Zenith is returning to their Chronomaster Sport collection with the debut of 2 new El Primero fitted chronographs that set a new tone for the brand. It?s been 5 years since we?ve seen a new Chronomaster Sport, and the new execution takes a traditional approach to the concept that is clearly aimed at some of the staples of the category. Being a Zenith El Primero, it has the benefit of a robust heritage built right in. It also has a well understood design language to lean into, which Zenith walks a fine line in doing while still moving the El Primero into new territory.

The Chronomaster Sport has always been among the more progressive executions of the El Primero, quick to adapt to new trends (for better or worse), and capable of netting new customers who value modernity in their timepieces. The 2015 releases measured 45mm in diameter and a portly 14+mm in thickness and featured oversized hour makers and hands paired with squat, somewhat campy numerals within the sub dials. The tricolor color scheme was nixed in favor of a uniform appearance color matched to the dial. While handsome in some respects, it fell into uncomfortable territory in the context of the El Primero name. 
The new Chronomaster Sport line makes a good deal more sense at a glance. Releasing 2 variations, the new watch is instantly recognizable as a Zenith El Primero chronograph, and has more than a passing resemblance to the current Rolex Daytona (ref. 116500) thanks to a prominent black ceramic...