Zenith has introduced the Chronomaster Sport Skeleton, a new openworked version of its contemporary high-frequency chronograph. The watch keeps the 41mm Chronomaster Sport case and 1/10th-second El Primero format, but replaces the conventional dial with a smoked sapphire display that puts the skeletonised El Primero 3600 SK movement in full view.
An open dial without abandoning the Chronomaster Sport identity
The Chronomaster Sport Skeleton is not a complete visual departure from the standard model. Zenith has kept the broad proportions, pump pushers, ceramic bezel and overlapping tri-colour counters that define the line. The difference is how much more of the watch is now visible.
The dial is made from sapphire crystal with a smoked black gradient, darker at the perimeter and more transparent toward the centre. Beneath it, the openworked calibre becomes part of the dial architecture, while the grey, anthracite and blue counters preserve a clear link to the El Primero’s 1969 design language.
Applied baton hour markers and faceted hands are rhodium-plated and treated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1. That matters here, because skeletonised chronographs can easily become difficult to read. Zenith’s approach keeps the familiar Chronomaster Sport layout intact while adding mechanical depth.
The El Primero 3600 SK takes centre stage
Inside is the automatic El Primero 3600 SK, a skeletonised evolution of Zenith’s current high-frequency chronograph movement. It runs at 36,000 vibrations per hour, or 5 Hz, allowing the central chronograph hand to measure 1/10th of a second.
As on other modern Chronomaster Sport models, the chronograph seconds hand completes one full revolution every 10 seconds. The elapsed 1/10th-second reading is taken against the ceramic bezel, which is engraved with a 10-second scale rather than a conventional tachymeter.
The movement uses a column wheel and horizontal clutch construction, both visible through the dial and sapphire caseback. Zenith highlights the column wheel in blue, and the calibre also uses a silicon escape wheel and lever. A stop-seconds mechanism allows precise time-setting, while the power reserve is approximately 60 hours.
The view through the back includes a newly shaped openworked rotor engraved with the Zenith star, continuing the skeletonised treatment beyond the dial side.
Four versions, from steel to a 10-piece diamond edition
Zenith is launching the Chronomaster Sport Skeleton in four versions. The two stainless steel models use a 41mm case with alternating brushed and polished finishing, a three-link steel bracelet and an additional matching rubber strap.
- Ref. 03.3130.3600 / 01.M3130: stainless steel with black ceramic bezel.
- Ref. 03.3131.3600 / 01.M3130: stainless steel with green ceramic bezel.
- Ref. 18.3130.3600 / 01.R951: 18-carat rose gold with black ceramic bezel and black rubber strap.
- Ref. 22.3130.3600 / 01.M3100: 18-carat rose gold limited edition of 10 pieces with matching gold bracelet and a bezel set with 52 baguette-cut diamonds totalling approximately 5 carats.
All versions are water resistant to 10 ATM, or 100 metres. That keeps the model in the practical sports-chronograph category, even with the more elaborate openworked construction.
A new clasp adds everyday usefulness
One of the most practical updates appears on the steel bracelet models. Zenith is introducing its patented ZENCLASP folding clasp, a 41-component clasp with on-the-fly micro-adjustment.
The system allows tool-free adjustment directly on the wrist in 2.5mm increments, with a total range of 10mm. Zenith says the clasp has undergone durability testing simulating more than 10 years of use, including over 600,000 opening and closing cycles.
It is a small but meaningful addition. Bracelet comfort can change throughout the day with temperature and wrist size, and quick-adjust systems have become increasingly important on modern sports watches.
Pricing starts at CHF 14,900, €16,500 or US$16,700 for the stainless steel versions. The rose gold model is priced at CHF 27,900, €31,200 or US$31,500, while the 10-piece gem-set rose gold limited edition is priced at CHF 99,000, €111,400 or US$111,000.
The Chronomaster Sport Skeleton gives Zenith’s core modern chronograph a more technical face without losing the clarity of the original formula. It is still a 41mm, 100-metre, high-frequency sports chronograph, but now the El Primero is not just the engine inside the watch — it is the main event.