A Surprising Series Of Three-Handers: The New Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

In 2021, Zenith introduced the Chronomaster Sport as its modern sports chronograph. The new series was widely discussed immediately after its release, and despite (or perhaps due to) its hotly debated Rolex Daytona-like aesthetic, it became a massive commercial success for the Le Locle-based brand. Over time, Zenith introduced several new versions that widened the visual gap between Daytona and the Chronomaster Sport, cementing it as one of the brand’s leading series. Now, five years after its debut, Zenith introduces the Chronomaster Solo Sport. This group of four sporty three-handers feels like the perfect next step for the collection. It’s time to find out more.

When Zenith first released the Chronomaster Sport, I liked it. However, like so many, I was a bit puzzled by the design. Over time, the series shook the Daytona ghost. Relatively easy-to-address elements, like dial colors and fixed steel bezels, along with new materials, such as ceramic and titanium, helped the Chronomaster Sport series grow into its own thing. Some of the variations are now among my favorite Zenith watches. The first that comes to mind is the Chronomaster Sport Titanium, my top pick from the lineup. With the Chronomaster Solo Sport, Zenith now introduces three-hand takes on the line. These watches still take after the Chronomaster Sport but simplify the look by eschewing the chronograph. Zenith has also given them some of the brand’s classic design cues and a very different aesthetic.

The details of the Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

Let’s kick things off with the specs. Three of the four new introductions are time-and-date models, while the fourth is a time-only variant. All four watches have a 40mm stainless steel case, just like the Chronomaster Sport. Topping it is a ceramic unidirectional bezel featuring a 60-minute scale that lights up in the dark. On the right side of the case, you will find the screw-down crown, protected by crown guards, which contributes to the watch’s 200m depth rating.

The time-and-date models consist of a white-dial version with a black ceramic bezel, a black-on-black one, and a brown-dial variant with a brown ceramic bezel. Lastly, the time-only Chronomaster Solo Sport also has a black dial and bezel. Consequently, the two black-dial models look very similar. But the Zenith designers made sure to separate the two beyond the date window. The date version has red “36’600 VpH” text, whereas the time-only model uses white. This makes it easier to differentiate them quickly.

The new dial for the Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

Unlike their chronograph counterparts, all four Chronomaster Solo Sport models feature ceramic dials with a high-frequency pattern built around a 45-degree “Z” motif. This adds a nice bit of detail and works well with the style of the Super-LumiNova-filled applied hour markers. Additionally, the shark-tooth minute track takes inspiration from some of the brand’s classics, including the famous Zenith A3817 Cover Girl.

The two black dials and the brown one feature a polished finish, while the white dial has a sunray finish. Lastly, the brown-dial version features rose gold-colored hands and indexes, while these elements are rhodinized in the other three models. As a result, the brown one feels warmer and has a slightly different style from the sportier black- and white-dial versions.

The new Zenith Zenclasp

Completing the exterior is an Oyster-style bracelet equipped with the brand’s Zenclasp. This new folding clasp debuted during Watches and Wonders this year to much critical acclaim. It features an integrated safety-lock system and toolless micro-adjustment mechanism offering a 10mm adjustment range in 2.5mm increments.

On top of that, the ergonomic design ensures a natural fit on the wrist. I still vividly remember how impressed we were with this new clasp. It proved to be one of our favorite new technical innovations at the fair. Zenith will gradually equip all its Chronomaster Sport models with the Zenclasp, and the new Chronomaster Solo Sport models come with it.

Inside the new Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport, the brand uses its in-house El Primero 3620. This high-beat movement is derived from the El Primero 3600 chronograph caliber that powers the Chronomaster Sport series. The 3620 operates at 36,000 vph and offers a 60-hour power reserve. Furthermore, it comes equipped with a silicon escapement and a skeletonized rotor with the Zenith star, visible through the case back’s sapphire display.

Final thoughts on the new Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

Overall, it is interesting to see these new Chronomaster Solo Sport models. We are no strangers to seeing a series of chronographs being transformed into three-handers. Good examples are the Breitling Chronomat and the TAG Heuer Carrera. Zenith has done a great job keeping the Chronomaster Solo Sport super recognizable. The watches also come with a signature El Primero caliber, which adds to their value.

That makes this quartet of new Chronomaster Solo Sport models an interesting take on a familiar series. While I like how Zenith made them distinct from the chronograph, it is hard to see them as anything other than flankers to it. But that is not a Zenith issue, as all three-handers derived from famous chronographs give me that feeling. That said, as a sucker for brown dials, I am intrigued by the brown version of the Chronomaster Solo Sport. But the dateless black variant also looks really nice. I would love to find out more about the series by taking those models for a spin.

The time-only Chronomaster Solo Sport will be available for CHF 8,900, while the time-and-date models will cost CHF 9,900. The prices are in line with those of the Chronomaster Sport chronographs, making the four watches the entry-level offerings in the Chronomaster Sport series. I would love to learn more about them, but what do you think? Do you find the Chronomaster Solo Sport intriguing? Let me know in the comments below.