In a final farewell as CEO, Julien Tornare introduces two remarkable Zenith watches, seamlessly blending the brand’s heritage with a contemporary twist. Tornare’s success at Zenith lies in navigating the brand’s rich history without succumbing to mere imitation. The latest Zenith Chronomaster Sport serves as a prime example, drawing inspiration from the 1969 El Primero and incorporating elements from the ‘De Luca’ design of the mid-1980s, the Chronomaster Sport, and a hint of Daytona.
With a green ceramic bezel and a lacquered dial featuring Zenith’s recognizable code, the Chronomaster Sport exudes vintage charm. Notably, the three-tone subdial set and color-matched date window enhance its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, a gem-set version with a gold-toned meteorite dial adds a touch of luxury to the collection.
In contrast, the 38mm Original Chronomaster Triple Calendar pays homage to a 1970 design that never reached production. With a busy yet attractive dial, the watch features multiple subdials, calendar windows, and a moonphase tucked into the lower subdial. The outer tracks are graduated for 1/10th of a second increments, emphasizing the watch’s fast 5Hz rate.
Available in three ‘panda’ layouts, the contrasting grey and white versions showcase gold-plated hands and markers, maintaining a vintage touch. The date windows are thoughtfully color-matched, and the design is refined to balance vintage aesthetics with modern sharpness.
Both watches are offered with options of straps – rubber for the Chronomaster Sport and calfskin for the Triple Calendar – or bracelets, providing enthusiasts with versatile choices.
Photo Credit: Zenith
