Zenith Chronomaster Sport Only Watch Set

Few watch manufacturers can boast a history as rich and innovative as Zenith. Founded in 1865, Zenith has consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking, becoming the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture. This means that Zenith manufactures nearly every single component of their watches in-house, allowing them to maintain complete creative and qualitative control. Throughout their storied history, Zenith has been a companion to those who dream big and push limits, from Louis Blériot’s history-making flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-shattering stratospheric free-fall jump.

Zenith's commitment to innovation is perhaps best exemplified by the El Primero caliber, introduced in 1969. This groundbreaking automatic chronograph movement was the first of its kind, capable of measuring elapsed time to a tenth of a second. The El Primero's intricate design and high-frequency operation set a new standard for precision and performance in wristwatches, a standard that Zenith continues to uphold today .



One of Zenith's core collections, the Chronomaster, has become synonymous with high-performance chronograph watches. The Chronomaster collection embodies Zenith's dedication to precision and functionality, housing the legendary El Primero movement in a range of stylish and sophisticated designs.

In 2024, Zenith unveiled a unique addition to the Chronomaster family: The Chronomaster Sport Only Watch Set. This exclusive four-piece set was created specifically for the 10th Edition of Only Watch, a biennial charity auction that raises funds for research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Only Watch is a prestigious event that attracts participation from the world's leading watchmakers, and the Chronomaster Sport Only Watch Set represents Zenith's commitment to this important cause.

While details about the technical specifications of the watch will be discussed in the second part of this article, a closer look at the Chronomaster Sport Only Watch Set reveals several fascinating design elements. The most striking feature is the set's inclusion of four distinct watches, each with a different colored dial and ceramic bezel. The colors – red, yellow, blue, and green – pay homage to the official colors of the 10th Edition of Only Watch. This vibrant color scheme is a bold departure from typical sports chronographs, which often tend towards more muted tones. For watch collectors who appreciate a touch of individuality, the Chronomaster Sport Only Watch Set offers a truly unique and eye-catching timepiece.



Beyond its color scheme, the Chronomaster Sport Only Watch Set appears to feature a stainless steel case and a metal bracelet with a double folding clasp. This combination of materials offers a balance of durability and wearability, making the watch a suitable choice for everyday use. The watch also has a date window located at 4:30, a feature that adds to its functionality .

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Chronomaster Sport Only Watch Set represents a significant achievement in watchmaking because each watch is powered by the El Primero chronograph movement. This intricate caliber is renowned for its precision and performance, making it a fitting choice for a timepiece created to support such a worthy cause.



The watches in the Chronomaster Sport Only Watch Set showcase Zenith's ability to blend innovation with meticulous craftsmanship. At first glance, the case might appear to be a typical sports chronograph. After all, its 41mm diameter and 13.6mm thickness place it solidly within the realm of robust and practical wristwatches. The metal bracelet, with its secure double-folding clasp, reinforces this sense of utility. However, a closer examination reveals subtle design details that distinguish these timepieces.

Zenith has opted to use ceramic, a material known for its scratch resistance and lightweight properties, for the bezels of each watch. Even more striking, Zenith has produced these bezels in vibrant colors: yellow, red, blue, and green. But here's the real kicker–for the first time in Zenith history, the brand has introduced versions of the Chronomaster Sport featuring red and yellow ceramic bezels, offering a stunning and unique look.

The truly exceptional touch, though, lies in the lacquered dials of each watch. Unlike other Chronomaster models, these versions feature dials whose colors precisely match the hues of their corresponding bezels. This attention to detail creates a sense of visual harmony and cohesion.

The Chronomaster Sport Only Watch Set features the signature tri-color subdials that have become a hallmark of the El Primero movement. These subdials add visual interest and provide the wearer with vital chronograph information, including running seconds, elapsed minutes, and elapsed hours. The central chronograph seconds hand offers the signature 1/10th of a second resolution, a feature that watch enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate.



The beating heart of the Chronomaster Sport Only Watch Set is the iconic El Primero 3600 automatic column-wheel chronograph movement. Since its introduction, the El Primero has undergone updates and revisions. Still, its fundamental architecture remains an example of horological ingenuity. Instead of beating at the traditional 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), the El Primero operates at a higher frequency of 36,000 vph (5Hz). This translates to a smooth-sweeping seconds hand and the ability to measure elapsed time down to 1/10th of a second. Beyond its precision, the El Primero boasts automatic winding, a date display, and a generous 60-hour power reserve.

The lucky winner of the Chronomaster Sport Only Watch Set won't just receive a stunning set of watches. Zenith is also offering an exclusive one-of-a-kind experience that goes beyond any watch purchase. They'll be invited with a lucky guest to experience a day at the Zenith-sponsored Ultimate Tennis Showdown 2024 tournament in Frankfurt. To top it off, the winner will get to join Zenith ambassador Patrick Mouratoglou, the UTS founder, and potentially a UTS player for a once-in-a-lifetime private training session on the court. This exclusive opportunity underscores Zenith's commitment to providing experiences that money simply can't buy.

The Zenith Chronomaster Sport Only Watch Set offers the winning bidder a chance to support a truly important cause. The proceeds from the Only Watch auction are used to fund groundbreaking research into effective treatments and ultimately a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a devastating and progressive condition. The fact that Zenith has created such an exceptional timepiece for this charitable initiative speaks volumes about the brand's values and its commitment to making a real difference.



The Zenith Chronomaster Sport Only Watch Set represents the embodiment of the brand's dedication to not only innovation and watchmaking excellence but also to supporting causes that improve human lives. Beyond its technical brilliance, this unique offering has heart.

Zenith continues to build upon its rich legacy by producing extraordinary timepieces and providing extraordinary experiences that extend beyond simply telling time, making them worthy of being on any collector's radar. The Chronomaster Sport Only Watch Set, with its vibrant design, groundbreaking movement, and commitment to an important cause, is a true testament to what Zenith does best; crafting watches that both push the boundaries of performance and leave a mark beyond the wrist.