Zenith brings the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar into the modern-day stone age with a fresh lapis lazuli dial
Tom Austin- Zenith’s 160th anniversary celebrations continue with a rich blue precious stone take on the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar.
- It represents the first full stone dial for the Chronomaster Original, in any form.
- It’s impressive how Zenith has managed to machine multiple subdials and calendar displays into a piece of lapis for this complicated chronograph.
Hot on the heels of the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar in rose gold (which dropped less than a month ago), Zenith has wasted no time in keeping its birthday celebrations going, with another blue addition to its range. 2025 marks the 160th anniversary of the brand, and there has been an unmistakable theme running through the celebrations, with a flurry of bold, bright blue watches. From the blue ceramic Chronomaster Sport, Defy and Pilot Big Date, to the gorgeous, stone-dialled G.F.J., Zenith surprised everyone at Watches and Wonders 2025. To close out May, Zenith introduces the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar, this time with a striking blue lapis lazuli dial.
Zenith introduced the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar back in 2024, with this complicated chronograph modelled after a prototype model from 1970 that never made it to market. At 38mm in diameter with subtly integrated calendar and moonphases displays, it kept the purists happy, and the latest variation remains the same, this time in stainless steel. The rose gold version, released a few weeks back, offered a far dressier look for the Chronomaster Original, and despite the more tool-like appeal of steel, this new model seems to offer a similarly dressy experience.
Trends come and go with watches, and it’s safe to say that stone dials are an extremely hot trend right now. The striking blue of lapis lazuli is a fantastic fit for the Chronomaster Original, not only because it appeals to the elevated nature of this chronograph, but also because blue is Zenith’s signature colour. As always with natural stone, each dial is completely unique, offering owners a chance to essentially have a one-of-a-kind piece.
It’s the first time a full stone dial has been introduced on the Chronomaster Original – something rarely seen from the brand, apart from the occasional use of meteorite and the G.F.J. launched this year, one of the standout releases from this year’s ‘Geneva Watch Week’. The subdials in silver contrast beautifully, allowing the moonphase indicator to blend in well with the dial. The bright white chapter ring breaks things up nicely so that the blue doesn’t overpower everything, and the calendar indicators disappear in plain view, despite the frustrating awkwardness of the date window at 4 o’clock.
Speaking of frustrating things, the dial comes at a price: at CHF 21,900, the lapis lazuli Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar comes in at around 63% higher than the base steel model. That’s a considerable stretch above the usual price just for a dial, especially considering how many microbrands and smaller independents are proving that stone dials don’t need to come at big premiums. It can be said that the highest quality lapis lazuli is indeed expensive, and while in this Chronomaster it is beautiful, it does bring the cost into the spotlight. I suppose, at least, it will mean the watch may stay relatively rare despite not being a limited edition.
Naturally, the watch is powered by a variant of the revered El Primero automatic chronograph movement, packing in those additional calendar complications in a surprisingly compact way. Beating at 36,000 vibrations per hour, with a 60-hour power reserve, the impressive calibre allows you to time 1/10th of a second intervals, and displays full moonphase, day, month and date complications. These are all adjusted via external hidden pushers or the crown, keeping things clean and (relatively) simple.
The movement is visible through the sapphire exhibition caseback, and despite it being industrially finished, it’s still easy on the eyes, with a skeletonised rotor giving you a clearer view of things. Finally, the watch is finished off with a blue calfskin leather strap with a steel folding clasp, or a matching steel bracelet with a folding clasp.
Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli pricing and availability
The Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli is available now from all Zenith retailers or via the brand’s e-boutique. Price: CHF 21,900, A$35,100
| Brand | Zenith |
| Model | Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli |
| Reference | 03.3400.3610/51.C910 |
| Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 14mm (T) x 46mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Lapis lazuli, silver azuraged subdials |
| Straps | Blue calfskin strap with folding clasp or steel bracelet with folding clasp |
| Movement | El Primero 3610, in-house, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, 1/10th second chronograph, date, day, month, moonphase |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | CHF 21,900 A$35,100 |