Watches & Wonders 2022: Zenith Chronomaster Open broke new ground with its partially open dial

Master of Chronographs: introduced in 2003 as the world’s first chronograph with a partially open dial to make the regulating organ and escapement visible, Zenith Chronomaster Open watch returns with an all-new case, dial and movement.

Zenith unveils new Chronomaster Open and Chronomaster Sport models.

Watches & Wonders 2022: New Zenith Chronomaster Open 1/10th of a second chronograph with full transparency into its high-frequency heart.

Pioneering movements deserve to stand out in inspired and unprecedented designs to truly highlight their ingenuity.

Zenith unveiled the latest versions of its Chronomaster Open and Chronomaster Sport timepieces at the 2022 edition of Watches & Wonders. The Swiss manufacture is also presenting the “Master of Chronographs” watch exhibition, a testament to the manufacture’s illustrious past and the myriad innovations Zenith has contributed to the advancement of mechanical chronographs.

 

To recount its pioneering contributions to the evolution of chronographs, Zenith has created a platform dubbed “Master of Chronographs Since 1865”. This traveling exhibition – featuring rare and historically significant pieces – makes its first stop at Watches & Wonders, spotlighting Zenith’s role as a trailblazer in driving innovation in chronographs.

“We’ve contributed so much to the advancement of the modern chronograph that we feel a certain responsibility to continue leading its evolution,” says Zenith CEO Julien Tornare. “After the incredible reception of the Chronomaster Sport and its unequalled 1/10th of a second chronograph, we’re thrilled to expand the line this year with rose gold versions, and also to bring back a modern Zenith icon from the past twenty years: the Chronomaster Open”.

 

Introduced in 2003, the Chronomaster Open broke new ground with its partially open dial, revealing the legendary high-frequency beating heart of the El Primero movement. Now the 2022 version features a 39.5mm case in steel or rose gold and revisits the iconic tri-color dial configuration with a transparent twist. Introduced in 2021, the El Primero 3600 movement boasts a 1/10th of a second chronograph and brings improved efficiency to the new models. Instead of cutting out the small seconds counter at 9 o’clock, as was done with previous versions, the three counter colors are retained thanks to a hesalite crystal element that serves as a readable sub-dial, while allowing a view of the silicon star-shaped escape wheel.

The opening has been reinterpreted too, foregoing the applied “frame” of the former version, instead opting for circular openings with chamfered edges, revealing the movement with straighter bridges and a more contemporary gray tone. The Chronomaster Open timepiece is now available in steel with a white or black dial, delivered with either a steel bracelet or a cordura-effect rubber strap. There is also a rose gold version featuring a white dial with a blue cordura-effect rubber strap, plus an exclusive edition in steel with a blue dial and steel bracelet.

Because sometimes a fraction of a second is all it takes to make a big difference. Chronomaster Sport 1/10th of a second automatic high-frequency chronograph.

When it was unveiled in 2021 the Chronomaster Sport was crowned with the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2021 “Chronograph” prize.

The newest iterations are equipped with the latest version of the El Primero 3600 movement. An engraved ceramic bezel version available exclusively at Zenith physical or online boutiques consists of three separate ceramic elements in the traditional el Primero tricolor palette of gray, anthracite and blue. An entirely rose gold version – including the bracelet and engraved bezel with a 1/10th of a second scale – blends precious luxe with innovation. The black or white dial has signature El Primero tricolor counters with golden hands and markers. And the Chronomaster Sport is now also available in a two-tone aesthetic, combining the durability of stainless steel and the splendor of rose gold.