Zenith is adding an annual calendar to the Chronomaster Original collection. The collection revives the design of the brand’s iconic A386 and now features a model with a triple calendar display. Originally, the A386 was to include a full calendar and a moon phase display anyway. However, due to the success of the classic chronograph, the decision was made to withhold the full calendar. Based on several prototypes with triple calendar display from this period, the manufacture designed the new Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar. Three versions are being presented, each with a different dial colour. There is silver, slate grey and olive green. Being a boutique edition, the latter is only available from the company’s own sales outlets.
The watch is housed in a 38 mm stainless steel case, which was designed according to the original construction plans of the A386. Despite the addition of the full calendar, the proportions of the case remain the same. The angular profile with polished sides and satinised front is entirely in keeping with the historical model. The bezel-less design and the domed and raised sapphire crystal are characteristic features. There are also pump pushers and a crown with a polished Zenith star. The movement is revealed through the sapphire crystal back. The water resistance is 50 metres.
The Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar is available in three versions. Firstly with a silver-white “Panda” dial with opalisation and black counters. There is also a version with a slate grey dial and white counters. Finally, there is the Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Boutique Edition with an olive green dial and sunburst finish.
As the central chronograph hand completes one revolution in 10 seconds, there is a 60-second counter at 3 o’clock and a 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock. A small seconds sits at 9 o’clock instead. The calendar displays for the day and month are located above the counters on the 3 o’clock axis. The date is at the traditional position for the El Primero at 4:30, with all the calendar discs matching the dial colour.
A 1/100-second scale and a 1/10-second scale wind around the dials. The inner scale is in a contrasting colour to stand out from the dial. All variants have red gold-coloured hands and indices, which provide a warm contrast and harmonise with the moon phase display at 6 o’clock. Inspired by the Zenith logo, five-pointed stars adorn the sky on the metallic blue disc. The main hands also each have a black tip, which is reminiscent of the original Chronomaster.
With the Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar, a new variation of the El Primero 3610 makes its debut, integrating a full calendar with day, month, date and moon phases in addition to the chronograph. With a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per minute, it enables measurements to the nearest tenth of a second. Despite the increased complexity, the movement still retains a power reserve of 60 hours. This is thanks in part to a more efficient gear train.
The watches are all available on a three-link metal bracelet with the same brushed and polished surface as the case. Alternatively, matching leather straps are available: black for the “Panda” dial, blue for the slate grey dial and green for the Boutique Edition. In each case, a folding clasp secures the watch to the wrist. The versions of the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar with silver-white and slate-grey dials are available in all Zenith boutiques and from authorised retailers, while the Boutique Edition is only available in Zenith boutiques and the company’s own online shop. The price is 14,000 euros for the watches on a leather strap and 14,500 euros for the metal bracelets.
