When You’re Hot, You’re Hot!
There are always trends, and always changes going on in fashion and in the watch industry, but Zenith has done a great mix of horological excellence, design perfection and really great combination of vintage and modern model options. The very popular Chronomaster Revival Shadow certainly has caught the eye of fans, and is quite spectacular. The design is interesting first because it is based on a never released PVD coated hand wound brand chronograph from back in 1971, then created with a pared-back, gray on black color scheme that is really modern and trendy, and captures a very stylish version of the A384 El Primero silhouette. While the Shadow was first released in 2020, it has really bursted into a hot design for the brand.
Design Delight
The timepiece is designed at 37 mm wide, and a micro blasted titanium case, really bringing in a new style for the brand. The trend that sports chronographs had before were much larger and very 70’s vibe, this new style is very refined, elegant and classy. Zenith has given the Chronomaster Revival Shadow a presence of it’s own, the angular tonneau-style shape captures the wrist visually but is not overpowering. The color of the case is not black, it is more of a charcoal gray and smooth matte texture that just screams premium quality. The timepiece has no coating and the color is a true result of the blasting process, and allowing the natural titanium to rise to the surface. The beauty of this watch is seen in almost every surface area, a slight arch, or curvature that allows it to embrace the wrist and provide extreme comfort. There have been designs of matte chronographs before that may have provided some inspiration but material limitations could not support what this timepiece has delivered.
Dial Detail
The dial that is featured on the Zenith Chronomaster Revival Shadow maintains the trend of the case design, the monochrome more vintage design. Taking a cue from the standard vintage-style El Primero, this timepiece has the gently stepped outer tachymeter ring, striped baton hands, the beveled indices, and the trip of subdials that sit around the face. The details of this dial are really spectacular. The watch has a very clean look, the color of the matte gray is just well suited for the subdials and tachymeter scale and contrasts brilliantly with the grained black main dial to be visually attractive and provide a dynamic look to the face.
Leader of the Class
Zenith has powered the Chronomaster Revival Shadow with the well known in-house El Primero 4061 automatic chronograph movement. With a reputation that has pleased horological fans for over fifty years, it does remain the leader in the class. The caseback provides a grand display for this ornate mechanical extravaganza. The gold gear train, skeletonized bridges and multi-piece balance cock coupled with sunburst and brushed layers just compliment the arms and levers, blued screws and column wheel to bring this brand signature star shaped skeleton rotor to a pinnacle of success.
Complete Excellence
Finishing the exquisite Zenith Chronomaster Revival Shadow is a black Cordura effect textured rubber strap. The strap appears to be real fabric and provides the utmost in comfort and flexibility. Pairing with the titanium case and overall aesthetics, it is very impressive and stylish in design and craftsmanship. The brand has done an amazing job for this watch and pricing is also quite impressive. High-end movement and finishing have made this Zenith watch a joy for everyone and a package of complete excellence.
