Say ‘El Primero’ and the first thing that springs to mind is a high-frequency movement. A chronograph. Then along comes Zenith and shifts the perspective with the El Primero 3620 calibre, a time-only movement running at 36,000 vibrations per hour, which the Maison has incorporated into certain models of the Defy Skyline and Pilot collections – two of the brand’s sports collections alongside the Chronomaster. A line which, unlike the other two, did not feature a three-hand model. Until now. Because the combination of the Chronomaster and the El Primero 3620 calibre has resulted in the Chronomaster Solo Sport, the time-only watch with a date display that was missing from this collection.
This was precisely the rationale behind Zenith’s decision to create the Chronomaster Solo Sport: to bring the collection’s range into line with that of the other lines designed for active use, a far cry from the classic style of watches such as the Elite or the G.F.J. The result is an intriguing timepiece, which needs to be studied – but above all, worn – to be fully appreciated. We were given a sneak preview of this opportunity in recent months, when we wore the Chronomaster Solo Sport on our wrist for two days, using it during outdoor activities.
CHRONOMASTER SOLO SPORT: COMFORTABLE AND PRACTICAL
We mentioned earlier that to understand this watch, you need to study it and wear it. Well, let’s start with the fit. Using it for outdoor activities such as trekking or mountain biking allowed us to appreciate how it sits on the wrist. The steel case measures 40 mm in diameter and has a relatively modest thickness of 11.93 mm. Given its compact design, it almost looks like a 38 mm watch, and thanks to the integrated three-row steel bracelet (with a polished inner link and satin-finished outer links) and the not particularly long lugs, it is comfortable, even when used in dynamic situations.
The unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel contributes significantly to the balance of the design. This is the first time Zenith has introduced a rotating bezel made from this material within the Chronomaster collection (it features, for example, on the Defy Extreme Diver) and has done so in the best possible way. The pronounced knurling makes it easy to operate, and the bezel turns smoothly.
The case is finished with a vertical satin finish that accentuates the watch’s sporty character. The robust crown guards are almost reminiscent of those on a diver’s watch, as is the 20-bar water resistance. This is yet another feature that reinforces the idea of a timepiece designed for an active lifestyle, as well as for an urban setting.
ZENITH AND THE DIAL DESIGN
Now that I’ve put on the Chronomaster Solo Sport, it’s time to take a closer look at it. This means examining the dial, where Zenith has focused most of its efforts in terms of materials – it’s made of ceramic – and aesthetic design. To begin with, it is available in three colour variants – white, brown or black – across four models. The white dial is paired with a black bezel, the brown dial with a brown bezel, and the black dial with a black bezel; the latter is featured on one version of the watch with a date display and one without. There are therefore three models with a date display and one without.
The ceramic dial has been laser-engraved with a repeating ‘Z’ motif arranged at a 45-degree angle, designed to evoke the rhythm and vibration of the El Primero movement. This motif, with its elongated ends, is reminiscent of a lightning bolt but, of course, also of the ‘Z’ in Zenith, and is also printed on the dial at 6 o’clock, beneath the inscription ‘36,000 VpH High Frequency’. The ‘36,000 VpH’ inscription is red on the model with a white dial and on the black version with a date window; it is brown on the model with a brown bezel and white on the version without a date window.
The white ceramic dial has a sunburst finish, whilst the black and brown dials are polished. The newly designed Z-pattern is also found on the counterweight of the central seconds hand and was conceived to serve as a visual signature of Zenith’s high frequency, bringing rhythm and precision directly to the dial. It was designed exclusively for the Chronomaster Solo Sport and, seen in person, is very eye-catching.
The stylistic treatment of the dial also extends to the hour markers. In addition to the 5-minute markers – which are applied, facetted and filled with SuperLuminova – the minute track around the periphery of the dial is particularly noteworthy: it features a ‘shark’s tooth’ design and creates a strongly segmented time display. It is inspired by certain historic Zenith models, such as the El Primero A3818, or the more modern limited edition Zenith x Revolution & The Rake Chronomaster Revival A3818 “The Airweight Cover Girl”.
The harmony of the shark’s teeth is disrupted at 3 o’clock by the date window, which has perhaps been positioned a little too far towards the edge of the dial: a few millimetres closer to the centre would not have gone amiss, regardless of the constraints imposed by the calibre on the positioning of the date disc. The date disc matches the dial, in both the white version and the black and brown versions.
THE CHRONOMASTER SOLO SPORT CALIBRE AND THE ZENCLASP BUCKLE
There is little to say about the El Primero 3620 calibre, in the sense that it is one of Zenith’s best-known and most reliable high-frequency movements, visible through the Chronomaster Solo Sport’s sapphire crystal case back. Derived from the El Primero 3600 chronograph movement, it operates at 36,000 vibrations per hour with a 60-hour power reserve and has been modernised with the introduction of a silicon escapement, a seconds-stopping mechanism and a bidirectional winding system featuring a star-shaped rotor. The rotor, like the bridges, features a vertical satin finish that echoes that of the case.
Finally, a few words on the stainless steel Zenclasp folding clasp, which completes the bracelet. It was unveiled in April at Watches and Wonders as Zenith’s true technical innovation for 2026 and, indeed, it is packed with technical sophistication: 41 components, including 10 ceramic balls that ensure both the locking function and the positioning of the mechanism. Its development took three years, a period also required for Zenith’s engineers to ensure that none of the technical innovations it incorporates had already been developed by any other brand.
The clasp is protected by a flip-up safety cover adorned with the Zenith star which, when lifted, gently unlocks the clasp. It features an easy-to-use micro-adjustment mechanism that allows the bracelet to be adjusted without tools by lifting a secondary cover. The micro-adjustment allows for increments of 2.5 mm, with a total adjustment range of 10 mm. In this way, the bracelet adapts to the natural variations in wrist size throughout the day, which occur particularly during sporting activities.
PRICES AND CONCLUSIONS
For the Chronomaster Solo Sport, Zenith has opted for an ambitious price point: € 10,500 for the three versions with a date display, and € 9,500 for the non-date version. This positioning places the watch in the upper echelons of high-end timepieces, with the aim of appealing to enthusiasts of the brand and the collection who wish to move away from the traditional concept of the chronograph.
In fact, having tried it out, we think the idea of aligning the Chronomaster collection with the Defy and Pilot ranges – by featuring a simple time display alongside the chronograph – makes sense. Especially as the Chronomaster Solo Sport is exactly what its name suggests: a sports watch, just like the collection to which it belongs. The work on the aesthetics and materials is attractive and interesting, and the improvement to the buckle is useful, but ultimately what matters is that the timepiece does its job (being accurate and reliable), staying true to the vision that inspired it. Having worn it for two days, we feel confident in saying that the Chronomaster Solo Sport has accomplished this mission.
By Davide Passoni