Zenith Chronomaster Review

Zenith Chronomaster Original WOS one of 100 limited edition

First impressions:

Extraordinarily well finished.

It felt luxurious in the hand.

The design was pleasing to the eye from any angle.

The box sapphire and bezel-less design makes the already thin (for an automatic chronograph) look even thinner with how it works with the case design.

The end links are the best I’ve seen. Solid placement from the back and doesn’t have the over hang on the back of the lugs like an omega.

Upon further investigation:

Movement design is gorgeous. Nice mix of machine and hand finishing.

There is one QC issue as one of the small brass gears had a small scratch on it. Can’t see with naked eye but under a watch loupe it is. No other QC issues present.

The dial is gorgeous under the watch loupe. Super fine metallic flake as truly a step beyond what is necessary at the price point.

More modern and sporty hands.

The font on this thing really speaks to me. The smaller indices really shine. I’m not sure if they are Rodium plated steel or white gold. But They really sparkle.

The 10 second hand is cool but distracting if you leave it on so unless I’m timing something it stays off.

Sunburst brushing in the case is gorgeous and eye catching.

The clasp is super disappointing! Tudor puts it to shame let alone Rolex. This is so perplexing because I would put the case design, finish, movement design and finish well above Rolex. Why wouldn’t the clasp match this? It’s no small issue as it’s a part you use way least twice per day.

I cannot get over how amazing the movement looks. The skeleton rotor does such a good job letting you see inside! I normally prefer to look at a manual for this reason but this is so modern and stout looking. It’s truly an impressive machine. I will say the 400 line are equally beautiful but in a more elegant, timeless way.

50 meters of water resistance is a true disappointment. I have owned older more elegant or dressy zeniths with 100m, why has this been decreased.

The 38mm case size wears a little larger due to the crystal being the bezel in essence and with the pushers I would say it wears like a 39.5. I have large hands and no issues using the smallish crown.

46mm lug to lug

19mm lug width. I think a 20mm could have given this a real interesting look but they are staying faithful to the original 1969 el Primero design. I get it.

It’s currently gaining a half second per day!

Design: 9

Finish: 9.5

Comfort: 8.5

Accuracy: 9.5

Value for money vs the competition: 9.5

Bracelet and claps 8

As you can see I truly like the watch. It’s not perfect but has tons of character and one you’re not likely to see in the wrist of anyone in your town, or country even. It’s versatile enough though the water resistance is a disappointment. Either way it’s going to get a lot of wrist time along with my 8 year old (how in the world does it have a better clasp than a $9500 zenith) North Flag this year!