Chronomaster
Zenith’s flagship chronograph line, built around the El Primero, the first high-beat (36,000 vph) automatic chronograph caliber. The 2021 Chronomaster Sport (Caliber El Primero 3600) introduced the 1/10-second tachymeter on a ceramic bezel and put the line in the modern panda-chronograph conversation.
Sub-lines
- OpenThe modern 41mm ceramic-bezel Chronomaster: El Primero 3600 reads 1/10-second intervals on the running-seconds hand at twelve. Launched 2021 as the line entry into the contemporary sport-chronograph conversation.
- OpenThe vintage-styled 38mm sub-line reviving the tri-color panda dial from the 1969 A386. Runs the El Primero 400B at 36,000 vph, the original architecture reworked for modern tolerances.
References in this family
Which ref to buy
The Chronomaster is the direct continuation of the El Primero -- the movement Zenith kept in production when every competitor switched to quartz in 1969. The El Primero's 36,000vph beat rate makes it the most accurate mechanical chronograph movement in production. Buying a Chronomaster is buying that engineering heritage.
- 1Open
Chronomaster Original -- the El Primero in the most historically faithful modern case.
- The case for it:
- Cal. El Primero 400B, 38mm, tricolor sub-dials (the El Primero signature), 36,000vph. The Chronomaster Original is the watch that reconnects with the 1969 El Primero -- the tricolor (silver, blue, gold) sub-dial arrangement is the original specification. The 38mm case is proportionally correct and represents a return from years of larger case sizing. The strongest value in the Swiss manufacture chronograph category.
- Consider instead if:
- The El Primero is a high-beat movement that requires service at smaller intervals than lower-beat calibers. Factor servicing into long-term cost.
- 2Open
Chronomaster Sport -- the modern sport specification El Primero, larger case with integrated bracelet.
- The case for it:
- Cal. El Primero 3600, 41mm, integrated bracelet, 100m water resistance, ceramic tachymeter bezel. The Chronomaster Sport is Zenith's integrated bracelet chronograph -- a strong competitor to the Royal Oak Chronograph at a fraction of the price. The ceramic bezel adds utility.
- Consider instead if:
- The 41mm integrated bracelet configuration has more in common with the current sport watch trend than the historical El Primero character. Collectors who care about the El Primero heritage often prefer the Original.
Rankings last reviewed 2026-06-06. Editorial perspective only. Not financial advice.