BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
The concept of an open heart watch dial does not appeal to many luxury watch enthusiasts. They either prefer a pre-skeletonized dial or no exposed movement on the dial at all. Despite this, the open heart on the dial remained a significant feature in Zenith’s original El Primero chronograph series. Zenith debuted the Chronomaster Open in 2003 to bring the high-frequency pulsating heart of its El Primero calibre closer to the wearer. It was the first time a chronograph dial was only partially open to reveal the escapement and regulating engine. The Chronomaster Open broke new ground by showcasing the iconic high-frequency beating heart of the El Primero movement. Now Zenith has just unveiled the blue dial edition of the Zenith Chronomaster Open boutique edition and this latest addition to the Zenith Chronomaster Open family lives up to expectations in every way, while tightening the dimensions and preserving greater functionality.
It is constructed in a stainless steel case, sizing in a 39.5mm diameter which is consistent with the other models in this collection. In terms of shape and finish, it is identical to the Chronomaster Sport, however, due to the lack of an exterior ceramic bezel, it has 1.5mm smaller diameter Chronomaster Sport. The case offers a water resistance of 100 meters, the two sapphire crystals on the front and the back help achieve it.
The dial is presented in vibrant blue color with sunray brushed effect coupled with applied faceted markers and hands. In accordance with the “Open” moniker, the dial has a circular opening between the hours of 9 and 12 that displays more than just the balance wheel. Under a transparent polymer plate, the balance wheel, the escapement, and the mechanism for the small seconds are also visible. Other dial details include a central chronograph hand that rotates around the dial in 10 seconds, a small seconds counter at 9 o’clock, a 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock, and a 60-second totalizer at 3 o’clock.
The powerhouse El Primero Calibre 3604 is the driving engine that beats at 5Hz frequency and stores 60 hours of power reserve. The presence of a silicon escape wheel and anchor enables the anti-magnetic and lubrication-free properties for the movement.
Zenith Chronomaster Open Blue Boutique Edition comes on a brushed and polished steel bracelet. The price is EUR 9,700, and it is only offered through the brand’s authorized boutiques and online through the brand’s e-commerce website.
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