Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar El Primero slate grey dial steel bracelet 38 mm

A Long-Awaited Chronograph

ZENITH's long-awaited triple calendar chronograph makes its grand return - and it's more refined than ever! The most iconic El Primero variant for over 50 years, ZENITH's triple calendar chronograph is instantly recognizable thanks to its clear, balanced displays. In the new Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar, ZENITH combines the cutting-edge performance of the latest version of the legendary high-frequency automatic chronograph caliber with a triple calendar with moon phase, all in a compact design inspired by the past, with an undeniably Chronomaster character.

The story

If in 1969 man took a giant step for mankind by walking on the moon, Zenith took a giant step for watchmaking. After seven years of research, the Manufacture presented the El Primero, the first integrated automatic chronograph in history, also equipped with a date and a tachometer. An achievement in itself, with the added bonus of exceptional precision, as the caliber beats at the extraordinary speed of 36,000 vibrations per hour, with an accuracy of 1/10th of a second. Driven by the audacity that has guided its steps since its foundation, the Manufacture Zenith pushes the limits of its art even further by adding a triple calendar and moon phase to its caliber, which has already established itself as a true watchmaking icon. In fact, the El Primero was designed from the outset to accommodate these functions! The name of this caliber was also born in 1969: El Primero 3019 PHF. In 1970, in order to validate the concept, the Manufacture produced a series of 25 prototypes in the round case A386. To be precise, Zenith acquired one at Christie's in May 2012 for CHF 37,500, submitting the winning bid in recognition of its historical significance and, presumably, the unknown number of the 25 prototypes produced that still exist!

However, given the success of the basic chronograph version, the brand decided to wait a few years before launching the first triple calendar El Primero model, a 1970s watch in a very space-age style: the Espada, produced from 1971 to 1975! This caliber was then retired in the 1980s/1990s until the early 2020s with the very elegant and classic El Primero Caliber 410 version!

But as Zenith celebrates the 55th anniversary of the El Primero, the practicality of the triple calendar, the elegance of a moon phase and the classic proportions of the Chronomaster combine to give birth to what will probably be one of the most adored watches of 2024: the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar!

Polyvalent and functional

With its multiple functions, the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar is probably the most versatile and functional watch in the Chronomaster collection. The 1/10-second chronograph is as important and legible as in the standard Chronomaster Original, and the full calendar is integrated into an intuitive display that doesn't clutter the dial. The days and months are displayed in symmetrical windows above the chronograph counters, while the date window occupies its traditional position in an El Primero, at 4:30. As for the moon phase, it's placed in the center of the chronograph's 60-minute counter, at 6:00.

Vintage inspiration down to the millimeter!

In the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar, the compact steel case with a diameter of 38 mm is not only vintage-inspired, it also echoes the exact pattern and proportions of the 1969 A386. With such a construction, with no bezel around a raised domed sapphire crystal, it takes great ingenuity to preserve the proportions by adding a full calendar with moon phase to the 1/10th of a second high-frequency automatic chronograph caliber.

Model presentation

Reference 03.3400.3610/39.M3200 features a sumptuous slate-grey opaline dial with silver-white counters and scales, directly inspired by the small series of triple-calendar El Primero prototypes from 1970. This version is enhanced by rose gold appliqués and baton hands, creating a warm contrast that highlights the polished rose gold moon on the metallic blue sunray disk adorned with five-pointed stars.

The indices and hands are faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova® SLN C1 for optimum legibility! This Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar comes on a steel bracelet with three links, brushed and polished like the case.

A new caliber: EL PRIMERO 3610

A new version of the latest generation of high-frequency automatic chronographs, the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar's El Primero caliber 3610, beats at 5 Hz (36,000 vph) and offers a true 1/10th of a second function. Even with the addition of the full calendar, the efficient transmission ensures a power reserve of approximately 60 hours. The sapphire crystal case-back reveals the contemporary architecture of the movement: the pure, openwork design highlights the blue column wheel and the rotor marked by the five-pointed ZENITH star.