This new steel Zenith Chronomaster Sport debuts a blue dial, but ditches the ceramic bezel
Zach Blass- This new Zenith Chronomaster Sport is the first core collection model in steel with a steel bezel rather than ceramic
- Its sunburst blue dial and steel bezel pairing harkens back to “DeLuca” and “Rainbow” references of the 80s and 90s
- With the pivot to a steel bezel, it is priced at A$800 / US$500 less than the ceramic bezel models
When the Zenith Chronomaster Sport first came to market, comparisons were immediately drawn to the modern Rolex Daytona. To the uninitiated, from a distance, this is understandable. On the wrist, however, dimensionally there are subtle differences and functionally speaking the Chronomaster Sport has a major point of distinction: a hi-beat automatic chronograph movement capable of measuring 1/10th of a second with a central chronograph hand that races around the dial every ten seconds rather than 60 seconds. Yet, the look of the watch and its black ceramic bezel, for some, overshadowed this technical distinction and the conversation centred around a head-to-head battle with the Daytona. I personally have never found the Chronomaster Sport to be too derivative, and if Rolex could borrow Zenith’s movement to power the Daytona for years then a “borrowing” from Rolex for Zenith is a fair deal. I bring this up because for the first time in the core collection, within the steel range of Chronomaster Sport models, we now have our first blue dial and our first steel bezel. So, if previous Chronomaster Sports were a rival to the modern Daytona, this new ref. 03.3114.3600/51.M3100 goes head-to-head with Neo-vintage Daytonas powered by Zenith’s chronograph calibre.
It also can be considered a huge value alternative to the Rolex Daytona ref. 16509 in white gold with a blue dial – a watch that sells for approximately six times more than the A$15,800/US$10,500 retail price of this new Chronomaster Sport. But, enough comparisons. This new blue dial with a sunburst finish is accompanied by Zenith’s signature tri-colour registers, in this iteration comprised of a bright grey counter at 9′, a dark grey counter at 6′, and a dial-matching blue counter at 3′. All hands and sub-hands tied to the chronograph functionality are highlighted with red accents as a visual guide that enhances legibility. At the 4:30 position, a white-on-blue date indication perfectly blends into the backdrop of the dial. With the pivot to a metal bezel, rather than a ceramic bezel, here we have a fully polished stainless steel bezel with black-filled inlays that serve as a 1/10th of a second scale.
The overall look, according to Zenith, is inspired by the “DeLuca” and “Rainbow” watches they produced in the 80s and 90s. Looking at the image above of a Zenith El Primero DeLuca II ref. 01.305.400 from the 90s, the inspiration is immediately clear. This Chronomaster Sport configuration definitely has a more retro feel without the more modern ceramic bezel. And, for those who prefer the steel bezel over a ceramic bezel, you will be glad to know it will save you A$800 or US$500.
Our original hands-on video with the Zenith Chronomaster Sport
The key distinction here with this novelty is purely aesthetic. So, if you are looking for more information regarding specifications and the El Primero 3600 movement, you can dive further into the Chronomaster Sport here – or better yet check out the videos above and below. A full specifications table, accompanied by pricing, is, of course, also available at the bottom of the page.
TIME+TIDE LIVE: 5 surprising facts about the Zenith Chronomaster Sport shared by its designer
Six Months on the Wrist, starring the Zenith Chronomaster Sport. The questions you want answered.
Zenith Chronomaster Sport ref. 03.3114.3600/51.M3100 pricing and availability
The Zenith Chronomaster Sport ref. 03.3114.3600/51.M3100 is available now for purchase. Price: A$15,800, US$10,500, CHF 10,400
| Brand | Zenith |
| Model | Chronomaster Sport |
| Reference | 03.3114.3600/51.M3100 |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 13.8mm (T) x 47mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Dial | Blue sunburst with tri-colour counters |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal and exhibition caseback |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet with folding buckle |
| Movement | In-house automatic El Primero 3600 |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours and minutes in the centre. Small seconds at 9′. 1/10th of a second Chronograph: Central chronograph hand that makes one turn in 10 seconds, 60-minute counter at 6′, 60-second counter at 3′. |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$15,800, US$10,500, CHF 10,400 |