The latest LVMH brand to collaborate with Hodinkee, Zenith has similarly come out swinging with a contemporary spin on a tried-and-true classic.
Hot on the heels of TAG Heuer’s latest venture alongside the media company, Zenith is rarely one to disappoint in the collaborations department. From their latest team-up with Felipe Pantone to even venturing into the depths of classic anime, the Le Locle watch brand knows how to do a collab – and do it right.
RELATED READING: Unexpected Watch Colaborations That Worked!
Similarly to their ally/rival/historical frenemy in TAG Heuer, Zenith is no stranger to joining forces with Hodinkee. Twice already have they done so, which means that – as the saying goes – the third time must be the charm. It seems, then, that Zenith has certainly surpassed the expectations set by the last two with this new limited edition Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar.
Now, we were able to go hands-on with the initial release of this collection post-LVMH Watch Week, so for us there are no questions about the wearability of the watch. Both Matt and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and while it certainly fits a particular niche in the styling department, it doesn’t feel at all out of place stylistically.
RELATED READING: Hands-On With The Zenith Chronomaster Triple Calendar
Despite this, Zenith elected to release this new limited edition with contemporary design features and a special, limited edition flair. As opposed to the olive green one we got to see, the Hodinkee Chronomaster Original goes grayscale, distinguishing itself as the first colourway of its type in the collection. It even goes so far as to colour the typically blue moonphase disc black, and replaces the gold-plated indexes and chronograph hands with rhodium and white respectively, further enhancing the modern appeal of the piece.
However, the centrepiece – or more accurately, pieces – of the Hodinkee Chronomaster’s design is the three chronograph registers. Each one contains a piece of the Gibeon Meteorite, estimated to have formed 4.5 billion years ago within the molten core of an asteroid between Mars and Jupiter. Of course, meteorite is a naturally occurring material similar to that of mother-of-pearl, and the jagged geometric pattern you see on the registers are nearly impossible to duplicate. This means that all 200 pieces have a unique pattern exclusive to the wearer, with no watch being made exactly the same.
There are some consistencies, though: The bracelet, for starters, is provided both in steel and a matching black calfskin; But the movement inside is one that, unlike meteorite, Zenith can produce consistently to an infallible standard. The Calibre 3610, pervasive in all Chronomaster Triple Calendars, sports not just the incredibly complex triple calendar setup, but also the trademark 36,000VpH (5Hz) beat rate with a 10-second chronograph. That being, the chronograph of this watch can make a full rotation in just 10 seconds, similar to the Chronomaster Sport.
Final Thoughts
I know I’ve said this ad nauseam at this point, but I love vintage designs. I’m so happy to have gotten into watches during a time when the design language has begun to shift towards the amalgamation of nostalgic appeal and modern sensibilities. I’m all for the return of heritage aesthetics, no matter what shape or form it takes!
What I’m less happy about is the prices of watches these days. AU$21,700 is no small feat to spend on a watch! In this case, though, I can let it slide. The Zenith Chronomaster Triple Calendar for Hodinkee is a truly special piece, reserved for only the most enthusiastic collectors of the brand – of which, I can tell you, are innumerable. Failing that, the more financially gifted of us have the opportunity to be a part of something special, thanks to this opportunity to wear a timepiece uniquely positioned in the Zenith lineup. And with an opportunity like that (and the means to achieve it), how could you possibly say no?
Reference: 03.3401.3610/21.M3200
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 38mm case diameter x 46mm lug-to-lug x 14mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Dial: Black with Meteorite accents
- Movement: Automatic Cal. 3610 with triple calendar (D/D/M), moonphase display, 1/10sec. chronograph
- Beat Rate: 5Hz (36,000VpH)
- Power Reserve: 60h
- Water Resistance: 50m (50bar)
- Strap: Black calfskin leather with pin buckle/stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp
