At this point, Zenith and it’s El Primero movement (and how it ended up powering a competitors chronograph). What might be less-familiar is the Zenith A386, which ended up loaning its case to a series of 25 prototypes made in the early 70s. That was the basis for today’s watch, which was formally reintroduced in 2024 in steel. Now the Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar goes full luxury, with a 18k rose gold case.
Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar: what it is
In some ways, this is a watch that is going to be pretty familiar. We know the layout the El Primero provides, and it’s a classic look, especially with how the indices are set on the dial (in this case, a deep black that offsets the rose gold). What is different here are the additional complications that have been added.
To begin with, you have an oversized date display between 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock. That’s a normal-ish space, it’s just a larger readout than would normally appear. Then, we get additional date info, hence the triple calendar. Above the left register you have the day of week, and above the right register you’ve got the month. Then, if that wasn’t enough, they’ve also managed to fit in a moon phase display in the lower register. So, you can keep track of large celestial objects and large calendar items, as well as time things as minutely as 1/10th of a second.
Why we like it
There are a few reasons that we think that the Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar is pretty great. First off, it’s an icon, and there’s no denying the impact of the El Primero movement. Secondly, it’s done up in a color scheme that feels luxurious without being gaudy. Finally, it adds in useful complications, which feels like quite the engineering feat in a 38mm case.
Wrapping things up
Of course, all of that ingenuity – not to mention the 18k rose gold used for the watch – doesn’t come in at a budget price point. If you’re ready to roll into the office like a boss with this on your wrist, you’re looking at $26,300. You can check out more details, and find your local store, right over at zenith-watches.com
Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Tech Specs
- Reference: 18.3400.3610/21.C911
- Key points:
- Automatic El Primero column-wheel chronograph able to measure and display 1/10th of a second.
- Complete Calendar (Day, Date and Month).
- Moonphase indications.
- Power reserve of 60 hours.
- Stop-second mechanism.
- Movement: El Primero 3610 automatic
- Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
- Power reserve: 60 hours
- Functions:
- 1/10th of a second chronograph functions.
- Complete Calendar (Day, Date & Month) .
- Moonphase display.
- Hours and minutes in the centre.
- Small seconds at 9 o’clock.
- Central chronograph hand that makes one turn in 10 seconds, 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock,
- 60-second counter at 3 o’clock.
- Finishes: Star-shaped oscillating weight with satined finishings
- Price: 25’400 CHF / 27’400 Euros / 26’300 USD
- Material: 18-ct rose gold
- Water resistance: 5 ATM
- Case: 38mm / Thickness : 14 mm / Lug to lug : 46 mm
- Dial: Black with rose gold-coloured counters
- Hour markers: Rose gold-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
- Hands: Rose gold-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
- Bracelet & Buckle: Black calfskin leather strap with 18-ct rose gold folding clasp
