Zenith has just released the new Chronomaster Sport as a ceramic bezel chronograph, equipped with the latest updated El Primero 3600 movement. Zenith Chronomaster Sport is a luxury chronograph with an attractive mainstream design, but even the most tired or experienced watch enthusiast can impress. Chronomaster Sport is equipped with a modern version of the “Striking 10th” movement, allowing users to measure time as low as 1/10 second, making the high-shot El Primero so special.
Recently, Zenith El Primero has been lacking a choice between the retro-style Chronomaster Revival and the highly modern and stylized Defy El Primero series. Similar to the distant cousin of Rolex Daytona, once you carefully observe and appreciate the watchmaking prowess behind it, these two Chronomaster Sport watches that debuted are both Zenith. Although it was inspired by the classic El Primeros and the underrated Zenith De Luca, fortunately, Chronomaster Sport did not go too far.
El Primero 3600 & Striking 10th
The El Primero 3600 movement is not 100% brand new, because a version of it was released in 2019 (El Primero 50th anniversary) limited edition Chronomaster 2 El Primero Striking Tenth (we call it a soft release) if you forget ), but after some improvements, it is now launched as a standard production caliber.
First introduce the background knowledge, in case you are not familiar with the “Striking Tenth” AKA foudroyante statement that dates back to around 2010 (although Zenith was first patented in 2002) and launched the 4052 movement. The high frequency accuracy of 36,000 vph El Primero has theoretically allowed measurement of time as low as 1/10 second, but there is always the question of how to truly measure such a small time increment on a watch. For 4052, Zenith uses a 100-tooth silicon wheel, which can accelerate the chronograph hand to complete rotation in 10 seconds instead of 60 seconds. By doing this, the one-second mark is the normal position chronograph where the ten-second mark is located. If you remember in 2012, Felix Baumgartner wore a Zenith Stratos Flyback Striking 10th equipped with 4052 and jumped 38,969.4 meters, breaking the sound barrier of free fall.
El Primero 3600 Calibre operates at a frequency of 36,000 vph (5 Hz) and has been upgraded and modified several times on the basis of the widely used El Primero 400 caliber. Compared with 326, 314 actually has fewer parts. This is due to technological development and the fact that Zenith has optimized and simplified its manufacturing process to reduce the types of assembled gems, screws and other components. Some of the main features that are immediately worth noting are the addition of a second hand function, a quick date setting function, and a longer power reserve from 50 hours to 60 hours.
The lateral clutch and the enlarged column wheel are updated from the El Primero 400, and Zenith fake has done a great job in creating an unobstructed view in which these parts engage each other. The lateral clutch has a patented system with two intermediate wheels instead of one, and the escape wheel powers the chronograph. In addition, all wheels have been individually improved and optimized to ensure proper torque. El Primero 3600 Calibre is equipped with blue screws and a completely exposed blue column wheel. It is also equipped with a new satin polished star-shaped oscillating weight. The movement’s clock logo, new improvements and decorations make it truly worthy of the exhibition back cover (this is my high praise).
Chronomaster sports watch case and design
According to my calipers, the stainless steel case of the new Chronomaster Sport is 41mm wide and 13.6mm thick, and the height from lug to lug is only about 46.2mm. For comparison, the Rolex Daytona is 40 mm wide and 12.5 mm thick, and the height between the lugs is 46.6 mm, while the new Omega Speedmaster Professional is 42 mm wide and 13.2 mm thick, and the height between the lugs is 47 mm. -The height of the ears. Chronomaster sports models are available in black lacquer or white matte dial, with 100M water resistance
The case is decorated with beveled edges that extend from the lugs to the brushed end links of the bracelet. The new ceramic bezel is indeed the focus of attention, and it is comparable to its peers and some higher-priced alternatives. According to Zenith, this is the first time that 1/10 of the second display has been etched onto the ceramic frame, and I am pretty sure this is true.
Tilting to the high-frequency El Primero movement is Zenith’s right move. I dare say that the reason most people buy luxury chronographs has nothing to do with the complication’s ability to measure time increments of more than an hour, so why not show it off in a way that no one else can do? It is really a sight to see the chronograph hands go around the dial in just 10 seconds. Once we can socialize again in person, I have a feeling that this will be a clever party technique at the next Redbar party. (I did record it to make a gif, but unfortunately technical problems prevented me. Sorry!) best swiss replica watches
Each of the three counters is decorated with a guilloche outer ring with a beautiful long pointer in the center. In the past, I found that the counters on El Primeros overlapped too much like Venn diagrams. Thankfully, they hardly rub each other here. The El Primero color scheme complements the typical panda/anti-panda dial, with the running seconds hand at 6 o’clock in gray, the 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock in dark slate, and the 60-second counter in blue at 3 o’clock. Please note that both chronographs have red hands.
The few limited edition watches that used the early El Primero 3600 movement had a date indicator at 6 o’clock, which has now been moved to 4:30. The date window matches the color of the respective dials. Although the same components are used, Zenith has redesigned and optimized the date dial to achieve easier diversification and customization. The chronograph buttons are beautiful and sturdy, which is familiar to anyone who has operated El Primero. The unique and quirky mechanism makes El Primero’s nerdy charm really shine. In the ocean of luxury chronographs, it is not easy to stand out, but seeing the central chronograph hands revolve around the dial within 10 seconds is a surprise and a childlike joy.
The bracelet is very good, but I really hope that fine-tuning will become a standard feature for watches at this price. This is an integrated bracelet that takes some inspiration from the Gay Fréres bracelet, but keeps the polished central link closer. I think it is meaningless to use Freres completely, because it is more suitable for revival works. The brushed end chain links have a polished bevel, which feels good. Finally, Zenith star decorated folding clasp.
There is also a Cordura-effect rubber strap with a steel unfolding buckle option, although I have only dealt with bracelet models.
I think Zenith positioned it here by matching a classic and beautiful watch with El Primero‘s weird new work, and really showing the function of this high-precision movement.