The New Zenith Chronomaster Sport Titanium

Zenith captured the attention and resonated strongly with enthusiasts in 2021 by unveiling the Chronomaster Sport collection. Setting itself apart from its predecessors, the series introduced several distinctive elements. Notably, the bezel graduated to 1/10th of a second, a departure from the traditional and arguably redundant tachymeter scale found on many chronographs. Following multiple variants in steel, with ceramic or metal bezel, as well as precious metal variations, it is time for this sports chronograph to become bolder, more technical and lighter, with the new, highly monochromatic Zenith Chronomaster Sport Titanium. 

The Chronomaster Sport immediately hinted at its potential to become another iconic Zenith design. Since its debut, the collection has expanded, offering a variety of colours, materials, and price points. Among its offerings is a standout full-gold reference adorned with precious stones, concealing the beloved 1/10th of a second scale beneath its opulence. While this golden reference is an exception, the latest Zenith Chronomaster Sport presented in titanium stands out as a monochromatic beauty that is hard to resist. We were happy to experience the watch firsthand.

Titanium reigns supreme as the material for a (luxury) sports watch, and for good reason. Lightweight, durable, corrosion-resistant, and paramagnetic, it’s the ideal choice for the new Zenith Chronomaster Sport release. Crafted from grade 5 titanium, the 41mm case, its surfaces, fluted crown bearing the iconic star logo, and pump-style pushers boast a sleek satin-brushed finish, showcasing the best grey for a performance-driven appeal. The bezel, also fashioned from titanium and engraved with a precise 1/10th of a second scale, features a distinctive sunburst satin-brushed decoration. Polished accents, including the bezel rim and caseback, add a touch of refinement to the ensemble.

The sunray-brushed galvanic nickel-grey dial is all about monochromatic sophistication. The snailed and recessed subdials for the running seconds and chronograph totalisers showcase a signature tri-colour design, albeit in varying shades of grey. The 60-second counter at 3 o’clock adopts an anthracite hue, the 60-minute counter at 6 features a subtle grey tone, and the small seconds at 9 gleams in silver. Wide chapter rings with clever markings enhance readability, while the chronograph function hands, including the central one with its red tips, inject a hint of sportiness – though envisioning these tips in black is equally conceivable for a more dramatic effect. The rhodium-plated, faceted hour and minute hands are coated with Super-Luminova, ensuring optimal visibility in low-light conditions. Similarly, the faceted indices boast the same luminous coating. Integrated between 4 and 5, the date window seamlessly blends with the dial’s aesthetics.

The Chronomaster Sport Titanium, powered by the already familiar 5Hz calibre 3600 and boasting a 60-hour power reserve seen in other references, deserves commendation for its performance, evolution, and contemporary, technically inspired approach to decoration. This coherence aligns seamlessly with the grey titanium theme, visible through the sapphire caseback. The calibre 3600 showcases a star-shaped open-worked rotor, and notable features such as the blued column wheel, along with select blued screws and gold-coloured components, adding a touch of aesthetics to the practical elements.

Presented in two variants, the new watch offers a vertically satin-brushed three-link titanium bracelet with an adjustable clasp or a novel FKM rubber strap, resistant to heat and chemicals. The rubber strap, featuring a folding clasp, achieves flawless integration with the case and resonates harmoniously with the Chronomaster Sport Titanium’s spirit. I find it preferable over the metal variant. For those interested, these newly developed straps will be available for separate purchase, offering colour options in black, green, and white.

In summary, the Zenith Chronomaster Sport Titanium embodies a contemporary approach to design that has already garnered a great following. While retaining the same inherent characteristics as its counterparts in the family, its sleek grey aesthetic and lightweight profile set it apart, deserving praise for its distinctive appeal. Paired with a bracelet, the watch costs CHF 11,400, on a rubber strap, CHF 10,900, and is available from Zenith boutiques and authorised retailers worldwide. For further details, visit zenith-watches.com.