The Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar makes its return at LVMH Watch Week, and with three colours and svelt sizing, it’s sure to win a few fans!
Here’s a little-known fact. The El Primero movement now found in most Zenith’s was originally designed for the Triple Calendar. 25 prototype pieces were produced in1970 as a proof of concept, however, the project was shelved for several years due to the success of the core chronograph version. However by the time the El Primero was used for the Triple Calendar, the watch look very different as watch designs of the 70’s evolved to be more fluid and space aged.
This year, Zenith has released this iconic piece at LVMH Watch Week in Miami, throwing back to the original idea of what the Tripe Calendar was always meant to be. A 38mm case housing the Zenith El Primero movement and your choice of three colourways – a boutique only exclusive green, then both grey and white (Available at all Zenith boutiques and Retailers). And with each, a colour-matching leather strap or steel bracelet, depending on what style you like!
Whilst many brands have vintage-inspired pieces, Zenith have gone one step further, essentially recreating the case from the exact blueprint and proportions of the A386 from 1969. And this shows. The 38mm case size with 13mm thickness along with the pump pushers and domed sapphire crystal and slightly tapered lugs looks like Zenith has gone back in time and plucked this off someone’s wrist.
According to Zenith, this is the most functional piece in the Chronomaster line, and we would have to agree. Not only do you get the 1/10th second chronograph function, but you have a full calendar laid out on the dial in an easy to read, functional way. The disc at 6 0’clock houses the moonphase within the 60 minute chronograph counter, and dials at 3 and 9 o’clock give you the seconds counter and small seconds display respectively.
The month, day and date indicators are then placed around the dial so as to not clutter it. The month aperture sits at 2 o’clock and month at 10 o’clock. In true Zenith style, the date window is tucked away at the 4:30 position between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers. This feature has always been a little contentious within the watch community. Some like it, others don’t and think it takes away from the symmetry of the dial. Personally, it does take a little while to adjust to it, but I prefer functional elements on the dial and not necessarily form over function. Each has its place.
Inside the Zenith Triple Calendar is the latest generation El Primero automatic movement. The high-frequency chronograph calibre, the El Primero 3610 beats at 5 Hz (36’000 VpH) which is able move the centre hand around the the dial once every 10 seconds. Through the sapphire case back you can see the skeletonised rotor with the Zenith Star delivering the 60 hours of power reserve – decent considering the number of functions the Triple Calendar has to perform.
Calibre El Primero 3610 
Dial side of the Calibre 3610
Final Thoughts
Zenith has potentially a winner in the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar. Whilst the case size may deter some that prefer a 40mm+ size watch, it’s true to the original A386 from 1969, and this is something I feel watch enthusiasts will jump at. We will be doing a full hands-on review of this piece late next month, so until then, I’ll reserve my judgment on this and how it wears until then. Stay tuned!
References
- 03.3400.3610/40.C912 Green boutique exclusive on leather
- 03.3400.3610/40.M3200 Green boutique exclusive on steel
- 03.3400.3610/38.C911 Opaline white on leather
- 03.3400.3610/38.M3200 Opaline white on steel
- 03.3400.3610/39.C910 Slate grey on leather
- 03.3400.3610/39.M3200 Slate grey on steel
Specification:
- Case: 38mm / 46mm lug to lug
- Thickness: 13mm thick
- Case Material: Steel brushed and polished case
- Case back: Steel screw-down with sapphire display back
- Dial: Green sunburst / Silver Opaline / Slate Grey
- Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment
- Water resistance: 50m / 5bar
- Movement: Zenith El Primero Chronograph Calibre 3610 with moonphase, day, date and month.
- Power reserve: 60 Hours
- Strap/Bracelet: Green, grey or blue colour-matched leather strap or steel bracelet with folding clasp
Australian Recommended Retail Price: A$21,500 on steel or A$20,700 on leather
Availability: Slate grey and opalone white variants available now through Zenith boutiques and authorised dealers. Green is available through Zenith Boutiques exclusively. All models online at Zenith-watches.com
