Zenith rehashes their relationship with the City of Love, debuting a new, French-exclusive Chronomaster Original model.
“The right time, every time, for a lifetime.” This was Zenith’s unwavering commitment when it debuted in 1900. Why? Well, that same year, Zenith’s exceptional craftsmanship secured the prestigious Grand Prix at the Paris Universal Exhibition. It was this international recognition that established the brand as a trusted chronometric companion for professionals from all walks of life.
Since that pivotal year, Zenith has maintained close ties with the French capital, drawing from the contemporary architecture of the modern city with the limited-edition Defy Skyline Paris Edition in 2024. This year, the brand has returned to Paris with a new rendition of the Chronomaster Original. While the Defy Skyline represented the modern evolution of both Paris and Zenith, the Chronomaster Original feels like a love letter to the timeless aesthetic of the old city.
A State Of Zen(Ith)
Measuring 38mm in diameter, 47mm lug-to-lug and 12.9mm thick, the new Zenith Chronomaster Original Paris Edition faithfully retains the proportions that have made the collection one of Zenith’s most authentic vintage recreations.
Taking inspiration from the original Ref. A386, the Chronomaster Original’s lines are suited to modern sensibilities without compromising its heritage. Encased in stainless steel, the nostalgic character of the watch is enhanced by a pair of classic pump-style chronograph pushers, elegantly tapered lugs and a box-shaped sapphire crystal.
Complementing the case is a stainless steel bracelet fitted with Zenith’s newly introduced ZENCLASP folding clasp, first presented during Watches and Wonders 2026. Designed to improve comfort in everyday wear, the clasp features a practical tool-free micro-adjustment system that allows the bracelet length to be adjusted in 2.5mm increments.
By lifting a small cover, wearers can make quick, precise adjustments throughout the day without removing the watch or using tools. But if a steel bracelet just isn’t your style, don’t worry: Zenith also includes an additional black leather strap, offering a sportier and more casual alternative.
…In Paris
The centrepiece of the Chronomaster Original Paris Edition is undoubtedly its gradient verdigris dial. Inspired by the naturally oxidised copper found across many of Paris’ most iconic rooftops and domes, the distinctive blue-green patina develops over decades as copper weathers, creating one of the city’s most recognisable visual signatures.
Interestingly enough, verdigris can be found all over the world on many iconic structures, including the Statue of Liberty. Zenith recreates this effect through a carefully executed fumé gradient that transitions from a lighter green at the centre to progressively darker tones towards the outer edge, where it turns black.
Adding further depth is a subtly grainy surface texture designed to mimic the appearance of verdigris rather than presenting a completely flat finish. As a result, the dial constantly changes character depending on the lighting while maintaining a distinctly vintage aesthetic.
The signature overlapping chronograph registers are also finished in verdigris green, allowing the familiar El Primero layout to remain visually cohesive without distracting from the dial itself. Rhodium-plated indexes and hands stand out against the rich green backdrop while offering excellent legibility in both standard and low-light conditions. Completing the display is the much-contested 4:30 date window, which effectively moves the date out of the way of the chronograph display.
10 Seconds To Love
Looking through the open caseback reveals the heart of the entire operation, and one of the most iconic chronograph movements of all time. Powering the Chronomaster Original Paris Edition is Zenith’s acclaimed Calibre El Primero 3600 automatic chronograph movement. Operating at a high frequency of 5Hz (36,000VpH) with a 60-hour power reserve, the movement is capable of measuring elapsed time to one-tenth of a second.
This remarkable speed is visually demonstrated through the central chronograph seconds hand, which completes a full revolution around the dial every 10 seconds rather than the conventional 60. Beneath the dial, the movement retains the column-wheel and horizontal-clutch chronograph architecture that has long distinguished the El Primero family, combining technical sophistication with the smooth chronograph operation appreciated by enthusiasts worldwide.
Initial Thoughts
Though the new release may ostensibly come across as a simple colour change, the Zenith Chronomaster Original Paris Edition marks the second time the watch has paid homage to the City of Love. Not only does it draw design inspiration from the enduring beauty of French architecture, but it also celebrates the brand’s own heritage and longstanding connection with the city. After all, Paris was where Zenith first found its footing with watch lovers, so it makes perfect sense that the brand continues to honour the place that helped establish its reputation all those years ago.
The only tragedy surrounding this watch, other than its 50-piece limited run, is that it’s available exclusively through Zenith France’s website or Parisian boutiques. But just because it’s out of reach for most collectors doesn’t mean it can’t be appreciated from afar. Or perhaps you’ll find yourself in Paris at just the right time to secure one for yourself.
Reference & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | 03-3207-3600-75-M3230 |
| Dimensions | 38mm case diameter x 47mm lug-to-lug x 12.9mm thickness |
| Case | Stainless steel |
| Dial | Grained green fumé with white accents |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Caseback | Open, sapphire |
| Movement | Automatic El Primero Cal. 3600 with chronograph (30min, 12h registers), date, & small seconds complications |
| Power Reserve | 60h |
| Beat Rate | 5Hz / 36,000VpH |
| Water Resistance | 50m / 5bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Steel bracelet with micro-adjustable ZENCLASP Complementary black calfskin leather strap with steel pin buckle |