Zenith Chronomaster Sport Rainbow

Founded in 1865 by Georges Favre-Jacot in Le Locle, Switzerland, Zenith quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with. Unlike many watchmakers of the time who relied on a fragmented network of suppliers, Favre-Jacot envisioned a vertically integrated manufacture, bringing all aspects of watchmaking under one roof. This bold move not only ensured quality control but also fostered innovation, paving the way for Zenith's future breakthroughs.



Zenith's commitment to pushing boundaries is perhaps best exemplified by its legendary El Primero movement. Introduced in 1969, the El Primero wasn't just another automatic chronograph caliber – it was the world's first. Its groundbreaking feature? A high-frequency balance wheel oscillating at a then-unprecedented 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz). This rapid pace allowed the El Primero to measure time down to 1/10th of a second, a feat unmatched by its contemporaries. The El Primero's impact extended beyond Zenith's own timepieces. Its reputation for accuracy and reliability led to its adoption by other prestigious brands, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of horological history.



The Chronomaster collection, a direct descendant of the original El Primero, embodies Zenith's enduring legacy of high-frequency chronographs. Launched in 1994, the Chronomaster line has consistently showcased the evolution of the El Primero movement while maintaining a design language that pays homage to its roots. Over the years, the Chronomaster has seen numerous iterations, each demonstrating Zenith's dedication to refining its signature movement and exploring new materials and aesthetics.



Now, in a dazzling display of watchmaking prowess and gem-setting artistry, Zenith unveils the Chronomaster Sport Rainbow, a limited-edition masterpiece that elevates the collection to new heights of luxury. This is not your average sports watch; it's a statement piece, a vibrant celebration of color and precision. The Chronomaster Sport Rainbow, while bold and exuberant, remains a serious instrument. At its heart beats the El Primero 3600, the latest evolution of Zenith's legendary high-frequency movement. This caliber is the culmination of over five decades of refinement, building upon the legacy of the original El Primero while incorporating modern innovations.



The El Primero 3600 boasts a power reserve of approximately 60 hours, ensuring reliable performance even when not worn for extended periods. Its automatic winding mechanism, featuring a bi-directional rotor, efficiently harnesses the wearer's movements to keep the watch running smoothly. The movement's high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz) translates to exceptional accuracy and the ability to measure time down to 1/10th of a second. The chronograph's central seconds hand makes a full rotation in just 10 seconds, a captivating visual representation of this remarkable precision.



A peek through the sapphire display case back reveals the intricate beauty of the El Primero 3600. The movement's architecture is a harmonious blend of form and function, with a blue column wheel serving as a testament to its sophisticated chronograph mechanism. The open rotor, adorned with Zenith's five-pointed star logo, adds a touch of elegance while allowing for an unobstructed view of the meticulously finished components. Every detail, from the star-shaped oscillating weight with its satined finishings to the precise engravings, speaks to Zenith's unwavering commitment to quality.



The Chronomaster Sport Rainbow's 41mm case is crafted from 18-carat white gold, a precious metal that exudes a cool, sophisticated luster. The choice of white gold provides a luxurious backdrop for the watch's most striking feature – its vibrant rainbow bezel. This isn't just a colorful accent; it's a meticulously orchestrated symphony of gemstones. Adorning the bezel are 50 baguette-cut gemstones, each carefully selected for its size, cut, and color. The rainbow effect is achieved through a harmonious blend of 40 sapphires, totaling approximately 3.9 carats, that transition seamlessly through a spectrum of hues. Interspersed among the sapphires are 10 baguette-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 1 carat, that mark the 10-second intervals of the chronograph, a subtle nod to the movement's ability to measure 1/10th of a second.



The sourcing and setting of these gemstones is a testament to Zenith's gem-setting expertise. Finding gemstones of this caliber, with perfectly uniform size, cut, and color, is a monumental challenge. Each stone must be meticulously selected and precisely cut to fit the bezel's curvature and create a seamless, uninterrupted flow of color. The result is a breathtaking display of brilliance and artistry, a testament to the skill and dedication of Zenith's master gem-setters. This isn't just a watch; it's a wearable work of art, a testament to the marriage of horological precision and exquisite craftsmanship.



The black-lacquered dial provides a dramatic backdrop for the rainbow bezel and the watch's other features. The signature tri-color overlapping counters, a hallmark of the Chronomaster collection, are rendered in shades of blue, gray, and silver, adding depth and visual interest to the dial. The rainbow theme is echoed in the hour markers, which are set with 12 baguette-cut sapphires, totaling approximately 0.46 carats, each matching a corresponding hue on the bezel. This creates a sense of chromatic harmony that ties the entire design together.



To ensure legibility in low-light conditions, the faceted hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, a luminescent material that emits a bright glow in the dark. The hands' rhodium-plated finish adds a touch of elegance and complements the white gold case. The date window, discreetly positioned at 4:30, features a black date wheel with white numerals, ensuring optimal readability against the black dial. The stop-second mechanism, a useful feature for precise time-setting, allows the wearer to halt the seconds hand when pulling out the crown.



The Chronomaster Sport Rainbow is presented on an integrated three-link bracelet, also crafted from 18-carat white gold. The bracelet's brushed and polished surfaces create a play of light and shadow, adding to the watch's overall sense of luxury. The bracelet is secured by a safety double folding clasp, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist. The integrated design of the bracelet seamlessly integrates with the case, creating a cohesive and elegant profile.



The Chronomaster Sport Rainbow is a limited-edition timepiece, available exclusively through Zenith's physical and online boutiques worldwide. Its exclusivity adds to its desirability, making it a coveted piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike. While specific production numbers are not disclosed, the limited availability ensures that this watch will remain a rare and sought-after treasure for years to come. This watch is priced at 112,100 USD, reflecting its exceptional craftsmanship, precious materials, and limited availability.



Case: 41mm diameter, 18-carat white gold. Water resistance of 10 ATM. Features a "Rainbow" bezel set with 50 baguette-cut gemstones: 40 sapphires (~3.9 carats) and 10 diamonds (~1 carat).



Movement: El Primero 3600 automatic. High frequency of 36,000 VpH (5 Hz). Power reserve of approximately 60 hours. Features 1/10th of a second chronograph functions, able to measure and display 1/10th of a second. Chronograph's central hand makes one turn in 10 seconds. 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock, 60-second counter at 3 o'clock. Stop-second mechanism.



Dial: Black-lacquered with three different-colored counters. Hour markers are rainbow sapphire indices. Hands are rhodium-plated, faceted, and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1. Date indication at 4:30. Total gem-setting of 0.46 cts of sapphires (12 baguettes).



Strap: White gold bracelet with a double folding clasp. Integrated brushed and polished 3-link.



Price: 112,100 USD



Reference Number: 45.3104.3600/21.M3100



Notes: Full gem-set rainbow bezel with sapphires. Limited edition, available exclusively from Zenith's physical and online boutiques worldwide. Total gem-setting is 5.36 carats.