Practical, intricate, and typically expensive, the triple calendar chronograph is like the watchmaking version of a Swiss Army knife. Zenith knows this well, having originally prototyped the complication in their A386 case back in 1969 before shelving the idea. Fast forward to just last year when they finally released the production model, and now in 2025, as the brand celebrates its 160th anniversary, they’ve gone full luxury with a jaw-dropping lapis lazuli dial version.
Continuing Zenith’s blue-themed anniversary releases that began with their ceramic chronographs and the platinum G.F.J. from Watches & Wonders, the natural stone treatment transforms what was already an impressive timepiece into something intoxicating.
STONE COLD STUNNING
The combination of high-precision chronograph and complete calendar complications isn’t new territory for watchmaking, but finding one with a lapis lazuli dial? That’s practically unicorn territory. Lapis lazuli is a deep blue semi-precious stone that has been prized for thousands of years for its intense color. It’s a metamorphic rock primarily composed of the mineral lazurite, along with other minerals like calcite (white veins) and pyrite (which appears as gold flecks).
The word “lapis” means “stone” in Latin, while “lazuli” comes from the Persian “lazhward,” referring to the blue color and the place where it was mined. In watchmaking, creating a dial from lapis lazuli is specifically challenging because the stone is relatively brittle, contributing to the significant price hike for watches featuring the stone.
The distinctive gold pyrite inclusions in the deep blue stone create a celestial effect that’s particularly fitting for a watch that tracks the phases of the moon. Each dial is unique, cut from a single slice of stone and meticulously finished to maintain structural integrity despite its fragile nature.
Zenith could have taken the easy route and made the entire dial from lapis, but instead opted for a more complex, layered approach. The silver azurage subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock create depth while improving legibility, with the 6 o’clock counter also integrating a moonphase window. Day and month windows at 10 and 2 o’clock respectively are subtly cut into the stone, with dark blue discs underneath to maintain the overall aesthetic.
CLASSIC PROPORTIONS, MODERN TECH
The 38mm stainless steel case is on the smaller side for today’s market but it’s actually a faithfully executed reproduction of the original 1969 A386 case, complete with those distinctive pump pushers and a five-pointed star on the crown. Water resistance is rated at 50m, pretty far from dive watch territory as expected.
As with the standard version, inside beats Zenith’s iconic El Primero 3610 automatic movement, which combines the brand’s signature 36,000vph (5Hz) high-frequency chronograph with a complete calendar module. The chronograph features a central seconds hand that makes a full rotation every 10 seconds, enabling measurements precise to 1/10th of a second, which is a longstanding hallmark of the El Primero caliber visible through the sapphire caseback window. Despite the additional calendar complication, power reserve remains a respectable 60 hours.
Lastly, the Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli comes with both a midnight blue calfskin strap and a stainless steel bracelet.
LUXURY PRICING
At $22,700, this lapis version commands a substantial premium over the standard steel model ($13,900). That’s an $8,800 upcharge for the stone dial, which is significantly more than most other meteorite or stone dials out there. But also keep in mind, the Zenith version is the only lapis lazuli triple calendar chronograph on the market.
SPEC SHEET
Model: Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Size: 38mm
Case Thickness: 14mm
Lug-to-Lug: 46mm
Movement: El Primero 3610 automatic
Frequency: 36,000 vph (5 Hz)
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, 1/10th second chronograph, day, date, month, moonphase
Water Resistance: 50m
Dial: Natural lapis lazuli with silver subdials
Strap: Blue calfskin leather and stainless steel bracelet (both included)
Limited Edition?: No
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
Priced at $22,700, Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Chronograph Lapis Lazuli is available now through authorized dealers and Zenith boutiques. Unlike many dial variants, this isn’t a limited edition and will join Zenith’s permanent collection alongside the standard steel and rose gold models.
Recap
Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Chronograph Lapis Lazuli
Zenith adds a rarely used lapis lazuli to its iconic Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Chronograph, adding almost $9,000 to the price tag and a striking aesthetic to the dial.
