ZENITH: 55 Years in the Making
With its spectacular comeback, the ZENITH triple calendar chronograph, which has been eagerly anticipated for a long time, is more precise than it has ever been. The triple calendar chronograph from ZENITH is instantly recognisable due to the fact that it displays information in a way that is both clear and balanced. This particular variant of the El Primero has been symbolic for more than half a century. In the new Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar, ZENITH combines the cutting-edge performance of its legendary automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre’s latest incarnation with a triple calendar and moon phase, all within a compact and historically inspired design that is unmistakably Chronomaster. This watch includes a moon phase and a triple calendar.
To say that the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar has been in the works for the past 55 years would be an understatement. A truth that is not often known but demonstrates how far ahead of the curve ZENITH’s revolutionary automated high-frequency chronograph calibre was at the time of its introduction in 1969 is that the El Primero was initially meant to handle the triple calendar and moon phase functions from the very beginning of its construction. A proof-of-concept consisting of a set of twenty-five prototypes was manufactured in 1970. These prototypes utilised the same circular casing as the A386. It was decided to wait a few years before launching the first version of the El Primero triple calendar in a watch, which by the 1970s had taken on a form that was significantly more space-age. This decision was made due to the fact that the basic chronograph version was so widespread and successful.
The Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar is perhaps the most adaptable and useful line in the Chronomaster collection. It comes with a variety of features that may be used for a variety of purposes. In spite of the fact that the 1/10th of a second chronograph is just as noticeable and readable as the normal Chronomaster Original, the inclusion of the full calendar is carried out in a way that makes it easy to read without making the dial appear cluttered. Above the chronograph counters, there are windows that are symmetrically positioned to indicate the days of the week and the months. The date window, on the other hand, is positioned in the customary El Primero position of 04:30. At the hour of six, the moonphase display is positioned in conjunction with the sixty-minute counter on the chronograph.
Not only does the tiny 38mm steel case of the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar have a vintage-inspired design, but it is also based on the exact layout and measurements of the A386 from 1969. The insertion of a complete calendar with moonphase mechanism into the automated high-frequency 1/10th of a second chronograph calibre without affecting the proportions of the case is a real marvel of creative design. The watch is constructed without a bezel and features a sapphire crystal that is elevated and dome-shaped.
The Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar is available in two distinct dial variations: a sportier silvery-white “panda” opaline dial with black counters and a scale that measures one tenth of a second, and an opulent slate-grey opaline dial with silvery-white counters and a scale that is directly inspired by the small series of El Primero triple calendar prototypes that were produced in 1970. The polished rose gold moon that is placed on a metallic blue sunray-patterned disc with five-pointed stars is brought out by the rose gold-tone baton markers and hands that are applied to both variants. This adds a warm contrast that brings out the moon’s beauty. A third dial version is a sunburst olive-green colour with golden attached markings and hands. This dial variant is exclusive to the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Boutique Edition and can only be purchased at ZENITH boutiques, both in-person and online. In every iteration, the calendar wheels are identical to the hues of the dial rings.
The Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar’s El Primero 3610 is a new variety of the El Primero automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre, which is the most recent generation. It runs at a rate of 5 Hz (36’000 VpH) to provide a chronograph function that is accurate to 1/10th of a second. Even with the inclusion of the full calendar, its efficient gearbox makes it possible to have a power reserve of around sixty hours. The sapphire display back, which has a sleek and open design and reveals the blue column wheel and open rotor that are both marked with the five-pointed ZENITH star, offers an unobstructed view of the movement’s contemporary architecture.
A three-link steel bracelet with the same alternating brushed and polished finishes as the case is included with the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar. Alternatively, a calfskin strap in black for the panda dial, blue for the slate-grey display, and green for the Boutique Edition dial is also included with the watch.
