Zenith Brings Back the Chronometer Original With a New Blue Dial
Zenith introduces a new version of its Chronomaster Original, featuring a redesigned dial in the brand’s signature blue. This latest iteration follows some of Zenith's other launches of 2025 to feature blue dials, the color used to celebrate the manufacture's 160th anniversary, such as a chronograph trilogy and the G.F.J. watch unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2025. The Chronomaster Original maintains the core design elements of the original El Primero Ref. A386 from 1969 while incorporating subtle updates in color and finish aimed at a contemporary audience.
The dial retains the familiar overlapping tri-compax layout with grooved sub dials in gray, anthracite, and blue, however now set against a deep blue background. The tenth-of-a-second scale in silver runs along the periphery, the familiar date display in the trapezoid window at 04:30 is color coordinated, with the numerals in white set against a blue background. Applied luminescent baton markers and hands as well as the central red stop seconds hand complete the ensemble, staying faithful to the original design ethos.
Sharing the same overall silhouette and proportions as its historical predecessor from 1969, the Chronomaster Original comes in a 38mm stainless steel case equipped with a raised and domed sapphire crystal. Naturally, it features the mushroom-style chronograph pushers, the faceted lugs and the mix of radial brushed and polished surfaces that have already distinguished the first Chronomaster.
The Chronomaster Original is powered by the latest version of the El Primero caliber, dubbed the El Primero 3600, which boasts a high frequency of 5 Hz, enabling the 1/10th-of-a-second measurement and indication. This self-winding manufacture movement offers an extended power reserve of 60 hours. The exhibition case back provides an unobstructed view of the contemporary architecture and reveals intricate details and the open-worked rotor adorned with Zenith’s signature five-pointed star.
The new Chronomaster Original comes with two strap options: a blue calfskin leather strap and an alternately brushed and polished three-link bracelet, both secured by folding clasps.
Pricing is marked at $10,300.
To learn more, visit Zenith, here.
