INTRODUCING: The Zenith Chronomaster Open Boutique Edition
Fergus NashThe concept of the open heart dial is nothing new, but it’s not necessarily a popular one. For the last few decades, watch snobs have dismissed open heart dials because of how often they appear on lower-end mechanical watches, sometimes as imitations of tourbillons or placed seemingly at random. Although the luxury market tends to prefer pure skeletonisation, Zenith are taking a bold shot at reclaiming the open heart having already proven themselves as masters of the skeleton. The latest addition to the Zenith Chronomaster Open collection delivers on every aspect, while tightening the proportions and retaining more functionality.
The first thing to notice on the Zenith Chronomaster Open is that there’s much more on display than just the balance wheel. Other parts of the escapement are visible — the assembly that controls how power from the mainspring is released and regulated into a timekeeping beat. The three circular cutouts meanwhile cascade into one another, making the usual Chronomaster triple-register subdials look like a train of gears. Given that the movement parts are silver, the tri-tone theme is retained for the grey subdials. The running seconds is still very much useable, thanks to a polymer disk with printed markings overlaying the cutout.
Aside from the open heart, the rest of the Zenith Chronomaster Open’s dial is captivating too, with a bright sunburst blue that evokes a clear sky. A chapter ring has markings for you to accurately time within tenths of a second, and the other printed minute markers are kept to the dial’s perimeter. Some of the applied hour markers, filled with black and luminous sections, have had to be removed to make way for the open heart, so white printed squares have taken their place at 9, 10, and 11. The Zenith El Primero logo and star has also had to be moved off-centre, but the dial still remains balanced.
In terms of dimensions, the Zenith Chronomaster Open follows the new generation of smaller Chronomaster sizing. It’s 39.5mm in diameter and 13.1mm thick, although the lug-to-lug length is still relatively long at 45.2mm. An average wrist won’t struggle with this watch, however those with smaller wrists may find it a little bit of overhang. The case rides that line between sporty and elegant with a polished bezel and chamfered edges to contrast its brushed surfaces.
The movement is of course the El Primero — specifically the 3604 calibre with integrated automatic winding, a 36,000 high beat rate, and approximately 60 hours of power reserve. The escapement makes use of silicon for the escape wheel and pallet lever, improving durability, friction, and anti-magnetism properties. You never quite get used to seeing the central seconds hand move as fast as it does, allowing you to make those measurements accurate to one tenth of a second.
The Zenith Chronomaster Open pricing and availability:
This Zenith Chronomaster Open is a boutique edition, available exclusively through their online store. Price: $14,300 AUD
| Brand | Zenith |
| Model | Chronomaster Open Boutique Edition |
| Case Dimensions | 39.5mm x 13.1mm x 45.2mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 Metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Blue with open heart |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Strap | Steel bracelet |
| Movement | El Primero 3604 |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Availability | Available now from online Zenith boutiques |
| Price | $14,300 AUD |