At the Watches & Wonders 2022 show with the newly revamped Chronomaster Open collection from Zenith

During Watches & Wonders, Zenith as a “Master of Chronographs” highlights its role and path in creating automatic chronographs, unveils the latest generation of the Chronometer Open collection and a tri-color dial that innovatively reveals a high-frequency heart.

For Zenith, as "Master of Chronographs" is a testament to a glorious past of illustrious craftsmanship and the countless accomplishments that has advanced mechanical chronographs for over 50 years. In particular, this highlights Zenith's commitment to the pursuit of constant innovation when it comes to the most discerning complications in crafting much sought-after watches. Since the launch of the revolutionary El Primero caliber in 1969 as the world's first integrated high-frequency automatic chronograph movement, Zenith has kept innovating and refining it without ever breaking boundaries and breaking new ground, demonstrating the highest levels of precision and performance. It has perfected not only the automatic chronograph, but also partial time measurement by introducing high frequency parameters of 1/10 and 1/100 of a second.

But performance and precision are not the only areas where Zenith has made its mark in the world of chronographs. After all, these ground-breaking, innovative movements deserve to be presented with inspiring and unparalleled designs to showcase their all-in-one pioneering abstract craftsmanship. In 2003 Zenith introduced the Chronomaster Open with the goal of making the high-frequency beating heart of the El Primero caliber as prominently visible as possible. This was the first time in watchmaking history that a chronograph featured a dial that was only partially opened to reveal the regulating member and balance. The Chronomaster Open was an instant success, lauded for its bold, often imitated design, but absolutely unmatched. For Zenith, the partially open dial has become a prominent feature, and has remained a coveted style in many of this collection's Chronomaster references for nearly 20 years.

With the 2021 launch of the new and improved El Primero 3600 featuring 1/10th of a second chronograph function and improved efficiency, it is time to adapt the latest developments and incorporate them into the emblematic Chronomaster Open. More than a simple facelift, the new Chronomaster Open is imbued with the lines and character of the latest generation of the Chronomaster collection. Somewhere between the elegant, sporty character of a Chronomaster Sport sports watch and the historically inspired style of the Chronomaster Original comes the distinctive, modern fusion and extraction of the Zenith El Primero master chronograph.

Revisiting the iconic tri-color dial configuration that debuted with the iconic A386 in 1969, and an instantly recognizable design feature of El Primero, the latest innovation and reinvention of the Chronomaster Open retains this feature entirely. But with a transparent touch. Instead of dispensing with the small seconds counter at 9 o'clock just as was the case with previous versions of the Chronomaster Open, the colors of the three counters are retained thanks to a Hasalite crystal element that acts as a readable sub-dial while allowing the star-shaped silicon balance wheel to be viewed. The aperture itself has also been reinvented, bypassing the 'frame' applied in the previous version and opting instead for circular apertures with chamfered edges, revealing the movement with straighter bridges and a more modern gray tone.

To meet the prevailing demand for watches with simpler proportions, the round case is now 39.5mm wide compared to the previous 42mm watch design, with slimmer protrusions and sharper, smoother edges at the tips. Pump style pushers now feature round heads for a more comfortable feel. The streamlined steel bracelet meticulously matches the surrounding mixed-finish and finely polished edges of the watch case.

Through the sapphire crystal in the background can be seen the automatic chronograph movement of the El Primero 3604 with a precision of 1/10 of a second, the modified version of the 3600 that debuted on the Chronomaster Sport, featuring an open base plate and bridges allowing a clearer view of the 5 Hz high-frequency escapement with a balance wheel from Silicone-free lubricant and platform lifter. The star-shaped oscillating open block automatic winding mechanism provides an efficient 60-hour power reserve.

Available at all Zenith stores and authorized retailers worldwide, this Chronomaster Open watch is available in steel with a white or black dial, and is delivered with either a steel bracelet or a Cordura-effect rubber bracelet. A rose gold version was also introduced, featuring a white dial with a blue Cordura-effect rubber strap in the new collection.

The re-introduction of the Chronomaster Open completes the Zenith chronograph collection. Respectful of the past, but emphatically modern in form and function.

ZENITH: It's time to hit the stars.
Zenith is found to inspire people to pursue their dreams and make them come true - against all odds. Founded in 1865, Zenith has become the first watch manufacturer in the modern sense of the term, and its watches have been accompanied by extraordinary personalities who dream big and strive for the impossible – from Louis Blériot's history-making voyage across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner's record-breaking stratospheric free-fall . Zenith is also highlighting pioneering and visionary women - past and present - by celebrating their accomplishments and creating its first-ever 2020 collection entirely dedicated to them, Defy Midnight.

As pioneering as its star-guided star, Zenith features exceptional in-house developed and crafted movements in all of its watches. Since the creation in 1969 of El Primero, the world's first automatic chronograph caliber, Zenith has continued to master milliseconds with the 1/10th of a second Chronomaster Sport and DEFY 21 at 1/100th of a second. Zenith has been shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking since 1865, accompanying those who dare to challenge themselves and break down barriers. It's time to reach for the stars now.