The Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition For Hodinkee

Hodinkee and ZENITH are joining forces once again on a new iteration of the legendary ZENITH El Primero. A celebration of an innovative legacy, The Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition For Hodinkee reinterprets the modern chronograph iconic in unexpected hues. The first limited style in the Chronomaster Original line, its late 1960’s-era aesthetic is modernized just enough with the powerful El Primero 3600 automatic 1/10th of a second chronograph caliber inside and an unprecedented opaline salmon dial with counters in three shades of grey. This collaborative edition is exclusively available on the online Hodinkee Shop and ZENITH online boutiques around the world.

As the leading destination for all things watches and horology, Hodinkee’s appreciation of both ZENITH’s 1969 release of the first fully integrated automatic chronograph movement, along with their Chronomaster Original line that was unveiled last year with the latest generation of the seminal calibre featuring 1/10th of a second measurement, inspired this partnership. The result is a refreshed look that is rooted in ZENITH’s rich history. The first El Primero caliber was born in a game-changing era for watches, with its name meaning "the first." The El Primero’s ethos of invention continued into design with one of the most subtle, comfortable and well-proportioned cases of the era, along with a dial that still feels extraordinary more than 50 years on. Altogether, ZENITH watches have become an enduring symbol of chronograph design and engineering.

The Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition For Hodinkee captures this legacy through the wrist-hugging ergonomics, the angularity of the lugs, and the classic tri-color registers — and comes together to form a modern version that pushes the storied El Primero into a brand-new era.

Distinguished by design

The Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition For Hodinkee demonstrates the strength and versatility of the original El Primero while providing a silhouette that feels like a contemporary, well-made, and luxurious ZENITH. This is where the perfectly sized 38mm x 12.6mm case of the Chronomaster Original came in. Introduced in 2021, the Chronomaster Original instantly recalls the original ZENITH A386 of 1969, but with updates in both design and performance that ensure both modernity and a unique function true to the innovative spirit of the El Primero.

The colors are where Hodinkee pushed the boundaries while connecting the timepiece to the world of classically complex watchmaking. The timepiece is outfitted with a matte salmon opaline dial, providing a dynamic and warm backdrop uncommon for this dial configuration.

Chosen by the Hodinkee team, the salmon leans more towards an orange colorway as opposed to red, and the matte opaline finish allows that color to shine without any unnecessary finishing. This is anything but simple — the color has depth and a bit of flash that holds up against the muted silver and gray hues elsewhere. On the wrist, the dial "pops" and can move quite seamlessly between bright and sunny and formal and moody. With the strong salmon base tone, the chronograph reinterprets ZENITH’s emblematic tricolor registers in three shades of grey. Also, the signature 4:30 date window is preserved with the date wheel matching the color of the dial.

Beyond the tones, the watch’s case and dial are enclosed with a raised sapphire crystal, calling to mind the acrylic lenses found on vintage ZENITH timepieces like the A386. Flanked by familiar pump-style pushers and brushed lugs, the case is met by a tapered bracelet with polished center links, outer links with polished edges, and a folding clasp to ensure the look—and feel—of a modern high-performance sports watch.

El Primero: The driving force

Housed inside the 38mm case, and entirely visible through the sapphire caseback, sits the ZENITH El Primero Automatic Caliber 3600 movement. The Caliber 3600 shares the same high-beat rate and column-wheel design that has defined the El Primero since its inception, but with modern technical enhancements that ensure smooth running and reliability. For instance, the chronograph seconds hand traverses the dial once every ten seconds or six times per minute. Also, rather than drive the chronograph via the movement's fourth wheel, as the original caliber 400 did, the El Primero 3600 runs the chronograph directly off its high-tech silicon escape wheel, made possible by ZENITH’s longstanding chronograph design and engineering excellence.

The Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition For Hodinkee is available as a 300-piece limited edition for $9,500 through the HODINKEE Shop and ZENITH’s online boutique.

Technical specifications

The Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition For Hodinkee

Reference: 03.3201.3600/18.M3200.T3/P

Limited edition of 300 pieces

Case

• Material: Stainless steel
• Diameter: 38 mm
• Glass: Sapphire crystal 
• Case back: Sapphire crystal
• Water-resistant to 50 meters (5 ATM)

Dial and hands

• Dial: Salmon opaline
• Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
• Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1

Movement

• Powered by the El Primero 3600
• Automatic high-frequency chronograph movement with 1/10th of a second chronograph function
• Frequency: 36'000 vph (5 Hz)
• Power reserve approx. 60 hours

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock, 1/10th of a second chronograph
• Central chronograph hand that makes one turn in 10 seconds 60- minute counter at 6 o'clock 60-second counter at 3 o'clock

Strap and buckle

• Stainless steel Chronomaster Original Bracelet

MSRP

• CHF 8'400
• USD 8'500

For more information, please visit zenith-watches.com