A Dial from Outer Space: The Zenith Chronomaster Sport Meteorite

The Zenith Chronomaster Sport Meteorite introduces a dial crafted from genuine meteorite to the collection, combining it with the technical hallmark of the El Primero – the ability to measure time intervals to one-tenth of a second. At the same time, it draws on historically rooted elements such as the Tri-Compax layout of the subsidiary dials. What follows is a closer look at this novelty.

The Birth of the El Primero in 1969

At the heart of the new Chronomaster Sport beats the El Primero – a movement of rich heritage and profound significance for modern watchmaking. Development began in 1962 with the aim of presenting it for the brand’s centenary in 1965. The specifications outlined a vision of the most advanced chronograph movement the watch world had yet seen: Zenith sought to unveil the very first integrated automatic chronograph – specifically, a high-frequency calibre running at 36,000 vibrations per hour, measuring only 6.5 mm in height and capable of timing to the tenth of a second.

After seven years of development, the project was completed on 10 January 1969: with the El Primero (“the First”), Zenith unveiled a movement thinner, more precise, and more enduring than the Chronomatic Calibre 11, presented by its chief competitor only four weeks later. Equipped with a bi-directional rotor, column-wheel control, and horizontal clutch, it has since undergone continuous refinement – with the Calibre 3600 powering the new Chronomaster Sport Meteorite representing the latest evolution.

From the A386 and Striking 10th to the Chronomaster 2 and the Chronomaster Sport – the Evolution of the Chronomaster Line

The aesthetic foundations of the Chronomaster line were laid in 1969 with reference A386, distinguished by its striking tri-colour sub-dial execution – in blue, anthracite, and light grey – a design language that continues to define the collection to this day. In 2010, Zenith revisited the original strength of the El Primero. With the Striking 10th, limited to 1,969 pieces, the brand showcased the calibre’s ability to measure intervals of one-tenth of a second: the central chronograph hand circled the dial once every ten seconds, powered by the Calibre 4052 B.

The next significant advancement came in 2019 with the limited Chronomaster 2 – both technically and aesthetically. On the one hand, the model introduced the Calibre 3600, featuring a hacking seconds mechanism and an improved power reserve of 60 hours. On the other, it brought a new design, placing the 100-division scale for measuring tenths of a second on the bezel. The third generation of Zenith’s chronograph followed in 2021 with the Chronomaster Sport, also equipped with the El Primero 3600. This model marked the introduction of a ceramic bezel to the collection, while presenting an overall more contemporary look. Yet once again, the stylistic anchor remained the Tri-Compax arrangement of the counters – set in a V-formation at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock.

The New Zenith Chronomaster Sport Meteorite Ref. 03.3120.3600/76.M3100 in Detail

The new Chronomaster Sport Meteorite with meteorite dial (Ref. 03.3120.3600/76.M3100) once again captures an aesthetic that preserves key traits of the original A386, while reinterpreting them in a contemporary design language. The watch retains a case with chamfered, angular lugs and pump-style pushers – elements that already defined the appearance of the 1969 A386. The new Chronomaster Sport comes in stainless steel with a diameter of 41 mm, a thickness of 13.6 mm, and a water resistance of 100 metres.

The tri-colour design of the overlapping sub-dials also remains a central feature of this novelty: the arrangement comprises a 60-second counter at 3 o’clock and a 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock for the chronograph, along with a constantly running small seconds at 9 o’clock. Yet this new edition departs in part from the traditional tri-colour execution in blue, anthracite, and light grey. To preserve the monochromatic character of the watch, Zenith – as already seen with the titanium Chronomaster Sport – has chosen a palette of anthracite, light grey, and silver. A discreetly integrated date display with rounded corners is positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock, a characteristic detail of the El Primero line.

At the heart of the new Zenith Chronomaster Sport Meteorite lies its dial of genuine meteorite, distinguished by a unique Widmanstätten pattern – a naturally occurring geometric structure formed as molten iron cooled slowly in space, and subsequently refined in Zenith’s workshops. Rising above this backdrop are applied, faceted baton indices and rhodium-plated hands coated with Super-LumiNova C1. Framing the dial is a black ceramic bezel with a 10-second scale.

The Movement of the Zenith Chronomaster Sport Meteorite

The engraving “1/10th of a second” on the black ceramic bezel highlights one of the core strengths of the Calibre 3600 within. Powering the watch is the El Primero 3600, the latest generation of Zenith’s legendary chronograph calibre. Operating at a frequency of 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour) and fitted with a silicon escape wheel, it enables the chronograph hand to complete a full rotation of the dial in ten seconds, measuring time to the nearest tenth of a second via the 100-scale bezel. The calibre further offers a power reserve of 60 hours. Through the sapphire caseback, the movement’s architecture is revealed: including the blued column wheel, the horizontal clutch, and the skeletonised rotor adorned with the Zenith star.

Price and Availability of the Zenith Chronomaster Sport Meteorite

The Zenith Chronomaster Sport Meteorite is fitted with an integrated stainless-steel bracelet featuring alternating brushed and polished links and a double folding clasp. A black rubber strap with matching clasp is also included. Initially launched exclusively in Japan, the model is now available worldwide in Zenith boutiques, through authorised retailers, and via the brand’s online store. The price is set at EUR 18,300.

https://www.zenith-watches.com

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