Zenith Releases All New Chronomaster Sport, Revival A385, And More

Four fresh models from the 2021 Zenith lineup

January 25, 2021

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Last year, LVMH brands Bulgari, Hublot, and Zenith held a lavish event in Dubai, showcasing their latest and greatest. Sadly, that is not possible in 2021, but that does not mean that we’ll go without any timepieces. On the contrary, Zenith has prepared four fresh models for us. Along with new watches like the Chronomaster Sport and the Chronomaster Revival A385, we will see an iteration of the Defy 21 called Urban Jungle, as well as the Pilot Type 20 Silver Chronograph.

“For Zenith, 2021 is the year of Chronomaster,” as the brand puts it, and it could not be more true. Aside from a vintage classic rendition, the A385, the Swiss brand also released its all-new Chronomaster Sport model, an exciting chronograph. Zenith also revisits two existing models, the Defy 21, and the Pilot Type 20, and gives them a modern twist.

Chronomaster Sport

The Chronomaster Sport is the latest evolution in a long line of iconic chronographs. Taking inspiration from such classics as the A386, the watch combines design elements from other Zenith standouts. Components from the A277, the El Primero Rainbow, or the De Luca are all parts of the Chronomaster Sport.

However, this doesn’t make the watch look gimmicky. The 41mm steel case, polished black ceramic bezel, and three different colored counters are the model’s trademark design elements. Still, the Chronomaster Sport offers much more than a revised look. Inside the watch beats the El Primero 36000 Automatic. As the newest version of the legendary caliber, the El Primero has its predecessors key trademarks. It remains a column wheel, automatic chronograph movement with a high frequency of 5Hz (36,000vph). Furthermore, the caliber offers a power reserve of 60 hours and can measure 1/10th of a second.

The wearer can easily read this from the bezel, but it’s also displayed on the dial. For those of us who’d like to admire this work of art of a movement, Zenith added a display case back to the Chronomaster Sport. While the watch’s color contrast between the dial and the bezel works best with white, the Chronomaster also comes in black. The model features the same black ceramic bezel, the same colored sub-dials, and the same steel case, but with a black lacquered dial instead of white.

Moreover, Zenith offers the watch on a metal bracelet or rubber straps with a very slim price difference. A Chronomaster Sport on the metal bracelet would set you back CHF 9,900 (€9,700/$10,000). While if you fancy it on the Cordura effect rubber strap with a double folding clasp, the price is CHF 9,500 (€9,200/$9,500). The Chronomaster Sport is also the choice of Zenith’s latest ambassador, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Chronomaster Revival A385

Zenith’s Revival collection pays tribute to the original timepieces from 1969 that introduced the El Primero movement to the world. All three references became cornerstone collection pieces. Moreover, with the arrival of the Chronomaster Revival A385, all of them have now been re-released. Just like all other Revival pieces, the A385 bears a striking resemblance to its 1969 counterpart. The watch comes in a 37mm tonneau shape steel case with pump pushers. However, what makes it immediately recognizable is its smoked brown gradient dial, just like you’d see on the vintage A385 — such a beautiful piece.

For complete historical accuracy, Zenith also reproduced the emblematic ladder bracelet (then produced by Gay Fréres). For this, one would have to leave CHF 8,400 (€8,300/$8,400) at their local Zenith dealer. The Chronomaster Revival A385 also comes on a light brown calf leather strap. For that, the price is CHF 7,900 (€7,800/$7,900).

Defy 21 Urban Jungle

So much for the Chronomaster. Aside from those new models, Zenith also releases two fresh versions of models we all are familiar with. Let’s start with the Defy 21 Urban Jungle. The Defy collection is known to be bold and innovative. It is avant-garde and often employs high-performance materials. We should not forget the manufacture chronograph movement.

The El Primero 9004 automatic caliber is capable of measuring down to 1/100th of a second. While this has been the case already with previous Defy 21 timepieces, the new Urban Jungle brings a new look to the model we already know. Coming in a khaki green, matte surface ceramic case, the Defy 21 Urban Jungle also sports a green main plate and oscillating weight. To complete the look, Zenith offers the Defy 21 Urban Jungle on a black rubber strap with a khaki green “Cordura effect” and a titanium double folding clasp. It is priced at CHF 14,400.

Pilot Type 20 Silver Chronograph

The only limited edition of Zenith’s 2021 lineup, the Pilot Type 20 Silver Chronograph will be produced just 250 times. The watch takes inspiration from vintage aircraft design, most notably, from Louis Bleriot’s plane. In a pioneering flight, he flew across the English Channel in 1909. This Pilot Type 20 comes in a 45mm silver case. Moreover, the riveted metal panels of Bleriot’s plane inspired the brushed dial.

To ensure excellent legibility, the large Arabic numerals and the cathedral hands are all treated with Super-LumiNova. Inside the Pilot Type 20 Silver Chronograph is the El Primero 4049 Automatic caliber. This movement has a 36,000vph and a 50-hour power reserve. The watch comes on a brown calfskin leather strap with a price tag of CHF 9,900.

If you would like to visit Zenith’s website to check out the new models, please click here.