In a grand farewell gesture, outgoing CEO Julien Tornare leaves his mark on Zenith with the unveiling of two remarkable timepieces, showcasing the sharpness and innovation that earned him widespread recognition within the industry. Tornare is set to take charge of TAG Heuer, leaving a legacy of successful navigation through Zenith’s heritage without succumbing to pastiche.
The latest creation, the Zenith Chronomaster Sport, is a testament to Tornare’s bold approach. Drawing inspiration from the iconic 1969 El Primero, the design incorporates elements from the mid-1980s ‘De Luca’ and the Chronomaster Sport, with a touch of Daytona influence. Despite the challenge posed by the brand’s heritage rooted in the early 1970s, the Chronomaster Sport introduces a fresh aesthetic with a green ceramic bezel, a lacquered dial featuring the recognizable Zenith code, a three-tone subdial set, and a color-matched date window. A gem-set version, featuring a gold-toned meteorite dial, was also unveiled at the recent LVMH Watch Week 2024 in Miami.
In a more classic Zenith style, the 38mm Original Chronomaster Triple Calendar pays homage to a 1970s prototype that never entered production. Resurrected with a vintage vibe, this model boasts a busy yet attractive dial, housing multiple subdials, calendar windows, and a discreet moonphase tucked into the lower subdial. The absence of a bezel allows ample space for these intricate features. The outer tracks, graduated for 1/10th of a second increments, highlight the watch’s fast 5Hz rate, providing tenth-of-a-second precision.
Offered in three ‘panda’ layouts with contrasting grey and white (and a boutique-only version featuring green against white), the gold-plated hands and markers complement the color-matched date windows. Available on rubber for the Chronomaster Sport and calfskin for the Triple Calendar, both models offer a strap or bracelet option.
Tornare’s departure marks the end of an era at Zenith, but the legacy of his leadership is evident in these new timepieces that blend the brand’s rich heritage with contemporary design and precision.
