The new Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport removes the collection’s defining chronograph complication, but retains its high-frequency El Primero heart. I take the collection hands-on to see whether it can establish its own identity while still remaining a true Chronomaster!
What We Love:
- Retains the Chronomaster identity
- Meaningful high-frequency dial pattern
- Well-proportioned for everyday wear
What We Don’t:
- No alternative strap options
- Limited dial-and-bezel combinations
- Shark-tooth track feels busy on darker dials
Overall Rating: 8.75/10
- Value for Money: 8.5/10
- Wearability: 8.8/10
- Design: 9/10
- Build Quality: 8.8/10
What happens when a brand introduces a model that removes one of the defining elements from an already established collection? Well, that is exactly what Zenith has done with the latest addition to one of the brand’s most refined collections to house the El Primero movement: the Chronomaster. While we were initially expecting a different take on the signature chronograph model, the release of a simple three-hand edition was not something we anticipated, but it is certainly welcome.
The story behind Zenith’s Chronomaster Sport begins much earlier than the collection itself, tracing back to the launch of the El Primero in 1969. As the world’s first automatic integrated high-frequency chronograph calibre, the El Primero quickly established the technical foundation that would later define Zenith’s Chronomaster family. One of the first watches to feature the El Primero movement was the A386, which presented a now-iconic design with its round case and overlapping blue, anthracite and light-grey chronograph subdials.
Zenith continued to evolve the El Primero over the decades, introducing new cases, functions and different interpretations that still retained its instantly recognisable design. What remained consistent, however, was the technical complexity of the El Primero movement and its 5Hz frequency. This eventually paved the way for the Chronomaster collection, which gave Zenith the opportunity to preserve the brand’s chronograph heritage while continuing to develop the El Primero.
Zenith introduced the Chronomaster Sport in 2021, which signalled a new era of modern high-frequency chronographs for the brand. The inspiration behind the Chronomaster Sport was not limited to one historical model, instead drawing different elements from several important Zenith references over the years. The Chronomaster Sport also carried several defining traits that made it instantly recognisable, much like the El Primero did back in 1969.
From the 41mm stainless-steel case, which featured a contemporary silhouette with angular lugs, and the polished ceramic bezel to the three-link stainless-steel bracelet with a mixture of brushed and polished finishing, these details became key traits of the Chronomaster Sport collection. The Chronomaster Sport quickly became a flagship model for Zenith and even won the Chronograph Prize at the 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
Over the last few years, Zenith has added several sub-collections to the Chronomaster family. These include the Revival models, which focus on faithfully recreating historical references from the 1960s and 1970s using original production plans; the Chronomaster Original, which retains the classic proportions and aesthetic details of the A386; and the Chronomaster Open, which was completely redesigned in 2022 and takes a more technical approach by giving the dial a partially skeletonised design.
What all these collections have in common, however, is that they feature a chronograph complication. Naturally, one would expect the next major release to be another evolution of these existing lines. So, when Zenith introduced a three-hand edition, it took everyone by surprise. Could the Chronomaster identity still work without the chronograph complication that had always defined it?
Initial Impressions of The Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport
Although “Chronomaster” does not technically mean chronograph, the collection has become almost inseparable from the complication and the El Primero movement powering it. By introducing a new model that removes the chronograph, Zenith had to be careful to design something that still felt recognisably connected to the Chronomaster family.
I personally think Zenith has done a good job of achieving this. While the release initially seemed slightly unorthodox for the collection, the more time I spent with the watch, the more it began to make sense why a sub-collection like this was needed within the Chronomaster family. The identity of the Chronomaster Sport is certainly retained through the case architecture, sporty bezel, and, of course, that high-frequency El Primero movement.
Retaining the movement was a must, as it has been one of the central pillars of the Chronomaster Sport collection since its introduction in 2021. Although the Solo Sport removes the chronograph functionality, the Calibre 3620 preserves the 5Hz frequency that remains the beating heart of the Chronomaster Sport collection.
