Zenith  Chronomaster  Watches

Zenith Chronomaster: Dressy Meets Sporty

Sleek and sophisticated, who knew that you could blend elegance and sportiness in one watch? The Swiss company Zenith did. The ceramic bezel conjures a sporty image, and yet it does not look chunky like most sports watches. Unveiled in 1994, the robust yet dressy Zenith Chronomaster collection brought about a fresh look for active watches in the market. 

Now, sitting at the pinnacle along with high-end Swiss watches, the Zenith Chronomaster collection exudes modern proportions and out-of-the-ordinary design elements. The stunning work of skeleton and open heart pieces is produced with innovative features such as the iconic El Primero automatic movement with a power reserve for up to 60 hours. Some models also have an opening on their dials for a glimpse of the beating heart of the said movement. So if you’re on the hunt for out-of-the-box luxury sports watches, then this line would be right up your alley.

Price List at a Glance: The Most Popular Zenith Chronomaster Watches

How much is a Zenith Chronomaster watch?

Ranging from $5,939 to $11,000 USD, the Zenith Chronomaster collection offers high-quality and avant-garde chronograph watches at a luxury price. One glance at these timepieces and you'll know they're not a usual accessory. These Zenith watches are not only pretty to look at but boast the unique El Primero movement with a long power reserve. 

Prices for the Zenith Chronomaster Sport Watches

Although frequently compared to the Rolex Daytona due to its straps, three subdials, and black ceramic bezel, the Zenith Chronomaster Sport breaks boundaries with its high-frequency precision. Marked with black hands and markers for a minimalist look, the Zenith El Primero Sport Ref. 03.2280.400/01.C713 embodies the classy sports watch for a unisex timepiece. At $6,799 USD, this 45mm Swiss-made Chronomaster watch has a 50-hour power reserve and is backed with 200m power resistance. 

Meanwhile, the Zenith El Primero Sport Ref. 03.3100.3600/21.C822 is made with a black lacquered dial featuring the brand's signature tri-color counter dials. With a 41mm stainless steel case the dark-themed accessory is completed with a black rubber bracelet. Enjoy this subtle el primero-powered piece at approximately $10,141 USD.

For a sleek and elegant sport automatic watch that goes with any activity, the versatile Zenith Chronomaster Sport Ref. 03.3100.3600/69.M3100 is made with a stainless steel strap. With a whopping $10,000 USD, the silver-colored timepiece has a date indicator located at the 4:30 marker and includes a power reserve for up to 60 hours.

Prices for the Zenith Chronomaster Open Watches

Intricate, contemporary, and one-of-a-kind, the Zenith Chronomaster Open series features an open heart dial for a little peek at the El Primero movement. The $6,519 El Primero Chronomaster Open Ref. 03.2040.4061/52/C700 is a gorgeous example. This stainless steel blue-dialed Swiss made watch has luminous silver hands and water resistance of 100m. On the other hand, the Chronomaster El Primero Open Ref. 03.2040.4061/21.C496 has a tachymetric scale. This black-toned sunray patterned watch costs $5,939 USD and has a power reserve of 50 hours.

For more open Zenith watches, the Chronomaster El Primero Open Ref. 03.2040.4061/01.R576 is equipped with a rubber strap. Similar to most of the company’s chronograph watches, this design has a 12-hour counter dial at 6 o’clock and a 30-minute one at 3 o’clock. With an elegant white dial, the blue luminous hands stand out along with the black markers.

Prices for the Zenith Chronomaster Full Open Watches

Here’s a Zenith watch that promises a corporate look with a touch of class, the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Grande Date Full Open. It has an 18k rose gold bezel that’s complemented with a silver-tone skeleton dial. The day/night indicator at the 6 o’clock position is the star of this piece, with its beautiful moon phase complication. At $9,389 USD, enjoy an exquisitely detailed watch with a 50 hours power reserve and 100m water resistance.

Zenith Chronomaster — Is it a good investment?

Considered a premium brand, Zenith watches approximately start at $5,000 USD. And with the chronomaster collection’s famous el primero movement, it’s a sure sought-after line. This movement allows the line to have high precision and accuracy, making it stand out among typical chronograph watches.

Aside from its correct time and date, with the Swiss made brand’s trusted history and quality, its name can stand along with luxury watches such as Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe. Zenith manufactures limited numbers of their timepieces focusing more on the caliber. This leaves a huge demand making the prices spike higher. 

