Since Zenith released it three years ago, the Chronomaster Sport collection has become the brand’s best-selling watch. It’s no surprise, then, that additional variants have been added to the catalog. Originally shown in steel with a black or white dial, we’ve since seen a few new colors as well as precious metal variants. The newest release from Zenith, the Chronomaster Sport Titanium, celebrates the brand’s continued sponsorship of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) with a new dial and a new metal. Since 2020, Zenith has been the official timekeeper of these short-format tennis matches, and while the Titanium variant is not a limited edition, releasing a sports chronograph in a lightweight and corrosion-resistant material in conjunction with the UTS seems appropriate.
Zenith selected Grade 5 titanium for the case, pushers, and crown. This gives the watch a warmer tone than the steel version. The titanium case shares its 41mm width with the steel version. Because it is 30% lighter, however, it’s even more comfortable to wear. Zenith also eschewed the ceramic bezel on the original Chronomaster Sport and replaced it with a brushed titanium bezel. The case, too, is largely brushed, but grade 5 allows for polishing on chamfers on the case and bracelet, as well as on the rim of the bezel. Titanium is difficult to finish to a high level, but Zenith has matched the quality of the steel version, which is befitting of a watch in this price range. Those seeking ultimate comfort might choose the integrated FKM rubber strap. I feel that the bracelet is worth the modest price increase, but its clasp still lacks the micro-adjust that many buyers expect.
The easiest way to spot the Chronomaster Sport Titanium, however, will be the dial color. A nickel-gray color not present on other models features an attractive sunburst finish. In keeping with the gray tone, the tricolor subdials are monotone, losing the signature blue subdial at 3 o’clock. Subtle hints of red in text and the chronograph subdial tips add the only color to the dial. Even the date disc is color-matched in silver. Pops of red on the hands and text keep it from being too drab, without going too far.
The same Zenith El Primero 3600 manufacture caliber powering steel versions is present behind the sapphire caseback here. It packs a column wheel and 60 hours of power reserve, but a 5hz operation frequency is what allows for its party piece. When the chronograph is actuated, the central hand starts rotating once every 10 seconds, allowing wearers to measure and easily read time down to 1/10 second.
The original Chronomaster Sport received criticism for being too similar looking to the ceramic Rolex Daytona. While this never bothered me, this new titanium model should help to further differentiate the Zenith. I also found the all-silver motif attractive less flashy than the tri-color versions, and even easier on the wrist. The Zenith Chronomaster Sport Titanium is priced at 11,300 USD on FKM rubber strap and 11,800 USD on bracelet. Both represent modest $800 increases over the steel versions. For more information, please visit the Zenith website.
