The Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli: A Horological Milestone in Blue

In 2025, Zenith commemorates its 160th anniversary with a striking release that integrates historical design, contemporary complication, and exotic materials. The Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli, reference 03.3400.3610/51.C910, combines Zenith’s iconic chronograph legacy with a lapis lazuli stone dial, marking an important milestone in the brand’s enduring history with the El Primero movement and triple calendar complications.

The Evolution of the Chronomaster Triple Calendar

Zenith’s Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar collection revives a concept first explored in prototype form during the late 1960s. While the public version of the A386 launched in 1969 was a chronograph-only model, archival evidence reveals that Zenith had considered a triple calendar with moonphase complication. In recent years, this idea has been actualized through a contemporary Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar lineup. The models integrate a calendar module with the El Primero Caliber 3610 movement.

The addition of a lapis lazuli dial in 2025 continues Zenith’s exploration of rare materials, following earlier special editions using meteorite. This release also echoes a 2019 unique platinum Chronomaster created for charity in collaboration with Phillips and Bacs & Russo. That model also featured a lapis dial, foreshadowing the broader production seen in the 2025 edition.

Design and Aesthetic

The new Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli maintains the signature A386 case shape. It measures 38mm in diameter, 46mm lug-to-lug, and 13mm in height. These dimensions stay faithful to the original 1969 proportions while housing additional calendar and moonphase functions.

The dial, cut from a single slab of natural lapis lazuli, showcases rich blue tones with gold, silver, and black inclusions characteristic of the stone. Each watch dial is visually distinct due to the natural mineral variations. The subdials for the chronograph maintain a snailed metallic texture, contrasting against the main stone dial. This inverted approach, compared to earlier meteorite dial versions, results in a dominant lapis surface area.

Calendar functions are subtly integrated. The date window is located at the 4:30 position. The day of the week and month are presented in rectangular apertures at 10 and 2 o’clock, respectively. All calendar discs are color-matched in dark blue and contrasted with white printing for improved legibility. The moonphase display is integrated into the 60-minute chronograph subdial and features a brushed blue disc with polished moon and star elements.

Case and Functionality

The stainless steel case includes pushers on the right side for chronograph operation and recessed pushers on the left side to adjust the moonphase and day of the week. The crown also adjusts the date and month in its first position. As a complete calendar rather than an annual or perpetual calendar, manual adjustment is required at five points in the year: February, April, June, September, and November.

The watch is water resistant to 50 meters and features a domed sapphire crystal. The caseback is transparent, offering a view of the movement within. Buyers may select between a dark blue calf leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet. Both options are fitted with a folding clasp.

Movement: The El Primero Caliber 3610

Inside the timepiece is the El Primero 3610, a modernized version of Zenith’s high-frequency chronograph movement. The 3610 retains the 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour) beat rate, enabling the chronograph to measure time to 1/10th of a second. It is automatic and features a column wheel and horizontal clutch.

Key Specifications:

• Frequency: 36,000 vph (5 Hz)
• Power Reserve: Approximately 60 hours
• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, triple calendar (day, date, month), moonphase
• Chronograph Accuracy: 1/10th of a second

This movement represents a fusion of Zenith’s legacy in chronograph development with the additional complexity of calendar and astronomical indications.

Strap Options and Wearability

The Chronomaster Lapis Lazuli is offered with both a dark blue calf leather strap and a stainless steel bracelet. The leather strap is color-coordinated with the dial and enhances the visual impact of the lapis. The steel bracelet offers a sportier look, though user reports indicate that the bracelet may feel less refined compared to the rest of the watch.

With a 38mm diameter and 46mm lug-to-lug span, the watch is compact on paper, but its design and protruding lugs cause it to wear larger on the wrist. The high caseback and non-downturned lugs contribute to a more elevated wrist presence. Wearability varies depending on wrist shape, and potential buyers are encouraged to try it on in person.

Pricing and Market Positioning

The retail price of the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli is $22,700 USD. This marks a notable premium over the standard triple calendar version, which is priced at $13,900. The $8,800 difference reflects the cost and rarity of crafting a dial from natural stone, as well as the added value of a unique aesthetic.

When compared to other luxury chronographs with stone dials, the premium on the Zenith model is relatively high. For context, stone dial variants in other collections, such as the Rolex Daytona with meteorite dials, tend to carry lower premiums over standard versions. Nevertheless, this Zenith occupies a unique niche as one of the few chronographs to pair a stone dial with a full triple calendar and moonphase function.

Conclusion

The Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli offers a distinctive combination of aesthetics, functionality, and historical homage. Through the use of a lapis lazuli dial, Zenith extends the appeal of its Chronomaster collection and reinforces its identity as a manufacturer that blends tradition with technical innovation. The limited nature of stone dials and the combination of high-frequency chronograph and calendar functions position this model as a unique offering in the contemporary luxury watch landscape.

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