Zenith Introduces the New Chronomaster Solo Sport, a High-Frequency Sporty Three-Hander

First introduced in 1969 as the world’s first automatic integrated high-frequency chronograph calibre, the Zenith El Primero holds a legendary, and still very relevant, status in the watch world. In fact, over the years, some form of the movement has found its way into multiple timepieces from noted watchmakers other than Zenith (Rolex, TAG Heuer, Hublot, I’m looking at you).

While the 60-hour power reserve El Primero 3620 (derived from the El Primero 3600) that powers this new quartet of Chronomaster Solo Sport models does not include a chronograph, it brings along every bit of accuracy, stability, stop-seconds function, and overall identity of the movement’s 36,000 VpH (about 5 Hz) oscillating frequency (down to its star-shaped rotor visible via the case back).

Furthermore, freed from chronograph pushers and sub-dials, the case and dial designs are inherently cleaner, striking a perfect balance between strict tool-watch intent and downplayed sporty elegance.

All four share several specs, including a 40mm stainless steel case and burly three-link steel bracelet, a ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel, crown protection, a screw-down crown, and 20 ATM of water resistance. However, the thoughtful design options of the four models are both restrained, in sync with the timepiece’s spirit, and create a sense of a family built on versatility, precision, and wrist feel.

Right off the bat, you’ll notice some distinctive, technical-leaning “waveform” details on the outer gauging, hands, and baton indices. Along with a bolt-shaped counterbalance on the seconds hand, bolt-sporting dial badging, and a repeating “Z” dial texture motif across all dial options, this all indicates a strong, artfully subtle shared relationship with frequency cadence as well.

The Solo Options

The Ref. 03.5000.3620/22.M5000 comprises a black polished ceramic dial/black ceramic bezel one-two punch that screams technical classicism. White dial details pop nicely from the Z-patterned blackness and create strong contrast for the other shark-toothed “wave” elements mentioned above.

This is an apt point to share some details on Zenith’s ZENCLASP bracelet technology, which debuted at the last Watches and Wonders conclave and is included on all the models discussed here.

This new Zenith-developed folding clasp system (which took three years to perfect, BTW) was purpose-built to enhance wrist security (via a next-gen integrated safety-lock system) and wrist comfort (with its smooth, rounded lines, architecture, and micro-adjusting sizing mechanism).

The security lock includes a large lift-up protective cover and is reinforced by unique ceramic ball components that lock it all down, safe and sound. The tool-less micro-adjustment system allows 2.5mm adjustments along a total extension range of 10mm for the perfect wrist fit.

Finally, Ref. /72.M5000 brings some glimmering brownish-gold hues to the Solo Sport package with its polished ceramic, lighter-brown bezel and index details set against a very dark brown, polished-and-patterned ceramic dial.