Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport: a new expression of the El Primero legacy

STYLOUX
4 Min Read

Zenith has expanded the Chronomaster collection with the Chronomaster Solo Sport, a three-hand watch that brings the high-frequency character of the El Primero movement into a more streamlined format. 

Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

Introduced in 1969 as the world’s first automatic integrated high-frequency chronograph calibre, El Primero established its identity through a 5 Hz regulating organ and has remained one of the most recognisable movements in modern watchmaking. 

The Chronomaster Solo Sport retains this technical signature while dispensing with the chronograph display, placing greater emphasis on the rhythm and cadence of the movement.

Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

The watch is housed in a 40 mm x 13.3 mm stainless steel case with a lug-to-lug distance of 46 mm. 

A ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel adds a functional element to the design, while crown protectors frame the screw-down crown. 

Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

Water resistance is rated at 20 ATM (200 metres / 660 feet), giving the watch a robust construction suited to both everyday wear and more active environments.

The Chronomaster Solo Sport is offered in four distinct variations. 

Three models are equipped with a date display, in black (ref. 03.5000.3620/22.M5000), white (ref. 03.5000.3620/69.M5000) and brown (ref. 03.5001.3620/72.M5000). 

Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport
Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport
Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

In addition, a black execution without a date is available for a more restrained and symmetrical dial configuration (ref. 03.5000.3620/21.M5000).

Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

At the heart of the Chronomaster Solo Sport is the automatic El Primero 3620 calibre, derived from the El Primero 3600 chronograph movement. 

Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

Operating at 5 Hz, or 36,000 vibrations per hour, the Manufacture movement preserves the high-frequency architecture associated with El Primero. 

It features a silicon escapement, stop-second mechanism and bi-directional winding system with a star-shaped rotor, and provides a power reserve of 60 hours.

Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

The high frequency is also expressed visually through the dial. Made from ceramic, the dial features a repeated 45-degree Z motif developed specifically for the Chronomaster Solo Sport. 

The pattern is engraved into the sunray-finished white ceramic dial or rendered on the polished black and brown ceramic surfaces. 

Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

The same Z motif is also carried onto the counterweight of the central seconds hand, while the peripheral minute track uses Zenith’s characteristic shark-tooth design. 

Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

The segmented scale recalls historical Zenith references and adds definition to the outer edge of the dial.

Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

All versions are fitted with a three-link stainless steel bracelet secured by Zenith’s ZENCLASP folding clasp.

The clasp was developed to combine an ergonomic profile with tool-free adjustment. 

Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

Its integrated micro-adjustment system allows the bracelet length to be changed in 2.5 mm increments, with a total adjustment range of 10 mm. 

A lift-up safety cover bearing the Zenith star secures the clasp, while the secondary cover provides access to the adjustment mechanism.

Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

ZENCLASP comprises 41 components and was developed over three years, involving approximately 1,800 hours of research, engineering and optimisation. Its durability was tested through more than 600,000 opening and closing cycles, corresponding to more than ten years of simulated use.

The black no-date version of the Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport retails at €9,500 / US$9,800, while the versions equipped with the date display retail at €10,500 / US$10,900. zenith-watches.com

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Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport
Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport
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