Ref. 03.3100.3600⌚⌚⌚
Zenith Chronomaster Sport
El Primero high-frequency chronograph. The Daytona alternative.
$10,200Mar 8, 2026
Brand
Zenith
The El Primero Legend
About Zenith
Zenith created the El Primero in 1969 — the world's first automatic chronograph movement. Operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour, it remains one of the most accurate mechanical chronograph movements ever made. The Chronomaster Sport is widely regarded as the best Daytona alternative.
Zenith history in brief
- Founded
- 1865
- Headquarters
- Le Locle, Switzerland
Georges Favre-Jacot founded Zenith in Le Locle as one of the first integrated watch factories. In 1969 it introduced the El Primero, one of the first automatic chronograph movements, beating at a high 36,000 vibrations per hour for 1/10th-second timing. When Zenith was ordered to scrap El Primero tooling during the quartz crisis, engineer Charles Vermot hid the plans, allowing production to resume. Rolex later used a modified El Primero in the Daytona from 1988 to 2000. Zenith is now part of LVMH.
Signature Zenith models
- Chronomaster Sport — A 1/10th-second El Primero chronograph with a ceramic bezel.
- Chronomaster Original — A faithful take on the 1969 A386 with tri-colour sub-dials.
- Defy Skyline — A modern integrated-bracelet sports watch.
Tips for buying a Zenith
- ▸The Chronomaster Sport is usually available at retail, unlike many competitors' steel chronographs.
- ▸High-beat movements need regular servicing — budget for it.
- ▸Pre-owned Zeniths typically sell well below retail, making them strong value buys.
Best for: Chronograph enthusiasts who want legendary movement history without long waiting lists.
