Zenith seeks to steal the rainbow crown with the new white gold Chronomaster Sport Rainbow
Zach Blass- The Zenith Chronomaster Sport Rainbow is the first model within the collection to have a white gold case and bracelet.
- A rainbow assortment of diamonds and sapphires are set in the bezel and applied on the dial, 5.36 carats total.
- It is not a limited edition, and is priced at US$112,000.
When the Chronomaster Sport as we know it made its debut three years ago, the watch community was quick to pit it against the Rolex Daytona – a watch that seemingly holds the chronograph throne. Visual parallels aside, which diminish the deeper you dive in, one thing was clear: the gauntlet was thrown down, and Zenith flexed its high-beat muscles in a way Rolex never has. After its introduction in steel, Zenith would eventually explore the Chronomaster Sport in rose gold and titanium, and also venture into the worlds of meteorite and gemstones. Today, however, the Zenith Chronomaster Sport Rainbow not only marks the first-ever Chronomaster Sport to use a white gold case and bracelet, but also the first time the collection has decided to enter the ever-popular rainbow segment of the market.
The Chronomaster Sport Rainbow ultimately does not reinvent the wheel, retaining all of the qualities that made the model popular amongst those after a quality chronograph. Its case still measures 41mm in diameter, 13.8mm thick, and 47mm lug-to-lug – something I appreciate even more considering the Crown enlarged the once-classic and compact lug-to-lug span of the Daytona in its latest generation. Befitting of a gem-set watch, Zenith has opted for the stealth wealth appeal of white gold for the case (seen only before in scarce limited editions like the Yoshida) and a case-matching bracelet that allows the gemstones to really pop.
There are 5.36 carats total in terms of diamonds and gemstones, with a rainbow gradient of 40 baguette-cut sapphires paired with 10 baguette-cut diamonds that offer clear visual contrast to still deliver the 1/10th of a second timing scale of sorts. This philosophy of letting the sapphires be the star of the show extends to the dial, executed in black lacquer with Zenith’s tri-colour register signature, and a colour-matched 4:30 date window. The coloured sapphires that serve as the applied hour indices match the rainbow gradient seen on the bezel.
With the Rolex Daytona Rainbow models commanding a starting retail price of around US$200k, and often trading three times or more that price on the secondary market, the fact Zenith can deliver an 18k white gold Chronomaster Sport Rainbow at a price of US$112,000 is very compelling – though it is half the price, it is certainly not half the watch. Though there is a wide and somewhat saturated market of rainbow watch offerings, Zenith again remains distinct with its high-beat point of difference. Sure, it flexes externally with loud gemstones and quiet gold, but internally, the El Primero movement will always remain a horological flex few watch manufacturers can compete with.
Zenith Chronomaster Sport Rainbow pricing and availability
The Zenith Chronomaster Sport Rainbow is available now as a Zenith boutique exclusive. Price: US$112,100
Brand | Zenith |
Model | Chronomaster Sport Rainbow |
Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 13.8mm (T) x 47mm (LTL) |
Case Material | 18k white gold, gem-set bezel (rainbow baguette sapphires and diamonds) |
Water Resistance | 100 metres |
Dial | Black, tri-colour counter |
Crystal | Sapphire crystal front and back |
Strap | Steel bracelet, folding buckle |
Movement | El Primero 3600, in-house, automatic, column wheel chronograph |
Power Reserve | 60 hours |
Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph |
Availability | Zenith Boutique Exclusive |
Price | US$112,100 |