 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock.

Powering the watch is the El Primero 3610 calibre, a high-frequency automatic movement beating at 36,000 vph (5 Hz), with a robust 60-hour power reserve. It also features Zenith’s signature star-shaped rotor, visible through the transparent caseback.

The watch is paired with a black calfskin leather strap and secured with an 18k rose gold folding clasp. It is priced at CHF 25,400, approximately AED 113,100.

For more information, visit Zenith’s official website.