Hodinkee and Zenith have joined forces again for a new take on the legendary El Primero. The Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition for Hodinkee celebrates the watch's innovative legacy by reinterpreting the modern chronograph icon in a bold new colorway. This first limited edition model in the Chronomaster Original series is equipped with the powerful El Primero 3600 automatic chronograph caliber, accurate to 1/10th of a second, and features an unprecedented opal salmon dial with tri-color gray counters, adding a subtle modern twist to the late 1960s design. This collaborative model is available to purchase online at the Hodinkee shop and at Zenith online boutiques worldwide.
The collaboration was initiated by Hodinkee, a leader in watches and watchmaking, who recognized Zenith's recognition of the world's first fully integrated automatic chronograph movement, introduced in 1969, and the Chronomaster Original series, launched last year with the latest generation of innovative calibres capable of measuring time to within 1/10 of a second. The collaboration resulted in a new design rooted in Zenith's rich history. It was a turbulent time for horology...and the calibre that emerged at that time was given the name El Primero, meaning "No. 1." The inventive spirit of El Primero was reflected in the case, which combines the finest details, comfort and balance, with a dial design that remains exceptional even more than 50 years later. Zenith watches have thus firmly established themselves as symbols of chronograph design and engineering.
The Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition For Hodinkee embraces this Zenith heritage with its ergonomic design that conforms to the wrist, angled lugs and classic three-tone registers, while presenting a modern version that propels the historic El Primero into an entirely new era.
A Design That Sets Them Apart
The Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition For Hodinkee offers the strength and versatility of the original El Primero, while remaining contemporary, exquisite and luxurious, in keeping with Zenith's signature silhouette. This model boasts the perfect size (38mm x 12.6mm) of the Chronomaster Original. Launched in 2021, the Chronomaster Original is instantly reminiscent of the original Zenith A386 from 1969. However, both its design and performance have been updated to ensure modernity and ingenious functionality worthy of El Primero's innovative spirit.
And in terms of the color scheme, Hodinkee has pushed the boundaries while connecting this timepiece to the world of classic and complicated watchmaking. The timepiece features a matte opal salmon dial, providing a dynamic and warm backdrop that is unusual for this dial composition.
The Hodinkee team opted for a salmon pink that is closer to orange than red. The matte opalescent finish allows the color to shine without further refinement. Far from being a simple color scheme, it has depth and a subtle shimmer that stands out against the muted silver and gray tones elsewhere. The dial "pops" on the wrist, effortlessly shifting from bright and sunny to formal and somber, and vice versa. This chronograph features a bold salmon base, complemented by Zenith's iconic tricolor registers, reinterpreted in three shades of gray. The signature date window at 4:30 remains, this time in the form of a date display in the same color as the dial. Beyond the color, the sapphire crystal that covers the watch's case and dial is reminiscent of the acrylic lenses used on vintage Zenith timepieces, such as the A386. The case, featuring the familiar pump pushers on the side and brushed lugs, is paired with a tapered bracelet. Featuring polished center links, polished-edge outer links, and a folding clasp, this bracelet ensures the look and feel of a modern, high-performance sports watch.
El Primero: The Powerhouse
Housed within the 38mm case and visible through the sapphire-crystal caseback is Zenith's El Primero automatic Caliber 3600. While retaining the high-frequency beat and column-wheel design that have made El Primero a hallmark since its launch, the Caliber 3600 incorporates the latest technological enhancements to ensure smooth operation and reliability. For example, the chronograph seconds hand crosses the dial once every 10 seconds (six times per minute). And rather than driving the chronograph via a fourth wheel in the movement, as in the original Caliber 400, the El Primero 3600 powers the chronograph directly from a silicon escape wheel. This is made possible by Zenith's longstanding chronograph design and engineering excellence.
The Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition For HODINKEE is limited to 300 pieces and is available in HODINKEE shops and Zenith online boutiques.
HODINKEE
HODINKEE builds a better world of watches. Founded in 2008 by Benjamin Clymer as a watch blog, HODINKEE is now a multi-channel online destination for watch enthusiasts, offering print, digital, and video content. The company also operates an e-commerce platform as an authorized distributor of over 40 brands across all styles and price ranges, as well as offering pre-owned and vintage watches and premium services such as Hodinkee Insurance. Leveraging its decades of experience and expertise, Hodinkee brings every aspect of the watch world to life through colorful journalism, meticulous engineering of limited-edition timepieces, and curation of the largest selection of watch brands and accessories for sale. By establishing a dedicated community as the one-stop destination for all things watch-related, Hodinkee has grown to become a cutting-edge brand. Headquarters: New York, Website: www.hodinkee.com
Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition For Hodinkee
Reference 03.3201.3600/18.M3200.T3/P
Features: The Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition Hodinkee model offers the strength and versatility of the original El Primero, while being crafted in a modern silhouette. Powered by the high-frequency El Primero 3600 automatic chronograph movement, it offers chronograph functions accurate to 1/10th of a second and a 60-hour power reserve. One of 300 limited edition watches
Movement: El Primero 3600
Voltage: 36,000 vph (5 Hz)
Power reserve: approximately 60 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock, 1/100th of a second chronograph, central chronograph hand that makes one rotation every 10 seconds, 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock, 60-second counter at 3 o'clock
Finish: New star-shaped rotor with satin finish
Price including tax: 1.1 million yen
Material: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 5 bar
Case: 38mm
Dial: Opal salmon
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted, coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted, coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1
Bracelet & Buckle: Stainless steel Chronomaster original bracelet
【Zenith official online store】
https://www.zenith-watches.com/ja_jp/product/chronomaster-original-hodinkee-edition-03-3201-3600-18-m3200
The collaboration was initiated by Hodinkee, a leader in watches and watchmaking, who recognized Zenith's recognition of the world's first fully integrated automatic chronograph movement, introduced in 1969, and the Chronomaster Original series, launched last year with the latest generation of innovative calibres capable of measuring time to within 1/10 of a second. The collaboration resulted in a new design rooted in Zenith's rich history. It was a turbulent time for horology...and the calibre that emerged at that time was given the name El Primero, meaning "No. 1." The inventive spirit of El Primero was reflected in the case, which combines the finest details, comfort and balance, with a dial design that remains exceptional even more than 50 years later. Zenith watches have thus firmly established themselves as symbols of chronograph design and engineering.
The Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition For Hodinkee embraces this Zenith heritage with its ergonomic design that conforms to the wrist, angled lugs and classic three-tone registers, while presenting a modern version that propels the historic El Primero into an entirely new era.
A Design That Sets Them Apart
The Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition For Hodinkee offers the strength and versatility of the original El Primero, while remaining contemporary, exquisite and luxurious, in keeping with Zenith's signature silhouette. This model boasts the perfect size (38mm x 12.6mm) of the Chronomaster Original. Launched in 2021, the Chronomaster Original is instantly reminiscent of the original Zenith A386 from 1969. However, both its design and performance have been updated to ensure modernity and ingenious functionality worthy of El Primero's innovative spirit.
And in terms of the color scheme, Hodinkee has pushed the boundaries while connecting this timepiece to the world of classic and complicated watchmaking. The timepiece features a matte opal salmon dial, providing a dynamic and warm backdrop that is unusual for this dial composition.
The Hodinkee team opted for a salmon pink that is closer to orange than red. The matte opalescent finish allows the color to shine without further refinement. Far from being a simple color scheme, it has depth and a subtle shimmer that stands out against the muted silver and gray tones elsewhere. The dial "pops" on the wrist, effortlessly shifting from bright and sunny to formal and somber, and vice versa. This chronograph features a bold salmon base, complemented by Zenith's iconic tricolor registers, reinterpreted in three shades of gray. The signature date window at 4:30 remains, this time in the form of a date display in the same color as the dial. Beyond the color, the sapphire crystal that covers the watch's case and dial is reminiscent of the acrylic lenses used on vintage Zenith timepieces, such as the A386. The case, featuring the familiar pump pushers on the side and brushed lugs, is paired with a tapered bracelet. Featuring polished center links, polished-edge outer links, and a folding clasp, this bracelet ensures the look and feel of a modern, high-performance sports watch.
El Primero: The Powerhouse
Housed within the 38mm case and visible through the sapphire-crystal caseback is Zenith's El Primero automatic Caliber 3600. While retaining the high-frequency beat and column-wheel design that have made El Primero a hallmark since its launch, the Caliber 3600 incorporates the latest technological enhancements to ensure smooth operation and reliability. For example, the chronograph seconds hand crosses the dial once every 10 seconds (six times per minute). And rather than driving the chronograph via a fourth wheel in the movement, as in the original Caliber 400, the El Primero 3600 powers the chronograph directly from a silicon escape wheel. This is made possible by Zenith's longstanding chronograph design and engineering excellence.
The Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition For HODINKEE is limited to 300 pieces and is available in HODINKEE shops and Zenith online boutiques.
HODINKEE
HODINKEE builds a better world of watches. Founded in 2008 by Benjamin Clymer as a watch blog, HODINKEE is now a multi-channel online destination for watch enthusiasts, offering print, digital, and video content. The company also operates an e-commerce platform as an authorized distributor of over 40 brands across all styles and price ranges, as well as offering pre-owned and vintage watches and premium services such as Hodinkee Insurance. Leveraging its decades of experience and expertise, Hodinkee brings every aspect of the watch world to life through colorful journalism, meticulous engineering of limited-edition timepieces, and curation of the largest selection of watch brands and accessories for sale. By establishing a dedicated community as the one-stop destination for all things watch-related, Hodinkee has grown to become a cutting-edge brand. Headquarters: New York, Website: www.hodinkee.com
Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition For Hodinkee
Reference 03.3201.3600/18.M3200.T3/P
Features: The Zenith Chronomaster Original Limited Edition Hodinkee model offers the strength and versatility of the original El Primero, while being crafted in a modern silhouette. Powered by the high-frequency El Primero 3600 automatic chronograph movement, it offers chronograph functions accurate to 1/10th of a second and a 60-hour power reserve. One of 300 limited edition watches
Movement: El Primero 3600
Voltage: 36,000 vph (5 Hz)
Power reserve: approximately 60 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock, 1/100th of a second chronograph, central chronograph hand that makes one rotation every 10 seconds, 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock, 60-second counter at 3 o'clock
Finish: New star-shaped rotor with satin finish
Price including tax: 1.1 million yen
Material: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 5 bar
Case: 38mm
Dial: Opal salmon
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted, coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted, coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1
Bracelet & Buckle: Stainless steel Chronomaster original bracelet
【Zenith official online store】
https://www.zenith-watches.com/ja_jp/product/chronomaster-original-hodinkee-edition-03-3201-3600-18-m3200
