Zenith continues its remarkable 160th anniversary year with perhaps its most visually stunning commemorative piece yet—the Chronomaster Original Triple-Calendar Lapis Lazuli.
While the brand has extensively explored its signature blue theme throughout 2025’s anniversary collection, this latest offering elevates the concept through genuine stone dial artistry that transforms an already sophisticated chronograph into a horological masterpiece.
Azure Excellence
The 38mm stainless steel case maintains the refined proportions that have made the Chronomaster Original family so appealing, balancing classical elements with contemporary flair.
Tapering athletic lugs receive distinctive sunburst brushing that contrasts dramatically with mirror-polished chamfers and vertical case sides, creating visual depth through varied finishing techniques. The nearly bezel-less design, dominated by a domed sapphire crystal, maximizes dial visibility while period-correct piston pushers and a five-pointed star crown complete the vintage-inspired aesthetic.
However, the true revelation lies in the extraordinary lapis lazuli dial that justifies the watch’s $22,700 price point. Rather than simply applying the deep blue stone across the entire surface, Zenith has created a masterpiece of layered complexity featuring no fewer than six individual visual levels.
The natural lapis lazuli base showcases subtle variations in its richly saturated royal blue foundation, punctuated by countless tiny highlights, shadows, and tasteful gold inclusions that create an almost three-dimensional tapestry.
The dial architecture demonstrates remarkable restraint and sophistication. Silver azurage subdials and a recessed white minutes ring provide crucial contrast, while the calendar displays at 10 o’clock (day), 2 o’clock (month), and 4:30 (date) form the lowest layer of this terraced design. An outer blue 1/10 seconds scale occupies the intermediate height between the minutes ring and main dial surface, while the subdials offer their own layered complexity.
Mechanical Sophistication
The 6 o’clock moonphase display deserves special recognition, featuring a rich denim blue sunburst pattern as backdrop to mirror-polished stars and lunar disc. This complication alone showcases Zenith’s attention to detail, transforming a functional element into decorative artistry that harmonizes with the overall design philosophy.
Powering this visual spectacle is Zenith’s accomplished El Primero 3610 automatic movement, combining the brand’s legendary high-frequency chronograph platform with complete calendar and moonphase complications.
The movement’s 36,000 beats per hour frequency—a signature Zenith characteristic—enables the distinctive 1/10 second central chronograph hand that completes one rotation every 10 seconds rather than the conventional 60.
Despite incorporating multiple complications into an already complex chronograph base, the El Primero 3610 delivers impressive 60-hour power reserve while maintaining the reliability that has made El Primero movements legendary since 1969. The movement’s column-wheel architecture ensures precise chronograph operation, while the calendar complications provide practical functionality beyond mere timekeeping.
The watch is completed with a midnight blue calfskin leather deployant strap that wisely keeps visual focus on the remarkable dial. With 50 meters of water resistance and sapphire display caseback revealing the decorated movement, this timepiece balances everyday wearability with special occasion presence.
As Zenith’s anniversary celebrations continue, the Chronomaster Original Triple-Calendar Lapis Lazuli stands as testament to the brand’s ability to honor its heritage while embracing natural artistry. This isn’t merely another blue watch in an anniversary lineup—it’s a sophisticated marriage of geological beauty and mechanical excellence that may well define Zenith’s commemorative year.
