Clock and Wonder 2022: Zenith Chronomaster Open

From JustLuxe Content Partner iW Magazine

Zenith modernizes her Chronomaster Open collection with a new El Primaro movement, a Hasselight second counter, and a smaller case diameter.

Veteran collectors may recall the 2003 debut of the Chronomaster Open, which featured a larger case and a multi-aperture view in an earlier El Primaro movement. The new watch, which highlights Zenith’s watch and Marvel 2022, is lighter in many ways than its predecessor and previous Chronomaster Open collection.

Now presented in a more wrist-friendly 39.5mm steel or rose gold case, the new Chronomaster Open reappears the well-known three-color Zenith Chronomaster layout, but several new elements have been added.

Here, Zenith holds the short second counter at 9 o’clock (which was missing in the original Chronomaster Open), remaking it with a clear Hesselite crystal. The crystal clarity allows the viewer to see the purple silicon star-shaped escape wheel.

Also, Zenith has changed the shape of the dial opening, adding round openings with chamfered edges instead of the applied metal frame of the previous version with blood screws. The results revealed the new El Primro 3604 in a more contemporary gray color.

A new caliber based on the recently unveiled El Primero 3600 1/10, a second automatic high-frequency caliber with Zenith intelligence. The new design, which replaces the existing Chronomaster Open collection, is an excellent mid-way point between Zenith’s Chronomaster Sport and its vintage-tinged Chronomaster original.

With its new diameter (current collection models 42mm), the cleaner dial and 1/10 of the second display, the new Chronomaster Open hits all the updates needed for a truly contemporary collection.

Price: $ 10,000 (steel on bracelet) and $ 21,300 (rose gold on straps).

Gold Chronomaster Sport

Also, Zenith has added a gold version of her very hot Chronomaster Sport, which has become the top seller for the brand since its launch last year. Zenith now offers Chronomaster Sport in Rose Gold (with a 1/10th second scale bracelet and engraved bezel).

The Signature El Primaro is available with a black or white dial with three color counters, golden hands and applied markers. Price: 38,200.

A boutique-only steel version plays a unique, three-color bezel (see below, $ 11,900).

Also, look for a two-tone chronomaster sport (bottom) between rose gold and steel (17,000).