Introducing Zenith Introduces The New Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar

Return of the El Primero Triple Calendar, one of the rarest prototypes introduced in the '70s

One could argue that the evolution of the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar spans more than 55 years. An intriguing revelation highlights the forward-thinking nature of ZENITH's groundbreaking automatic high-frequency chronograph caliber when it was introduced in 1969. Notably, the El Primero was originally conceived to include the triple calendar and moon phase functions right from its inception. In 1970, a set of 25 prototypes, sharing the same round case as the A386, served as a proof of concept. However, due to the resounding success of the core chronograph version, the decision was made to postpone the release of the first El Primero triple calendar. Now, on the occasion of the LVMH Watch Week, Zenith introduces three different additions to the Chronomaster Original collection.

The Chronomaster Original, introduced by the brand in 2021, stands out as a significant model. The compact 38mm stainless steel case of the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar surpasses typical vintage inspiration; it is meticulously fashioned based on the exact blueprint and proportions of the A386 from 1969. Its bezel-less construction, coupled with the incorporation of a raised, domed sapphire crystal, elevates its distinctive features.

Retaining the round, bezel-less design that defined the 1969 model, the stainless steel case of the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar upholds the essence of its predecessor. It features the signature sharp and sloped profile, Big chronograph pushers, faceted lugs, and a combination of radial brushed and polished surfaces.

The Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar is offered in two distinctive dial variations: a more sporty silvery-white "panda" opaline dial with black counters and a 1/10th of a second scale, and a luxurious opaline slate-grey dial with silvery-white counters and a scale directly inspired by the small series of El Primero triple calendar prototypes from 1970. Both versions feature rose gold-tone applied baton markers and hands, creating a warm contrast that accentuates the polished rose gold moon set against a metallic blue sunray-patterned disk adorned with five-pointed stars.
For the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Boutique Edition, exclusively available at ZENITH physical and online boutiques, a third dial variant is presented in a sunburst olive-green tone, complemented by golden applied markers and hands. In each version, the calendar wheels harmonize with the respective dial colors.

The watch showcases a weekday aperture positioned above the running seconds subdial at 9 o’clock, a month window placed above the 60-second counter at 3 o’clock, a date displayed in the customary trapezoid aperture at 4:30, and a 60-minute counter integrated with the moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock. Indices, along with the hour and minute hands, are treated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1 to enhance visibility in low-light conditions. The sub-dials feature a textured, snailed pattern, and the calendar indications employ discs that seamlessly blend with the base dial colors.

A new iteration of the latest-generation El Primero automatic high-frequency chronograph caliber, the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar's El Primero 3610 operates at a frequency of 5 Hz (36,000 VpH), delivering a precise 1/10th of a second chronograph function. Despite the inclusion of a complete calendar, its efficient transmission allows for an approximate power reserve of 60 hours. The sapphire display back offers an unobstructed view of the movement's contemporary architecture, revealing a sleek and open design that showcases the blue column wheel and an exposed rotor adorned with the five-pointed ZENITH star.

The Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar is available with either a three-link steel bracelet, boasting the same alternating brushed and polished finishes as the case, or a calfskin strap in black for the panda dial, blue for the slate-grey dial, and green for the Boutique Edition dial.

The stainless steel Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar on a bracelet is priced at CHF 13,400 (equivalent to 57,000 AED), while the strap-equipped references will be available for CHF 12,900 (equivalent to 55,000 AED).

For more information, please visit Zenith official website.

Technical specifications: Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar
  1. Reference: 03.3400.3610/38.C911 (panda, leather) / 03.3400.3610/38.M3200 (panda, bracelet) / 03.3400.3610/39.C910 (gray, leather) / 03.3400.3610/39.M3200 (gray, bracelet), 03.3400.3610/40.C912 (green, leather) / 03.3400.3610/40.M3200 (green, bracelet)
  2. Case: stainless steel case, brushed and polished, domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides, sapphire crystal caseback 
  3. Diameter: 38 mm  
  4. Height: 13 mm  
  5. Water resistance: 50 m 
  6. Dial: white opaline dial base with black sub-dials and a black track, opaline slate-grey dial with silvery-white sub-dials, sunburst olive green dial with silvery-white counters, faceted and applied gold-plated indices, gold-plated, hour and minute hands coated with SuperLumiNova SLN C1, inner flange with 1/10th of second track, day at 10 o'clock, date window at 4:30, and a 60-minute counter integrated with the moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock, running seconds subdial at 9 o’clock, a month window placed above the 60-second counter at 3 o’clock, 
  7. Movement: automatic caliber El Primero 3610, in-house, 35 jewels, blued column wheel,  Skeletonized rotor adorned with ZENITH star
  8. Power reserve: 60 hours
  9. Frequency: 36,000vph (5Hz) 
  10. Functions:  Chronograph, hours, minutes, small seconds, day, date, month, moon phase
  11. Bracelet / Strap:  Black or gray alligator leather strap, stainless steel pin buckle
  12. Availability: Permanent line 
  13. Price: on a bracelet is priced at CHF 13,400 equivalent to 57,000 AED, while the strap-equipped references will be available for CHF 12,900 equivalent to 55,000 AED

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