Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Revealed in Stunning Rose Gold

• Zenith’s 1969 El Primero changed automatic chronograph watches forever.
• Chronomaster in rose gold revives A386 with modern upgrades.
• Triple calendar and moon-phase come from rare 1970 Zenith prototypes.
• El Primero calibre 3610 offers 1/10th second chronograph precision.
• Launching April 24, it costs 25,400 CHF / 27,400 Euros / USD$26,300 at Zenith boutiques.

Zenith was founded in 1865, but they arguably reached their—well, zenith—over a century later in 1969. That was the year the Swiss luxury watchmaker introduced their groundbreaking El Primero calibre, i.e. the first frequency automatic chronograph movement. It helped put them on the world map and also powered the A386, a triple calendar chronograph that laid the groundwork for the Chronomaster line.

Just last year, Zenith revived the iconic model to rapturous acclaim, and now they’ve done so again with a new rose gold edition. It’s almost ironic to use the word ‘timeless’ since we’re talking about watches (which literally tell time), but how else can one describe such an enduring design?

Similar to last year’s release, Zenith’s new Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar blazes a trail back to 1969. Everything from the harmonious dial layout to the circular 38mm case to the pump-style pushers draws direct inspiration from the historic A386 model. Even more direct is the chronograph’s El Primero movement, which continues to power Zenith models while getting the occasional performance upgrade. The in-house movement’s latest iteration—3610 calibre—delivers painstaking precision to 1/10th of a second in addition to its other formidable functions.

Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar in Rose Gold

• Movement: El Primero 3610 automatic
• Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
• Power reserve: 60 hours
• Functions:
  • 1/10th of a second chronograph functions
  • Complete Calendar (Day, Date & Month)
  • Moonphase display
  • Hours and minutes in the centre
  • Small seconds at 9 o’clock
  • Central chronograph hand that makes one turn in 10 seconds
  • 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock
  • 60-second counter at 3 o’clock
• Finishes: Star-shaped oscillating weight with satined finishings
• Material: 18-ct rose gold
• Water resistance: 5 ATM
• Case: 38mm / Thickness : 14 mm / Lug to lug : 46 mm
• Dial: Black with rose gold-coloured counters
• Hour markers: Rose gold-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
• Hands: Rose gold-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
• Bracelet and buckle: Black calfskin leather strap with 18-ct rose gold folding clasp

Speaking of functionality, the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar is chock-full of it. Whereas the A386 was fairly action-packed with its tri-colour counters and decimal scale, the 1969 model seems relatively tame compared to its most recent descendants. The harmonious dial layout remains intact, but the piece features a complete calendar along with a stunning moon-phase indicator. These details are likewise drawn from the past and 25 prototypes from 1970, which found Zenith applying a triple calendar and moonphase function to the framework of the A386.

Putting heritage aside, the new Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar looks resoundingly up-to-date (pun intended). What’s even more impressive is the watch’s supreme legibility in spite of its compact case size and array of complications. Fans of the Chronomaster series will recognise the design as a carry-over from last year’s model, but the 18-carat rose gold case construction and sleek black dial face bring the piece into new terrain.

The bold contrast between rose gold and black becomes a recurring motif on Zenith’s latest stunner, extending beyond the case and dial backdrop to the hands, counters, and other details. SuperLuminova SLN C1 brings everything to life under dark conditions with a powerful glow. Peer closely and you’ll notice that the chronograph seconds hand completes a full revolution every 10 seconds (as opposed to 60 seconds) to render 1/10th of a second accuracy against the graduations on the chapter ring.

Around the back, El Primero and its integrated architecture are visible through a sapphire window. Notable features include a blue column wheel and an open rotor with Zenith’s signature five-pointed star. As if running a complete calendar mechanism wasn’t enough, the mighty movement churns out a power reserve of up to 60 hours. El Primero y solo, for all you Spanish speakers out there!

Material, style, power, and performance of this magnitude will cost you, naturally. That is to say, the new Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar in Rose Gold retails for a suggested price of 25,400 CHF / 27,400 Euros / USD$26,300.

You can purchase one starting 24th of April at Zenith boutiques, online, and through authorised retailers worldwide.