Zenith Takes the El Primero Beyond the Chronograph

When watch enthusiasts think of Zenith and its iconic El Primero, they no doubt have in mind the brand’s legendary integrated chronographs. Yet, since its momentous arrival in 1969, the calibre has teased with its potential as a pure timekeeper. After all, the calibre has been defined by something fundamentally useful to timekeeping: the unrelenting 5 Hz cadence of high-frequency precision. We have already seen one version of how this works in the Defy Skyline, which the brand tells us is a big seller. The Pilot collection also got this treatment a couple of years ago. All of these are powered by Calibre 3620, and so are the four new Chronomaster Solo Sport models.

Debuting at Geneva Watch Days 2026, the new Solo Sport distils the El Primero into an essential three-hand expression that represents another chapter in this story, now for the first time in the Chronomaster range. By paring away chronograph sub-dials, the Le Locle manufacture tests the waters again to see if there is an appetite for an El Primero that does not feature a chronograph. Here, the principal effect for owners is a smoother central second hand.

Designed to transition seamlessly between active and urban settings, the Chronomaster Solo Sport features a 40mm stainless steel case framed by dynamic crown guards, a screwdown crown, and a robust water-resistance (see next page). The unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel lends it a functional and contemporary silhouette, while also keeping the spirit of the chronograph in the picture. The manufacture has taken care here that the bezel will not strike any surface before the case does, while pushing the aesthetic limit to make it visually seem like it is edge-to-edge. Other similar touches are also in play.

The dial is crafted entirely in ceramic and engraved with an exclusive motif designed to evoke the high-frequency vibration of the movement beneath. Historical cues accent the layout, including a vintage-inspired “shark tooth” peripheral minute track, faceted luminescent indexes (Superluminova SLN C1), and a starcounterweighted central second hand.

Beneath the dial, the 3620 movement features a silicon escapement and hacking seconds. Three models have the date function, at 3 o’clock, while one (black bezel with black dial) does not have a date – this version is our favourite, and seems popular with Zenith too! Now here is the important part: The watch is fitted to a three-link stainless steel bracelet equipped with Zenith’s new Zenclasp. As we wrote last issue, this new development has not yet been deployed across the range; these four new Solo Sport models might be the first in the Chronomaster range, giving them a leg up on their chronograph siblings. Zenith claims this is the best-in-class clasp, with tool-free and on-the-fly adjustment, and it works like a charm. Still, the watch-buying public will have to decide what value to place on components like the clasp.

The Chronomaster Solo Sport is available at Zenith boutiques, e-commerce platforms, and authorised retailers worldwide.

This story was first seen as part of the WOW #86 Autumn 2026 issue.

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