The Zenith Chronomaster Original Boutique Edition (Live Pics & Price)

The chronograph function is something of a tradition for Zenith, and it has been so since 1969 with the introduction of the iconic El Primero automatic high-frequency movement. Offering both contemporary and historically inspired pieces, the Chronomaster collection is a perfect platform for Zenith to display its prowess with the complication, specifically with the Chronomaster Sport and the recently-launched Chronomaster Original, a 38mm model to be seen as the successor to the A386. Today, Zenith introduces two new references in this collection, which are celebrating the opening of an important location; the new Zenith Manufacture Boutique, an immersive environment within the brand’s headquarters. Here’s the new and attractive Zenith Chronomaster Original Boutique Edition.

Zenith has decided to open a boutique at the manufactory to engulf visitors in the world of Zenith and allowing them up-close and hands-on experiences with the brand’s collections upon appointment. This is basically no different to other boutiques, but Zenith also offers people to embark on a three-tiered Watch Clinic at the manufacture, depending on one’s prior knowledge and skill.

While all that sounds fine and dandy, Zenith also launches two new references within the Chronomaster collection, to create a bit of fanfare to this occasion. It builds upon familiar traits of the Chronomaster Original, which in turn heavily resembles the original Zenith A386 El Primero from 1969. The case has brushed surfaces and polished accents, with classic pump-style pushers on the right-hand side. Raised and domed crystals cover both the front and back of the watch. Sharp, faceted lugs complete the look of the essential El Primero watch. And being only 38mm in diameter, the Chronomaster Original is comfortable and pleasant to wear.

The Chronomaster Original Boutique Edition is mostly a visual upgrade on existing models, as it relies on a new blue and silver colour scheme throughout. The striking blue dial comes with silver chronograph registers and scales. Faceted and rhodium-plated hour markers help with the legibility of the current time, along with the white-painted hands with black inserts. Both hands and indices have been coated with Super LumiNova. From left to right, the sub-registers display the running seconds, a 60-minute totalizer, and a 60-second totalizer.

As the outer scale of the dial suggests, the Zenith Chronomaster Original Boutique Edition is fitted with Zenith’s El Primero 3600 calibre. This integrated, automatic chronograph movement is capable of tracking elapsed time down to 1/10th of a second and can also be found in the Chronomaster Sport. It runs at a high frequency of 36,000vph (or 5Hz) which means the chronograph seconds hand makes 1 rotation every 10 seconds. Furthermore, it uses a column wheel and horizontal coupling. The power reserve is a very pleasant 60 hours. Seen through the caseback, the look is clearly that of an El Primero, yet with a more modern take on the decoration, including an openworked rotor with the Star logo.

The Zenith Chronomaster Original Boutique Edition comes on either a vintage-styled blue calfskin leather strap (Ref. 03.3200.3600/51.C902) or a three-link stainless steel bracelet (ref. Ref. 03.3200.3600/51.M3200). Both references are available at all Zenith boutiques around the world as well as Zenith’s online shop, and of course from the new Manufacture Boutique in Le Locle, Switzerland. The price is CHF 8,400 on the leather strap or CHF 8,900 on the steel bracelet.

For more information and online orders, please visit Zenith-Watches.com.