Sunday Morning Showdown: Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport Vs. Breitling Chronomat Automatic B31 40

It’s Sunday morning, which means it’s time for a coffee and a heated installment of Sunday Morning Showdown. After a busy week with plenty of Geneva Watch Days madness, it’s time to settle down and enjoy a lazy Sunday. The only excitement comes from this battle of sporty three-handers. Both are derived from popular chronographs, which instantly raises a bigger question: what do you, the Fratelli, think of that concept? Let’s find out! Jorg’s contender is the brand-new Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport, while Daan chose the Breitling Chronomat Automatic B31 40. Let’s find out which is the top pick!

This week was packed with new watch releases. We have seen some absolutely stunning ones from bigger and smaller brands alike. Among the biggest surprises was Zenith’s introduction of the three-hand Chronomaster Solo Sport, a series based on the Chronomaster Sport chronograph. The brand introduced four models — three time-and-date versions priced at €10,500 and a time-only variant at €9,500. Today, these go up against the Breitling Chronomat Automatic B31 40. Breitling introduced the current lineup of four time-and-date models in May as part of the updated Chronomat collection. They have friendlier price tags, coming in at €6,400 for the stainless steel version and €8,750 for the steel-and-platinum version with the ice-blue dial. But which one would you pick?

Last week, on Sunday Morning Showdown…

But first, let’s look at last week’s results. In last Sunday’s battle, we put the new Straum Expedition up against the Laventure Marine Type 3. Both are lightweight titanium watches from much-respected small brands known for their keen eye for design. Despite its higher price, the Laventure took a slight lead early on Sunday, and during the week, the Straum seemed to maintain the smallest possible margin. In the end, however, it was a perfect 50/50 split. A quick scan of the comments revealed that the Straum seemed more popular. As always, though, the silent majority played a big part in the final result. Let’s see what this week will bring. Over to Jorg and Daan!

Jorg: Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport

Welcome back, Daan! Last week was a strange battle, not going up against you or Mike but battling it out with Nacho. I tried my best to make you proud and to make the strongest case possible for the Laventure, as we are both big fans. But this week, it’s back to going head-to-head, so may the best man win! When Zenith announced the Chronomaster Solo Sport series, I was surprised and intrigued.

First off, I am usually not a fan of three-handers derived from chronographs, especially when the chronograph in question is popular or even legendary, as is the case with the Chronomat. It always feels like something is missing with these watches. Whether it’s the new Chronomaster Solo Sport, the Chronomat Automatic, or the Carrera Day-Date, it’s hard to get used to them. But I also understand there is commercial potential because not everyone wants a chronograph. For people who prefer a three-hander and like the overall design of the Chronomat or Chronomaster Sport, these are relevant options.

The ghost of the chronograph is always lingering

Despite my initial hesitations, I was also intrigued by Zenith’s Chronomaster Solo Sport. By adding a 60-minute unidirectional bezel, the brand ups the dive-watch vibes. This gives the series a renewed purpose, and that is a clever move. It becomes something more than just a simplified version of the chronograph. While it doesn’t fix that feeling of being a chronograph derivative, it does make it easier to get used to.

The longer I looked at the Chronomaster Solo Sport, the more I came to accept it as a modern sports watch with enough standalone appeal to win me over. I don’t feel that with the Chronomat. As it is executed now, I would always choose the chronograph without hesitation. The fact that the Chronomaster Solo Sport has me intrigued to find out more is a pretty strong case for the Zenith.

The new Zenith Chronomaster diver?

So, what did the creative team at Zenith devise? First, compared to the Chronomaster Sport, the new case has shrunk by a millimeter, with a 40mm diameter and 13.1mm thickness. The new case features a screw-down crown protected by crown guards on the right side. As mentioned, Zenith replaced the chronograph’s fixed bezel with a unidirectional ceramic bezel with a 60-minute scale. Add the 200m water resistance, and this could seriously be considered a capable dive watch. Zenith made sure that the hour markers on the dial and the bezel markers light up in the dark so that you can read the time and the elapsed dive duration.

To ensure the dial wasn’t just a simple sub-dial-free rendition of the one in the Chronomaster Sport, the team at Zenith brought together a few new and familiar design elements. First, the dials feature a high-frequency pattern built around a 45-degree “Z” motif. This refers to the high-beat El Primero calibers that power the watch. It also adds a nice bit of detail and goes well with the Super-LumiNova-filled applied hour markers. Located outside the hour markers, you will find Zenith’s signature “Shark Tooth” minute track, as seen on classics like the El Primero A3817 “Cover Girl.”

