When Zenith revamped the Chronomaster with the introduction of the Sport models, it did so to more than a few raised eyebrows. People seemed to think, perhaps not unreasonably, that the new Chronomaster Sport looked a lot like a well-known chronograph from a well-known Swiss company charitable foundation. It was, of course, the lowest hanging fruit and ignored completely both the differences that existed and the legacy of Zenith chronographs. Yet, this new move, part of a series of releases for LVMH Watch Week 2025, may well provide more ammunition for those critics, as the Zenith Chronomaster Sport Rainbow taps into a trend pioneered by that same charitable foundation and its same well-known chronograph. But in assessing the new release on its own merits, we find an impressive offering.
Made from solid 18k white gold, this edition of the Zenith Chronomaster Sport gets its ceramic bezel replaced by 50 gemstones: 40 colored sapphires with 10 diamonds marking out 10 seconds, which maintains the bezels utility (something the Charitable Foundation Chronograph can’t claim). It’s not the first time Zenith has done this, though the last time, they used an all-gold case and a meteorite dial. The rest of the case appears to remain identical to the non-blinged model. 41mm diameter, polished pump pushers, 100m water resistance, and a sapphire crystal. The watch’s other dimensions aren’t provided, but if they maintain the original’s, you can expect a 13.8mm thickness and a lug-to-lug just under 46mm. Zenith still has yet to implement a quick-release mechanism or a built-in micro-adjustment mechanism, but the bracelet has a nice taper and a folding clasp.
The dial gets the gem treatment too, with the hour markers replaced by a rainbow of sapphires to match the color segments of the bezel. Aside from that, you get the same El Primero layout that standard Chronomasters get. That means an inky black dial with tri-color chronograph registers and rhodium-plated hands, including the starred chronograph seconds hand that whips around once every ten seconds. It’s more subdued than the gold meteorite dial of the previous gem-set CM Sport, but I think it’s more appealing for that exact reason.
If everything is an El Primero, nothing is an El Primero. While we can safely call this caliber a true El Primero, as it’s an automatic chronograph, Zenith has taken to using the moniker for a number of non-chronograph movements, something with which I fully disagree. In any case, here it’s the El Primero 3600, which ticks at a hi-beat 36,000vph and offers 60 hours of power. I do love the skeletonize star rotor, though.
Again, let’s assess this on it’s merits. It’s got a modern movement with an impeccable pedigree, a beautiful jeweled bezel that’s maintains functionality, and the Chronomaster’s iconic tricolor dial. With all that plus wearability, it’s a win across the board. The Zenith Chronomaster Sport Rainbow is priced at $112,100 USD with no mention of limited production. For more information, please visit the Zenith website.