Zenith Unveils Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Watch At LVMH Watch Days

Starting off the new calendar year right, Zenith unveils its Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar watch here at LVMH Watch Days in Miami. The new timepiece is a slimmed down, sleeker version of an iconic heritage piece and houses an all-new caliber.

Zenith’s triple calendar chronograph has been an important piece in the El Primero lineup for decades thanks to its harmonious dial design and easy-to-read display of information. In fact, the El Primero automatic high-frequency chronograph caliber that was initially released in 1969 was designed to accommodate the triple calendar and moon phase functions. However, the straight-forward chronograph was the preferred version so the calendar version was initially put on hold. But not for long.

The new Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar is geared to take thew world by storm once again. Based on the blueprint for the original A386 version from 1969, this watch boasts a 38mm case in original proportions. The watch, devoid of a bezel like the original design,  is powered by the high-frequency 1/10th of a second chronograph movement, El Primero 3610 automatic. Beating at 36,000 vibrations per hour, the watch offers, in addition to the chronograph function, a complete calendar with day, date and month indications, as well as a moonphase display. The column wheel chronograph movement is endowed with 60 hours of power reserve and boasts a stop-second mechanism.

A tour around the dial showcases the 1/10^th of a second readout on the outer flange, a 60-second counter at 3:00, a 60-minute chronograph counter at 6:00, small seconds at 9:00. There is also a central chronograph hand that makes one turn in 10 seconds. The days of the week and months are displayed symmetrically in apertures above the chronograph counters.

The movement boasts a new star -shaped rotor with satin finishes – visible from the transparent sapphire crystal case back. A domed sapphire crystal protects the dial and boasts an anti-reflective coating for easy reading.

There are three versions of the watch – each available with either a black calfskin leather strap or with a three-row metal bracelet. One version has a Silver opaline dial with black-toned counters, a second option  has a slate-grey-toned opaline dial with silver-toned counters, and a third option — maybe my favorite — features an olive green-toned sunday patterned dial with silvery counters.  The strap version retails for $11,500, while the bracelet Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar watch sells for $12,000.