But the movement has also been updated in the frame of continuous optimization, in particular, by incorporating modern technologies to evolve in synchrony with the times. The re-industrialisation of the movement in 1987 (under the reference Calibre 400) was the occasion to introduce several improvements. In more than 50 years of history, the El Primero has evolved in many directions. Beyond its historical importance, El Primero’s longevity speaks for itself. Part of the trilogy of automatic chronograph movements that hit the market in 1969, it is the only one that is still produced to date. Presented in 1969, the Zenith El Primero has become an undisputed horological icon. Meet the new Zenith Chronomaster Sport, and don’t miss our video review above to see how it looks on the wrist.
As 2021 kicks off, Zenith unveils a new sporty and technical iteration of the collection with a sharp new look outside and a significant boost inside. Today, it is the most emblematic expression of the iconic El Primero movement. More than 20 years later, this sports chronograph has become one of the brand’s key collections. The central, 1/10th-of-a-second hand calls for with several additional gears linked to the escape wheel, the fastest-turning wheel in the timekeeping gear train. The additional gear train increases the speed of the lightning chronograph seconds by sixfold compared to the conventional running seconds.The Zenith Chronomaster has spawned numerous versions and generations since it was originally presented at the 1994 Basel watch fair. With the clasped seconds hand relocated from the centre to the three o’clock register – resulting in the loss of an hour counter – the central seconds hand now fulfils a new function – it makes one revolution every 10 seconds, or six rotations per minute, to allow pinpoint reading of elapsed times with a resolution of 1/10th of a second via the scale on the ceramic bezel. Precise time setting has also been made easily with a hacking-seconds for the time.īut the true highlight are the twin chronograph seconds hands. Perhaps most relevant for daily wear is the extended power reserve that’s now 60 hours, ten more than the original calibre and approaching the modern-day norm of three days. It costs about 20% more than an average model with the original El Primero movement, clocking in at US$9,500 on a strap, or US$10,000 on a steel bracelet.Īn improvement over the original in many aspects, the El Primero 3600 boasts long-overdue technical updates as well new innovations. Amongst the tweaks are a wider ceramic bezel and lacquered dials in stark white or black – a look that calls to mind the flagship chronograph of the green giant in Geneva.Īs is the case with most Zenith chronographs, the Chronomaster Sport is priced reasonably. The design is an incremental evolution of the Chronomaster 2 equipped with the El Primero 3600 that was part of the three-piece anniversary set. Technical ingenuity notwithstanding, the watch itself looks good, albeit slightly derivative.
El primero chronomaster 2 full#
That truly unleashes the full potential of the El Primero movement, which runs at 10 beats a second, or 36,000 beats per hour. Most notable is the addition of a lightning central seconds that travels six times as fast, completing one revolution every 10 seconds, allowing it to measure 1/10th of a second.
El primero chronomaster 2 upgrade#
The El Primero 3600 is certainly an impressive upgrade and a completely different animal compared to the original El Primero.
Now that the vintage remakes have reached their end with the final instalment announced just recently, the new movement can take the stage. The debut of El Primero 3600 two years ago was noteworthy, but it was lost amongst the tasteful remakes – case in point – created to commemorate the anniversary. The El Primero 3600 finally becomes accessible with the new Chronomaster Sport, a new line of sports chronographs featuring a shiny black-ceramic bezel and two dial options. Designed from ground up as a brand-new movement, the El Primero 3600 was equipped with modern tech and additional features, including twin chronograph seconds hands.īut the movement never made it to regular production, until now. Two years ago, when Zenith celebrated the semicentennial of the El Primero – the world’s first high-beat, automatic chronograph movement – a successor to the long-running workhorse was quietly unveiled as part of a three-piece set. Share Facebook Linkedin Twitter Weibo Instagram
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