The First Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Watch

Inspired by the Spanish word “El Primero” or “the first”, this revolutionary movement boosted Zenith watches name in the watch industry. In 1969, the 3019 PHC or the first fully integrated, automatic chronograph movement was launched. 

The first-ever El Primero-powered timepiece or the Zenith El Primero A384 combines a high-frequency automatic kind and timer-chronograph achieving new feats in the watch world.  Slim and sleek, the earlier version is just 6.5mm thick and has an hour and minute timer. 

In a tribute to the 1969 design, new models of the old Chronomaster Revival El Primero were unveiled in 2019. The newer A384 transports you back with its 37mm stainless steel case and a white-lacquered dial with black-colored counters. At $7,900 USD, it’s complemented with a steel ladder bracelet for an elevated look. In addition, an $8,400 USD modern rendition of the A385 was also relaunched for the perfect everyday Zenith watch. It includes a gradient super luminova brown dial with a 37mm stainless steel case.  

History Behind the Zenith Chronomaster

The Zenith El Primero launch in 1969 paved the way for the Zenith Chronomaster collection. With an impressive chronograph, the first El Primero watch already includes the signature tri-color details of the Swiss company. The subdials overlapping each other boasted three contrasting yet harmonious colors, and turned into one of Zenith’s unique trademarks. 

What’s more, Zenith conquered another design milestone by aiming for a small caliber that would fit into a slim case. Four years after the initial anniversary date, the Swiss made watches team made this goal possible and incorporated it into more of their newer el primero models.    

Officially presented in 1994 at Baselworl, the Chronomaster watches line only consists of two automatic chronographs that are certified by the COSC or the Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres. Just like the current designs of the Zenith watches, the older timepieces of the collection have a date indicator at 4:30. 

Now without veering away from their roots, these elements are still evident in their current watches giving them a timeless, classic look. 

Five Reasons to Buy a Zenith Chronomaster Watch

Precise, detailed, and sporty, you can never go wrong with a Zenith Chronomaster timepiece. The quality of these Zenith watches will never fail you and the untainted name of the brand can attest to it. Although an underrated luxury brand, the exquisite craftsmanship of these timepieces is supported by over 2300 chronometry prizes for their precision. 

So if you’re still unsure, here are five reasons why these Zenith watches are worth the price:

1. El Primero Movement

The brand’s unique automatic movement alone is enough reason to buy these watches. Although 50 years had gone by after it was introduced, it still has one of the best and most accurate movements with its capability of measuring one-tenth of a second.

2. Intricate Design

One of the many reasons why this collection is popular is due to its refreshing elements. This line combines tri-colored counter dials, date indicators, and a slim and compact case for a highly functional yet stylish accessory.

3. They hold their value

A sought-after collection, these chronograph watches hold their value over time because of their high craftsmanship, brand, and exclusivity.

4. Quality over quantity

Only a limited number of watches are manufactured by the Swiss made company giving them more focus on the finish and quality of each piece. Furthermore, the complicated el primero movement promises that it could power the watches at such a long time.

5. Get two kinds of watches in one

Refined yet sporty, the Zenith Chronomaster Sport is not your typical active watch. Equipped with a long power reserve and high water resistance, the design of this variant gives sports timepieces a breath of fresh air. 

Zenith Chronomaster and Famous Personalities

Aaron Rodgers

A highly rated quarterback, the football superstar and Zenith ambassador was photographed wearing the lustrous Chronomaster Sport Ref. 03.3100.3600/69.M3100. The refined 100m water-resistant timepiece is made with a steel and ceramic casing and paired with a white dial. 

Will Ferrell

In his 2019 guest appearance on a TV show, the tri-colored Zenith Chronomaster Ref. 03.2150.400/69.C713 was spotted on the Zoolander star’s wrist. The El Primero-powered timepiece is equipped with a stainless steel case and a sapphire crystal.

Nicolas Cage

The iconic actor shows off his well-decorated wrist with the limited edition 18K Pink Gold Zenith El Primero Tourbillon Chronomaster wrapped around it in 2015. The polished watch features two small subsidiary dials surrounding a tourbillon carriage. 

Zenith Chronomaster Watches: Timeless Yet Unconventional

When looking for watches, most of us look for elements that are not found on most models. Still close to their roots, the Zenith Chronomaster collection promises avant-garde designs without compromising quality and accuracy.