This Zenith Chronomaster Sport Meteorite in steel is now available worldwide
Zach BlassRegional editions can be a mixed bag. It is fantastic if it is exclusive in your region, affording access to a more limited and rare watch. The tradeoff is that all the other regions and markets around the world are left out. And when you are left out, scrambling to hit up a watch buddy to see if they will pick it up for you, it can be an absolute headache. Then again, some people like it when the thing they are chasing plays hard to get. With the now formerly Japan-exclusive Zenith Chronomaster Sport Meteorite in steel, however, it is no longer a regional concern as of today.
Prior to today, a meteorite-dialled Chronomaster Sport was available worldwide, but it is a gemset 18k pink gold model that, understandably, has a hefty price tag. Stainless steel, of course, can be priced a bit more democratically and while a meteorite dial watch, and an in-house high-beat automatic chronograph from an esteemed manufacture no less, will never be “affordable”, it makes things more approachable (or as approachable as they can be).
The case
Externally speaking, if you are already familiar with the more standard Chronomaster Sport steel offerings, then you may already know that you have a 41mm case, 13.6mm thick, and 47mm lug-to-lug. Though many of us are not sure-footed in tempting fate, swimming with a chronograph, you have a 100-metre depth rating at your disposal and therefore can technically safely swim with the watch – just do not activate the chronograph underwater. Like most luxury steel sports watches, the Chronomaster Sport Meteorite is richly brushed on the front-facing elements of the case, with the edges of the lugs and case flanks mirror-polished for added surface contrast and elegant flair.
The dial
Framing the meteorite dial, you have a full ceramic bezel in black with white inlays for the 1/10th of a second scale. Being a material with natural origins, each grey dial has a distinct expression that is meticulously hand-finished to best reveal its unique geometric patterns and structure. Subtly contrasting this surface, you have Zenith’s signature tri-colour registers in a graduating, greyscale execution that darkens from left to right. It is executed very well, balancing a Zenith signature while being tastefully incorporated into the broader dial aesthetic. And, where Zenith always gets A+ marks, the contentious 4:30 date window is softened by the fact that it is perfectly colour-matched to the dial.
The straps
There are two strap options on the table. The first, of course, is a case-matching, tapered bracelet that is also mixed-finished but emphasises polished surfaces far more than the case. Shouldering the broad, mirror-polished centre links are two brushed shouldering links that have a thin polished bevel on their edges. This style of finish is extended to the folding clasp which secures the watch to your wrist.
The second option is a black rubber strap that sits perfectly flush to the case to create an integrated feel. It certainly curates a more sporty vibe and a more casual aesthetic. Looking at it on its rubber strap option, with it rendered in black, it certainly accentuates the dial with less metal glistening and possibly averting your gaze (and the gaze of onlookers) away from the main attraction: the meteorite dial. The rubber strap is secured to the wrist via a steel folding buckle.
The movement
While the dial is certainly something handsome to look at, Zenith’s in-house high-beat automatic El Primero 3600 movement is no slouch. Every calibre makes use of bridges to hold and stabilise components, but the manner in which the El Primero 3600 is designed allows you to really see the inner workings of the complicated mechanism at work. You can pretty much see everything from the blued column wheel down to the escapement in full view.
Zenith’s distinct calibre flex here is the 1/10th of a second twist it brings to its chronograph movement, with a readjusted outer bezel scale that can interact with the central chronograph seconds hand that makes one full revolution around the dial in ten seconds rather than sixty. Despite such speed and energy drain, the movement is able to boast a power reserve of 60 hours – very respectable even without such a high-speed chronograph seconds hand.
The verdict
As I alluded to earlier, a price tag of US$17,500 (on the bracelet) can hardly be referred to as affordable. But within the context of luxury, and compared to other competitive brands utilising meteorite dials, it is an absolute steal by comparison. Big brands tend to pair meteorite dials with precious metal cases, Zenith included. But a brand like Zenith offering a variant in steel is far more rare. Aesthetically speaking, I think it is masterfully executed with a sense of monochromaticism or, at the very least, a cohesive, well-coordinated colour scheme. As far as meteorite dial chronographs from established brands go, this is a very hard offering to beat.
Zenith Chronomaster Sport Meteorite pricing and availability
The Zenith Chronomaster Sport Meteorite in steel is now available worldwide. Price: US$17,500 (on bracelet)
| Brand | Zenith |
| Model | Chronomaster Sport Meteorite |
| Reference | 03.3120.3600/76.M3100 |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 13.6mm (T) x 47mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Grey meteorite |
| Strap | Stainless steel three-link bracelet, folding clasp Black rubber strap, steel folding clasp |
| Movement | El Primero 3600, in-house, automatic, high-beat |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | TBC (on rubber) US$17,500 (on bracelet) |