A Familiar Architecture Now With Refined Proportions
The Chronomaster Solo Sport retains the strong and recognisable architecture of Zenith’s signature Chronomaster Sport collection while removing the chronograph elements, including the pushers and subdials, to create a cleaner three-hand profile. Without the additional chronograph pushers, the case appears more balanced and draws greater attention to the crown, bezel and angular shape of the lugs.
Previous editions of the Chronomaster Sport chronograph were presented in a 41mm case, but for the new Solo Sport, Zenith has reduced the size to a more compact 40mm diameter. The model measures 13.13mm thick with a lug-to-lug measurement of only 46mm, creating a much more wearable Chronomaster design compared to its chronograph counterparts. The proportions also suit the simplified three-hand aesthetic nicely, giving the Chronomaster Solo Sport a strong wrist presence while allowing its unique dial pattern to take centre stage.
The stainless-steel case features a mixture of brushed and polished surfaces, allowing its angular architecture to become more noticeable under different lighting conditions. The top surfaces feature vertical satin-brushed finishing, while the bevels and case flanks have a polished finish, giving the Chronomaster Solo Sport a contemporary and luxurious appearance that is perfectly suited to everyday wear.
This finishing continues onto the sharply defined lugs, which feature a slightly angular design that helps the case contour to the wrist. The different finishes also transition seamlessly onto the three-link stainless-steel bracelet, with the outer links featuring a vertical satin-brushed finish while the central links have a mirror-polished appearance, continuing the refined design.
The bezel is also a highlight of this timepiece. While the dial takes centre stage, the unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel has its own appeal. It is presented in two different colours across the new Chronomaster Solo Sport range. Firstly, there are three editions featuring a black ceramic bezel: the white and black ceramic-dial models with a date, along with the black no-date edition.
Then we have one of the more unique models in the Chronomaster line: the brown ceramic dial with its matching brown ceramic bezel. It is not every day that you see a brown ceramic bezel on a dedicated sports model, and it presents a distinctive aesthetic with a warmer and more individual personality than the black and white editions.
High Frequency of The El Primero Made Visible
The dials of these Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport editions are where the collection really starts to separate itself from the brand’s signature chronograph line. Zenith has introduced a unique detail that helps the Chronomaster Solo Sport build its own identity rather than simply presenting a Chronomaster Sport without the chronograph counters.
Each dial has been crafted from ceramic and features a repeated 45-degree “Z” motif engraved across its surface. What I like about this pattern is that it is not purely aesthetic, as it also provides a meaningful connection to the Zenith’s history. The pattern has been designed specifically to visually represent the rhythm, vibration, and cadence of the high-frequency El Primero movement inside.
As you may know, the El Primero represents one of Zenith’s most historic achievements, arriving during a period when several watchmakers were competing to develop the first automatic chronograph. Zenith ultimately introduced the world’s first automatic integrated high-frequency chronograph movement, operating at 5Hz (36,000VpH). Seeing this historic detail represented on the dial is a nice way of not only elevating its appearance but also connecting it to an iconic moment in watchmaking history.
Depending on the lighting angle, the dial motif shifts between appearing more subtle and becoming one of the most prominent elements of the display. Zenith presents the new Chronomaster Solo Sport in three different ceramic dial colours: white, black and brown. As you can see from the images above, the white ceramic dial presents the most subdued version of the pattern, which becomes more noticeable as the watch is rotated under light. The Z-motif on the black dial, on the other hand, stands out prominently.
The polished brown ceramic dial, as mentioned earlier, gives the Chronomaster Solo Sport a warmer and more distinctive personality than the black and white editions. The Z-motif has a similar appearance to the black version due to the darker tones, and I personally like how the pattern carries a slight brown tinge that complements the overall colour theme of the timepiece. Not only that, but the glossy ceramic surface reacts beautifully under light, allowing it to shift between deep chocolate brown and almost black depending on the viewing angle.
