download zenith chronomaster el primero open

Then there’s the three quintessential, recessed, multi-coloured sub-dials located at three, six and nine o’clock, which display a 30-minute totaliser, 12-hour totaliser and running seconds, respectively.

Likewise, when the highly polished, multifaceted beveled hour indices and handset (which both feature Super-LumiNova) catch the light in just the right way, they positively beam, almost glowing with a white-hot aura. The radially brushed, sunburst silver base begins its dance, especially in direct sunlight.

In the metal, though, it’s a different story. Which is surprising, because when you see stock photos of it on the website, it’s easy to think that it looks a tad busy. I’m not going to beat around the bush with this one – the dial of the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero 38mm is pure horological sex … it’s that good.

But before it did, I was fortunate enough to temporarily purloin the stainless steel chrono, Ref.03.2150.400/69.C713 for a IN-DEPTH review, and these were my impressions. Sadly, a few short days later, it had to go back to Zenith. So, why am I telling you all this? And what’s it got to do with the Chronomaster El Primero 38mm? Well, in case you still haven’t seen the above video, Time+Tide’s fearless leader, Andrew McUtchen, was given this watch by Zenith to wear on the show.

Download zenith chronomaster el primero open