The El Primero 3620

Powering the new series is the in-house El Primero 3620 movement. While the El Primero series is mostly known as high-beat chronograph calibers, the brand is no stranger to using them in non-chronograph watches. In the current Zenith catalog, the Pilot Automatic is another example that uses the same caliber as this new Chronomaster Solo Sport. The El Primero 3620 operates at 36,000 vph and offers a 60-hour power reserve, making it a great powertrain for the Chronomaster Solo Sport.

The more I look at this new series, the more I like the four models. I can’t wait to go hands-on with them and find out whether they’ll click with me as much as I suspect. It will also allow me to try the new Zenclasp on the Oyster-style bracelet. This new clasp was quite a talking point during Watches and Wonders earlier this year. It features new ergonomics, a lift-up safety cover, and a toolless micro-adjustment system to ensure a great fit.

All in all, despite its steeper price, this new Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport is the easy winner in today’s battle. While writing my part of this week’s showdown, I became increasingly excited about this new series. That’s a feeling I’ve never had with the Chronomat Automatic. But let us know why you prefer the Breitling, Daan.

Daan: Breitling Chronomat Automatic B31 40

Thanks, Jorg, for defending the Laventure last week. I still can’t believe I didn’t buy that watch when I had the chance… And good morning to you and the dear Fratelli. I just came back from a few days in New York City, and that new Zenith is certainly a surprise. I’m not so sure if it’s a nice surprise, though. Like you, Jorg, I’m a fan of the original Chronomaster Sport chrono, especially the all-titanium limited edition. However, I’m not sure if I’m feeling this three-hand version as much as you are.

At first sight, it looks fine with the Chronomaster-style case, and I like the all-ceramic bezel around the dial. The latter reminds me of the bezel on the magnificent monopusher Seiko 5717-8990. That said, I’m also a little afraid that the bezel might crack on the first doorknob it hits. I’m also not so sure about the zig-zaggy dial pattern. It reminds me a bit of those heart monitors in hospitals, and that’s not an association I enjoy in a watch. Finally, I’m not so fond of polished center links in general, including those in the Zenith’s bracelet. In general, though, I think the new Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport lacks a bit of identity. Its design looks good, but it also looks a bit generic. The Chronomat Automatic, on the other hand, is classic Breitling and can’t be mistaken for anything else.

The bold Breitling Chronomat

The Chronomat is one of my favorite Breitling watches. It combines the brand’s bold styling with a more wearable size and comes with the amazing Rouleaux bracelet. The new Chronomat Automatic B31 is the first 40mm three-hander, and I think it hits the bullseye. The updated case features an improved, more integrated connection to the bracelet and a streamlined bezel. It might not be as bold as before, but it’s definitely still signature Breitling. Besides, if you want something bolder, you can, of course, go for the larger chronograph.

I like the Chronomat Automatic’s more modest appearance, though. It’s the perfect everyday watch with its 40mm case diameter, 11mm thickness, short 43.7mm lug span, and 200m water resistance. The layout on the sunburst dial is simple but effective, and the date window seems less like an afterthought than the one on the Zenith’s dial, which almost falls off the dial.

Inside the Chronomat is Breitling’s B31 automatic movement. It’s made by Sellita’s high-end specialized AMT division, and, like every Breitling movement, it’s a COSC-certified chronometer. It runs at the more common 28,800vph frequency and offers an ample 78-hour power reserve. I also like the way it looks through the display case back, with its steering-wheel-inspired, skeletonized rotor.

The ravishing Rouleaux

But my favorite feature on the Chronomat has to be the ravishing Rouleaux bracelet. After more than 40 years, it’s still a unique design in the watch world and looks so incredibly handsome. In this case, I don’t mind the polished intermediate links at all; on the contrary, they make the whole thing look even better. This bracelet is also very comfortable on the wrist, and since the update, its butterfly clasp now features on-the-fly toolless micro-adjustment. Instead of the Zenith’s four settings, it offers only three, but it’s much less bulky than the Zenclasp.

Finally, we come to the topic of price. Sure, the Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport features a high-beat in-house caliber. However, I feel that’s less relevant in a “simple” three-hander than, say, a perpetual calendar. For €4,000 less — yes, €4,000 — I’d much rather get the more original-looking Breitling Chronomat Automatic B31 40 with its AMT-made movement. It’s probably also easier to have non-Zenith watchmakers service it, which, in the end, is more convenient and less costly.

Cast your vote

All right, there you have it — another Sunday Morning Showdown. Would you rather wear the new Zenith Chronomaster Sport Solo or the updated Breitling Chronomat Automatic B31 40? Make sure to cast your vote and leave a comment below to tell us why you voted the way you did. See you next week for another Sunday Morning Showdown!