All three editions feature faceted hour markers and hands coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1, giving each model strong visibility in low-light conditions, especially against the textured ceramic surface. I also love the detail of the central seconds hand, which features a Z-shaped counterweight that directly references the motif repeated across the dial.
I also have to give props to Zenith for its execution of the models featuring the date complication. The brand has removed the 3 o’clock hour marker and replaced it with the date window, which naturally acts as the marker itself. I say this is a brilliant execution because watchmakers will often retain part of the hour marker and position the window beside it. This can push the date further into the dial, making it stand out more while also disturbing the balance of the design. The date wheel is also colour-matched to the dial, which is a nice touch that helps it blend into its surroundings.
One detail that I am personally on the fence about is the shark-tooth minute track. It features a repeating series of sharp triangular peaks, almost resembling a mountain range around the dial. The reason I am on the fence is that it creates a different visual effect on each model, even though the same design is used throughout the collection.
On the white model, for example, the shark-tooth minute track certainly stands out against the ceramic dial. However, the overall display does not feel as busy, possibly because the textured Z-pattern is less prominent. On the black and brown editions, both the shark-tooth minute track and repeating Z-pattern stand out more clearly. With these two strong patterns competing for attention, the darker dials can occasionally feel busier.
The El Primero Heart Remains
Powering the new Chronomaster Solo Sport collection is Zenith’s automatic manufacture Calibre El Primero 3620. This movement is derived from the Zenith’s signature El Primero 3600 chronograph calibre, with the chronograph mechanism removed to distil the El Primero into a simpler three-hand movement while retaining its high-frequency architecture.
What has always been impressive about Zenith’s El Primero movements is their mechanical ability to operate at 5Hz (36,000VpH) while still maintaining a strong power reserve, which in this case is 60 hours. It continues the technical identity first established by the original El Primero in 1969. For those who may not be aware, a high-frequency movement translates to a smoother-looking seconds-hand sweep across the dial. At 5Hz, the central seconds hand advances ten times per second, creating a visibly smooth motion.
Zenith has also fitted the movement with a silicon escapement, which reduces friction and improves the escapement’s resistance to magnetism, helping to make the timepiece a great daily wearer. The Calibre El Primero 3620 is also equipped with a stop-seconds mechanism, which brings the central seconds hand to a complete stop when the crown is pulled out. The practicality of this feature is that it allows for precise time-setting.
Through the sapphire crystal caseback, we can see Zenith’s Calibre 3620 in operation, allowing its high-frequency architecture to become another visual feature of the watch. Dominating the view is the newly designed oscillating weight, which has been skeletonised and formed around Zenith’s signature five-pointed star, giving the movement an instantly recognisable detail. We also have vertically brushed finishing across the rotor itself, which is also present on the underlying bridges of the movement.
Thanks to the skeletonised rotor, much more of the underlying movement is visible, including the gear train, winding mechanism, bridges and ruby jewels. The rhodium-toned execution gives the movement a clean yet industrial appearance, revealing the intricate mechanical complexity sitting inside its beautifully designed exterior.
How Does The Chronomaster Solo Sport Wear?
With a case size of 40mm, the model already feels more compact than the 41mm Chronomaster Sport chronograph editions, particularly without the additional chronograph pushers. The silhouette of the case is still very much Chronomaster; however, it feels more practical and perfectly suited to daily wear.
On my 16cm wrist, the proportions sit comfortably without appearing overly broad or visually imposing. The lug-to-lug distance of only 46mm certainly helps, with the lugs ending within the contours of my wrist. The angular lugs also curve downwards, allowing the bracelet to follow the wrist nicely.
With a case thickness of 13.1mm, the watch certainly has enough wrist presence. As this is a stainless-steel sports model, I personally prefer these types of designs to have some heft and weight behind them—not overly bulky, but also not as thin as a dress watch. This is exactly where the Chronomaster Solo Sport sits, with proportions that allow you to notice the watch on the wrist without becoming excessive enough to affect its daily wearability.
