Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Zenith’s Chronomaster Solo Sport Reimagines El Primero For Everyday Wear
Zenith made a new Chronomaster watch that does not measure time like a stopwatch.
Instead, it shows the time with three regular hands.
It still uses a fast El Primero movement, which is known for its high-speed operation.
The watch is made from steel and can handle water as deep as 200 metres.
It has a special bracelet clasp that can make the bracelet longer without tools.
This can make it more comfortable when a person’s wrist changes size during the day.
People can choose versions with or without a date and in several dial colors.
Some watch fans may prefer the traditional Chronomaster chronograph, but others may like this simpler design for everyday use.
Zenith’s Chronomaster Solo Sport is the collection’s first three-hand watch without a chronograph.
Its automatic El Primero 3620 retains a 5Hz frequency, silicon escapement and 60-hour power reserve.
The 40mm stainless-steel watch offers 200-metre water resistance and a 60-minute ceramic bezel.
Four versions are available, including date models in black, brown and white, plus a black no-date model.
The watch launches worldwide on September 2 at CHF 8,900 without a date and CHF 9,900 with one.
- Who
- Zenith introduced the Chronomaster Solo Sport.
- What
- It is a three-hand sports watch that removes the Chronomaster’s chronograph while retaining the high-frequency El Primero movement.
- When
- The watch was unveiled at Geneva Watch Days 2026 and will be available worldwide from September 2.
- Where
- It was unveiled at Geneva Watch Days and will be sold worldwide.
- Why
- Zenith designed it as a more practical everyday watch with heritage movement technology, strong water resistance and an adjustable bracelet.
Practical Everyday Appeal
Traditional Chronomaster Identity
Removing the chronograph
Practical Everyday Appeal
The simpler three-hand layout makes the watch easier to wear daily while preserving the El Primero movement’s high-frequency character.
Traditional Chronomaster Identity
Purists may see a Chronomaster without its defining stopwatch function as contradictory or as a reduction of its heritage.
Choosing between models
Practical Everyday Appeal
The black no-date model is presented as balanced, handsome and easier to justify as an everyday watch.
Traditional Chronomaster Identity
Buyers seeking the greatest El Primero visual and mechanical drama may prefer the full Chronomaster Sport chronograph.
Value of the date complication
Practical Everyday Appeal
The no-date version costs less and avoids paying an additional CHF 1,000 for a small date window.
Traditional Chronomaster Identity
The date model offers added functionality, although its price is close to the full Chronomaster Sport chronograph.
- Movement
- Automatic El Primero 3620, derived from the 3600 chronograph calibre
- Frequency
- 5Hz, or 36,000 vibrations per hour
- Case
- 40mm stainless steel, 46mm lug to lug and 13.13mm thick including the crystal
- Water resistance
- 200 metres
- Power reserve
- 60 hours
- Bracelet adjustment
- The Zenclasp expands by up to 10mm in 2.5mm increments without tools
- Price
- CHF 8,900 or $9,800 without a date; CHF 9,900 or $10,900 with a date