The Zenith Chronomaster Original Paris Edition is a stunning timepiece that pays homage to the iconic city of Paris. With its verdigris dial, this watch is a true masterpiece, capturing the essence of the City of Lights. But what makes this watch truly remarkable is its unique movement, the El Primero 3600, which is a testament to Zenith's legacy in the world of horology.
The El Primero 3600 is a high-frequency automatic chronograph movement, featuring a column-wheel, horizontal coupling, and a 60-hour power reserve. It is a direct descendant of Zenith's iconic Caliber A386, one of the original trio of automatic chronograph movements released in 1969. This movement is a marvel of engineering, with its central chronograph seconds hand making one rotation every 10 seconds, allowing for accurate and legible tracking down to the tenth of a second.
The Chronomaster Original Paris Edition has a 38mm stainless steel case with satin brushing on top, chamfered edges, and polished sides. It is capped with a box sapphire crystal and operated by twin pump pushers and a crown signed with the Zenith star. The watch comes on a three-link steel bracelet with brushed outer links and polished center links, fastened with a Zenclasp folding clasp featuring a proprietary tool-free micro-adjustment system.
What makes this watch truly special is its verdigris dial, which is a unique shade of green that mimics the tonal green texture of the lovely chemical phenomenon. The main dial plate is flat with cutouts for the Chronomaster's distinctive overlapping trio of subdials, each decorated in a snailed texture. A fumé fade envelops the subdials and culminates in black at the outer rim, which is framed by a glossy black rehaut.
The watch is a limited edition of just 50 pieces, offered online exclusively in the French market and in-person only at Zenith's Paris boutique. It is priced at €11,800 (~$13,470), making it a true collector's item. While it may be a bit out of reach for some, the Zenith Chronomaster Original Paris Edition is a watch that will undoubtedly turn heads and become a cherished possession for any watch enthusiast.
In my opinion, the Zenith Chronomaster Original Paris Edition is a masterpiece that showcases Zenith's expertise in horology. The unique verdigris dial and the El Primero 3600 movement make it a true work of art. It is a watch that will not only impress but also become a timeless piece that will be cherished for generations to come.
