# Zenith Chronomaster Original Review by A.I. WatchMetrics

## Watch Summary
The Zenith Chronomaster Original is a luxurious sports chronograph reinterpreting the iconic 1969 A384 model with its distinctive cushion-shaped stainless steel case, tricolor sub-dial layout in blue, black, and anthracite, and the legendary in-house El Primero 3600 automatic movement offering a high-beat 36,000 vph frequency for silky seconds sweep, 60-hour power reserve, and column-wheel chronograph functionality; perfect for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate vintage-inspired design blended with modern precision in a 38mm package suited for daily wear despite modest 50m water resistance.

## Overall Watch Rating: 8.7/10.0

**Movement Metric (9.9/10.0)** - The El Primero 3600 sets the benchmark for automatic chronographs with its high-frequency escapement, column-wheel actuation, and superior finishing on par with Patek Philippe's CHR 29-535.
**History & Innovation Metric (9.4/10.0)** - Rooted in the revolutionary 1969 El Primero—the world's first high-beat automatic chronograph—it combines storied heritage with enduring technical advancements outshining many modern competitors.
**Dials & Design Metric (9.3/10.0)** - The cushion case and sunray silver dial with contrasting sub-registers deliver timeless 1960s elegance and legibility akin to the original Rolex Daytona Paul Newman models.
**Material Metric (9.1/10.0)** - Premium stainless steel construction with box sapphire crystal featuring dual anti-reflective coatings and meticulous brushing/polishing rivals the tactile quality of Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak.
**Cohesiveness Metric (9.0/10.0)** - Every element from the tachymetric bezel to the integrated bracelet harmonizes into a cohesive vintage-modern sports icon without any discordant features.
**Brand Metric (8.8/10.0)** - Zenith's luxury status, bolstered by over 150 years of Swiss prestige and the El Primero legacy, places it firmly alongside Omega and Grand Seiko in premium craftsmanship.
**Versatility Metric (8.7/10.0)** - Bracelet versatility suits office-to-weekend transitions, though 50m water resistance limits extreme adventures compared to full divers like the Omega Seamaster.
**Complications Metric (8.2/10.0)** - The flyback-capable chronograph with tri-compax layout offers reliable utility matching the functionality of a standard Rolex Daytona.
**Rarity Metric (7.4/10.0)** - At $9,100 retail, its production volume tempers exclusivity relative to limited-edition Patek Philippe References but exceeds mass-market luxury pieces.
**Functions Metric (7.3/10.0)** - Core timekeeping and chronograph duties perform solidly but lack extras like a date or GMT, aligning with minimalist high-end chronos like the IWC Portugieser.

## Total Performance Score (TPS): 4.5

## WM Collector Grade: B

## Performance Insights: Shines brightest in movement, history, design, and materials for a compelling package, though functions are middling; trades at a steep discount to its $462,000 implied price, signaling strong value.

## TPS Interpretation: Fair Value: The watch punches above its price with elite movement credentials and iconic styling, ideal for discerning buyers seeking heritage without hype-driven premiums.

## Watch Data
[Picture URL] - https://www.zenith-watches.com/media/catalog/product/0/3/03.3840.3600_69.c902_1.jpg; [backPicture] - https://www.zenith-watches.com/media/catalog/product/0/3/03.3840.3600_69.c902_2.jpg; [lumePicture] - N/A; [Nickname] - Chronomaster Original; [Brand] - Zenith; [Model] - Chronomaster Original; [Country] - Switzerland; [Product Link] - https://www.zenith-watches.com/en_us/chronomaster-original-03-3840-3600-69-c902.html; [reviewLink] - https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/hands-on-with-the-zenith-chronomaster-original; [Movement Type] - Automatic; [Movement Name] - El Primero 3600; [# Secondary] - 3; [watchDescription] - Iconic re-edition of 1969 A384 with cushion case, tricolor subdials, and high-beat chronograph.; [caseWidth] - 38; [lugToLugLength] - 45; [thickness] - 12.5; [lug] - 20; [waterResist] - 50; [powerReserve] - 60; [beatFrequency] - 36000; [lume] - Super-LumiNova; [jewels] - 27; [caseMaterial] - Stainless Steel; [watchGlass] - Box sapphire with anti-reflective treatment both sides; [Bezel] - Fixed stainless steel tachymetric; [caseback] - Sapphire transparent; [Crown] - Screw-down; [Strap] - Stainless steel bracelet; [Shape] - Cushion; [Dial] - Silver sunray tricolor subdials; [Seconds] - Yes; [Date] - No; [Calendar] - No; [Chiming] - No; [Chronograph] - Yes; [Compass] - No; [dateCompilation] - No; [DigitalDisplay] - No; [Dress] - No; [Field] - No; [GMT] - No; [Mechanical Alarm] - No; [Moonphase] - No; [Tourbillon] - No; [worldTimer] - No; [powerReserveIndicator] - No; [Diver] - No; [Pilot] - No; [racing] - No; [Skeleton] - No; [Vintage] - No; [StyleFormal] - No; [StyleCasual] - Yes; [StyleSports] - Yes; [StyleTravel] - No; [StyleAdventure] - No; [StyleCollector] - Yes; [StyleTool] - No; [StyleStatement] - Yes; [StyleVintage] - Yes; [StyleSmart] - No; [StyleCustom] - No; [TPS_new] - 4.5; [TPSgrade] - B; [TPSimpliedPrice] - 462000;

**A.I. WatchMetrics Review v37.4 Grok 4 Fast. December 19, 2025.**