Zenith: Chronomaster 2

Zenith redesign the world’s most accurate automatic chronograph movement, the mythical El Primero – a high-frequency born in 1969, offering a modernised version that is faithful to the architecture and performance of the original. The strict specifications stipulated modularity, optimised industrial production, assembly and adjustment, the addition of a stop-seconds device and autonomy increased to a full 60 hours. As an added bonus, it was to provide the option of integrating several functions and displays as well as ensuring enhanced user friendliness – all the while complying with the absolute necessity of preserving the integrity and identity of the original El Primero.

Renamed El Primero 3600, this optimised calibre is thus endowed with the main attributes of its predecessor: a 1/10th of a second chronograph function, along with integrated construction incorporating a lateral clutch, column wheel and ballbearing-mounted central rotor. The difference lies in the fact that it has been developed using the latest technologies and performance algorithms. The most obvious modifications are as follows: a tenth-of-a-second display on a scale with 100 graduations; the addition of a balance-stop device; a reversal of the crown sequence; adjustment of the wheels and gears; enlarged and centred design of the column wheel; and most visibly of all, an optimised lateral clutch that now includes two intermediate wheels.

To inaugurate the new-gen El Primero, Zenith has chosen an emblematic contemporary collection: the Chronomaster. Equipped with the El Primero 3600 movement, the Chronomaster 2 also flaunts a modernised look with a 42mm titanium case, black or blue ceramic graduated bezel, skeleton dial with solid counters and star-shaped oscillating weight. Graced with three distinctive colours – light grey, blue and anthracite – the display is distinguished by a direct tenth-of-a-second read-off. The red chronograph hand makes a full sweep of the dial in ten seconds, indicating with each jump successive tenths of a second on the 100 graduations of the flange and bezel.

In addition to measuring and displaying tenths of a second, this Chronomaster features hour and minute functions in the centre, 60-minute and 60-second chronograph counters, running small seconds and date, while delivering a minimum 60-hour power reserve. Available in two limited series of 250 pieces each at the price of € 9.600.