![]() ![]() A close look at the etched bezel reveals the subtle alternations in the orientation of the numerals on the scale in the service of legibility.ĭrilling down on the black lacquered dial’s details, most all of the classical Chronomaster El Primero elements are present: the rhodium-plated, faceted block indexes, compressed at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions to accommodate the subdials a rounded-edge rectangular window at 4:30 for the date display, with a date numeral in white on a black field and the aforementioned, recessed subdials, which gently overlap each other’s edges and are finished with a snailed texture that is scarcely visible except under a loupe. Definitively modern in contrast to all the watch’s historical details is the polished black ceramic bezel, with its white-etched scale for recording 1/10th-second timing intervals, which debuts on this new watch and imparts a substantial portion of its “Sport” character. The crown is relatively small and set tight to the case, which is aesthetically pleasing but from a utility standpoint makes it a bit difficult for fingers to grip and turn. In between these pushers, with their slightly rounded and polished heads, is the fluted, two-position crown with a relief Zenith star emblem in its center. ![]() The pushers take just a modicum of pressure from a fingertip to activate, engaging with a light metallic click. The ceramic bezel is etched with a 1/10th-second chronograph scale. The case boasts an appealing array of satin-brushed and mirror-polished finishes on its curves and facets, all the more prominent on the bracelet-mounted version of the watch I reviewed, where that variety of shiny and matte surfaces continues seamlessly from lugs to links. The new model bears some of those models’ vintage influences: its sleek, 41-mm steel case features the pump-style chronograph pushers of earlier models, and the tricompax dial (in either matte black, as on our review model, or matte white) hosts a set of overlapping subdials in the classic El Primero colors of blue, anthracite, and light gray, just as they appeared on the classic A386 model from 1969. The Chronomaster Sport marks, according to Zenith, “a new era for the quintessential Zenith sporty-chic chronograph,” the El Primero-equipped Chronomaster, whose other recent variations have included more retro-influenced models like the Chronomaster Revival Manufacture Edition and Chronomaster A385 Revival. This year, Zenith remedied that with the introduction of the Chronomaster Sport series, which houses the most recent, most optimized version of the El Primero and introduces an ultra-readable ceramic bezel with an etched, graduated 1/10th-second display. In most watches that housed this now-famous movement, however, the dial was not designed to actually record these minuscule measurements in an easily legible way. The El Primero would become the cornerstone upon which Zenith would build its modern brand for many years to come. In 1969, Zenith made history with the introduction of the original El Primero caliber, which was notable for, among other aspects, its uncommonly high frequency of 36,600 vph (5 Hz), which in practical terms meant that its integrated chronograph could record elapsed times not just to the second but to the 1/10th second. The Le Locle-based manufacture still holds the world record for chronometry Observatory Prizes, at 1,565. Zenith has always been all about pushing the boundaries of mechanical timekeeping precision. Zenith Chronomaster Sport on steel bracelet In this feature from the WatchTime archives, I give it a test drive. Something to fill the desirability gap for that unattainable Daytona? Or a uniquely cool watch on its own terms? It’s both.Zenith’s most attention-grabbing release of 2021 was the Chronomaster Sport, whose revolutionary 1/10th-second chronograph display is intended to lead the El Primero-equipped series into the future. The overlapping sundials, pump-style side pushers and 41mm case remain. ![]() The “quintessential Zenith sporty-chic chronograph” now comes in new models with new case materials: 18kt rose gold with a rose gold bracelet and two-tone 18k rose gold with a stainless steel bracelet. It means it can record elapsed time down to not just the second, but to 1/10th of a second, a breakthrough in watchmaking. Plus, Zenith equipped its new Chronomaster with its proprietary “El Primero” movement, a mechanism with an uncommonly high frequency – way faster than Rolex’s. Rolex’s icon with the ceramic bezel and panda dial is one of the best-looking designs ever made. The similarities to Rolex’s Cosmograph Daytona were much-remarked upon when it came out last year, but if you’re going to be compared to one watch, it may as well be that. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |