Introduced just earlier this year, the Chronomaster Sport is the first regular-production model equipped with the El Primero 3600, the latest iteration of Zenith’s storied chronograph movement.

Having debuted the line with versions in steel, Zenith now unveils the rose gold Chronomaster Sport, adding a touch of luxe to the sports chronograph.

Initial thoughts

While not the most novel, the new Chronomaster Sport is a sensible addition to the line. Flagship sports chronographs – Daytona, Speedmaster, Big Bang et al – are offered in solid gold, so it makes sense that Zenith would take the same approach with the Chronomaster Sport.

I’ve handled the watch in the metal, and it is eminently striking in gold and black. Admittedly, it does have a passing resemblance to the Daytona in the same livery, but I would say that the Chronomaster Sport more than holds its own, especially considering its movement.

The dial is recognisably Zenith with its signature tri-colour registers, as well as the date at 4:30. More crucial is the inscription on the bezel that hints at the movement within. The calibre has a 1/10th second resolution for the chronograph, surpassing most chronographs in its price segment.

Funnily enough, one of my favourite aspects of the watch is actually the gold flange with the minute track that circles the white dial – the colour pops and works wonderfully against the precious metal case.

Priced at US$21,300, the rose gold Chronomaster Sport is substantially more affordable than the competition despite an arguably more advanced calibre, making it a value proposition.

All that glitters is gold

Aside from being clad in rose gold, the new Chronomaster Sport retains almost all aspects that appeal in the steel model. That includes concentrically textured sub-dials; faceted, applied indices with black inlays; and pump-style pushers reminiscent of vintage El Primero chronographs.

Made from shiny black ceramic that’s scratch-resistant, the bezel will look like new even after years of wear

Visible through the back is the recently-developed El Primero 3600, a movement designed from scratch as the next generation of the venerable high-frequency chronograph calibre.

An upgrade from the original in most respects, the El Primero 3600 features twin chronograph seconds hands, one conventional and the other a lightning central seconds that travels six times as fast as a conventional seconds hand. It completes one revolution every 10 seconds, allowing for clearer reading of its 1/10th of a second resolution.

The secret to the high-speed seconds hand is the native 10 beats-per-second frequency of the movement – such that the lightning seconds hand makes 100 tiny, indiscernible steps over 10 seconds, allowing it to be read against the 100 hashmarks on the ceramic bezel.

Key facts and price

Zenith Chronomaster Sport
Ref. 18.3100.3600/69.C920

Diameter: 41 mm
Height: Unavailable
Material: 18k rose gold
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: El Primero 3600
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and chronograph
Frequency: 36,000 beats per hour (5 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 60 hours

Strap: Leather strap with rose gold folding clasp

Availability: At Zenith boutiques and online shop, as well as authorised retailers
Price: US$21,300; or 30,800 Singapore dollars

For more, visit Zenith-watches.com.