I had the chance to wear these models for some time and personally did not experience any issues with their wearability. The proportions create a balanced wearing experience that feels sporty and robust without becoming excessively large.
Much of the Chronomaster Solo Sport’s comfort and wearability comes from its three-link stainless-steel bracelet, which transitions naturally from the angular case before gradually tapering towards the clasp. The links have been designed to articulate smoothly around the wrist, while the combination of polished and vertically brushed surfaces gives the bracelet a visually engaging appearance. It also connects nicely with the mixed surface finishing of the case.
One of the biggest improvements to the bracelet design is Zenith’s new ZENCLASP, which helps provide a secure fit on the wrist. The beauty of it is its tool-free micro-adjustment system, offering 10mm of total adjustment in precise 2.5mm increments. This makes it easier to loosen or tighten the bracelet, especially as the temperature changes and the wrist naturally expands or contracts.
The simplified dial aesthetic and three-hand layout also make the Chronomaster Solo Sport easier to wear as a daily timepiece, especially compared to the visually busier Chronomaster Sport chronograph. The model’s 200m water resistance further reinforces that versatility.
Of the three dial colours available, I found myself leaning towards the brown ceramic edition. While the black and white dials present a more classic and traditional design, the brown offers a unique interpretation. I mean, how many brown-bezel sports watches do you see on the wrists of enthusiasts and collectors?
As mentioned earlier, the brown edition also presents a warmer and more distinctive personality on the wrist, particularly as its ceramic dial and bezel shift from dark chocolate brown to a lighter bronze tone under different lighting angles. Combined with the Chronomaster Solo Sport’s technical features, these details give the new collection a refined design that is more practical than its chronograph counterpart and presented in a more wearable format.
Final Thoughts
So, does the Chronomaster Solo Sport still carry the Chronomaster identity, even without the chronograph functionality for which the collection is well known? I initially questioned whether it could work, but after spending some time with the collection, it quickly became apparent how naturally it fits within the Chronomaster family while establishing its own identity.
The Chronomaster’s identity ultimately extends beyond the chronograph complication, with the high-frequency El Primero movement remaining at its core. These Solo Sport editions preserve that technical foundation while expressing it through a more wearable and refined format. The Solo Sport does not attempt to replace the Chronomaster Sport, nor should it. With both models now part of the Chronomaster line, they introduce a level of variety that the collection initially lacked.
Of the four new models presented, the brown ceramic dial is my personal favourite, as it offers a more unusual character without losing the collection’s everyday versatility. While the traditional white and black ceramic dials provide slightly more flexibility in how they can be worn, the warm brown tones give this edition a more distinctive personality and allow it to stand out without feeling overly bold. I think it is safe to say that the Chronomaster Solo Sport has created its own identity within the Chronomaster family and feels like a natural expansion of what the collection can represent!
Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport
References & Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| References: | White dial with date: 03.5000.3620/69.M5000 Black dial with date: 03.5000.3620/22.M5000 Brown dial with date: 03.5001.3620/72.M5000 Black dial without date: 03.5000.3620/21.M5000 |
| Dimensions | 40mm diameter |
| Case Material | Stainless steel with angular lugs, crown guards and screw-down crown. Unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel in black or brown |
| Case Back | Sapphire crystal with multi-layer anti-reflective coating on both sides |
| Dial | White sunray finished, polished black or polished brown ceramic dial with repeated 45 degree “Z” motif |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides |
| Movement | Automatic Zenith El Primero 3620 manufacture calibre operating at 5Hz, or 36,000vph |
| Power Reserve | 60-hour power reserve |
| Water Resistance | 20 ATM, or 200 metres |
| Bracelet | Three-link stainless steel bracelet with mixed brushed and polished finishing. ZENCLASP folding clasp with safety lock and tool-free micro-adjustment. |
Australian Retail Price: AUD $15,600 (No Date), AUD $17,400 (Date Models)
Availability: Available through Zenith boutiques and authorised retailers, or head over to Zenith-watches.com.au
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