The chronograph has long been heralded as the pinnacle of modern timekeeping and few have been as closely linked to the function as Swiss icon Zenith. When the brand introduced the El Primero automatic high-frequency movement in 1969, the world took notice, and rightfully so. Blending sophisticated style with a decidedly modern complication, the aptly-named Choromaster Collection has become ingrained in Zenith DNA, so much so, the watchmaker is turning back the clock for a special release.
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To coincide with the opening of the new Zenith Manufacture Boutique, an immersive environment within the brand’s headquarters, the Swiss legend has unveiled the Zenith Chronomaster Original Boutique Edition. Bearing a design language eerily reminiscent of the early El Primero steel chronographs from 1969, the release is a mostly visual upgrade on existing models. Furthering the vintage feel, the new special edition cops a refined blue and silver colour scheme throughout. As expected, the blue dial comes complete with silver chronograph registers and scales that add a touch of elegance to the vintage-inspired timepiece.
“The Zenith Blue colour is central to the identity of the brand, from the starry night sky that inspired its founder over 150 years ago to the striking colour found in many of its movements and dials,” Zenith wrote.
Diving a little deeper, the new watch received faceted and rhodium-plated hour markers designed to improve the legibility, along with the white-painted hands with black inserts. In a modern twist, Zenith has wrapped both hands and indices with Super LumiNova, marking a subtle upgrade on the norm.
Under the hood, the Zenith Chronomaster Original Boutique Edition is fitted with Zenith’s El Primero 3600 calibre. An integrated, automatic chronograph movement, this addition is capable of tracking elapsed time down to 1/10th of a second and can also be found in the Chronomaster Sport. For chronograph fans, the movement runs at a high frequency of 36,000vph, allowing the seconds hand to make 1 rotation every 10 seconds. The caseback continues the vintage feel, however, cops a slightly more modern take, with an openworked rotor completed by the Star logo.
To finish the design, the Chronomaster Original Boutique Edition is available on either a steel bracelet or blue calfskin leather strap. It is priced at AUD$12,900 and is available at all Zenith boutiques around the world as well on the online shop.
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