This watch is undeniably a true work of art and Zenith has spared no efforts in this amazing timepiece. Zenith, as a brand, has never disappointed in the creation of watches and with over 2100 awards for their piece de resistance – the El Primero movement, Zenith stands tall as a watch manufacturer that is ready to venture into uncharted territory.
The Chronomaster Retrograde is, indeed, fitted with the self-winding El Primero which has a minimum of 50 hours of power reserve. This power reserve, or reserve de marche as it is sometimes called, is exhibited on the dial through a retrograde scale just above the 6 o’clock position. The date display is also done in retrograde as well. It is from this complication that the Chronomaster gets part of its name. The other part of the name (Chronomaster) is because of the masterfully accurate chronograph which uses beautiful blued steel hands. The chronograph can time any event up to half of an hour. The chronograph is built around a column wheel which ensures a smooth start of the chronograph.
The case is made from stainless steel and measures in at 42mm in diameter and also carries a case height of 14.05mm. The case back is of the exhibition variety where it shows off the movement decorated with a Cote de Genève pattern on the oscillating rotor. On the dial, the balance wheel or the heart of the watch can be seen vibrating at 5Hz or 36,000 vibrations per hour. Also on the dial is a tachometric scale located on the flange or internal bezel. Tachymeters work in tandem with the chronograph and are used to determine average speed over a given distance. The hour and minute hands, and the hour markers use Superluminova SLN1 for optimum readability at night.
The Chronomaster Retrograde is water resistant to 100 meters making this watch ideal for everyday use. Securing the watch to the wrist is a black alligator strap with a triple folding clasp for added protection. The fixed bezel houses a sapphire crystal which defends against nicks and scratches.
TAGS: Automatic Watches, Chronographs, Date, Haute Horlogerie, Leather, Men's Watches, Retrograde, Sapphire Crystal, Selfwinding Watches, Water Resistant