Zenith Chronomaster Sport Skeleton at Watches & Wonders
At Watches & Wonders, Zenith is presenting a new interpretation of the Chronomaster model—in four versions. The sapphire crystal dial, which is subtly tinted from its black edge to its transparent center, offers a view of the skeletonized architecture of the caliber beneath: the famous El Primero.
When Zenith unveiled the El Primero in 1969, the company introduced more than just the world’s first automatic, integrated high-frequency chronograph. It set a new standard for precision in mechanical watchmaking.
With 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz) and the ability to measure tenths of a second, the high-frequency oscillator became a key component of Zenith’s DNA.
Visible mechanics: the El Primero 3600SK caliber
Today, the Chronomaster Sport Skeleton continues this tradition with the skeletonized El Primero 3600SK—naturally operating at a frequency of five hertz and offering precise measurement of tenths of a second, which can be read on the 10-second scale on the bezel. Unlike conventional chronographs, where the central chronograph seconds hand completes one revolution per minute, on the El Primero it circles the dial every ten seconds.
As a clear tribute to the 1969 original, the Chronomaster Sport Skeleton also features the characteristic overlapping sub-dials. It also features applied baton hour markers and faceted hands with a Superluminova coating.
The sapphire crystal case back reveals the blue-lacquered column wheel and the horizontal clutch mechanism of the El Primero 3600SK. The movement features a silicon escape wheel for enhanced precision and durability, as well as a seconds-stop function for precise time setting. Despite its high frequency, it offers a power reserve of 60 hours.
It is protected by a 41-millimeter case that is water-resistant to 10 bar, featuring pump-style pushers. Two versions are made of stainless steel and combine a green ceramic bezel with gray counters or a black ceramic bezel with counters in gray, anthracite, and blue. Both come with a three-link stainless steel bracelet and an additional rubber strap.
A third version is crafted from 18-karat rose gold and features a black ceramic bezel and a black rubber strap. The collection is rounded out by an exclusive edition limited to ten pieces in rose gold, paired with a gold bracelet and a bezel set with 50 baguette-cut diamonds.
New folding clasp with micro-adjustment system
With the Chronomaster Sport Skeleton in stainless steel, Zenith also introduces a new, patented folding clasp featuring a micro-adjustment system that allows the strap length to be adjusted without tools—without having to remove the watch. The total adjustment range is ten millimeters.
The folding clasp will be gradually introduced in additional models and references. It is fully compatible and can be retrofitted to all Chronomaster Sport bracelets.
(MSRP: €16,500 (stainless steel), €31,200 (rose gold), €111,400 (rose gold with diamond bezel))
