Zenith Chronomaster Sport Meteorite: Beauty Meets Sticker Shock

Zenith has unveiled the Chronomaster Sport Meteorite, a striking addition to its Chronomaster Sport line that has stirred both admiration and controversy. At first glance, the watch dazzles: a shimmering meteorite dial, meticulously cut with Widmanstätten patterns that shift in the light, framed by a bold 41mm stainless steel case and a ceramic bezel that nods – some say too closely – to Rolex’s Daytona.

Yet beneath the shine lies a debate as heated as the El Primero movement inside.

The case design blends retro touches with modern proportions. Its sharp lugs hint at Zenith’s El Primero heritage, while polished chamfers keep it contemporary. A sapphire caseback reveals the famous El Primero 3600 automatic chronograph movement, whose central seconds hand whirls around the dial every 10 seconds in a hypnotic display of high-beat horology. The watch offers 100 meters of water resistance and comes with both a rubber deployant strap and a stainless steel bracelet, though opinions on the rubber option lean negative.

The dial is undeniably the star

. Instead of Zenith’s traditional tricolor subdials, this meteorite version opts for layered gray registers, letting the extraterrestrial texture command attention. Touches of deep red on the chronograph hands add restraint rather than flash.

It’s a watch designed to mesmerize under shifting light, with textures that make every glance fresh.

So what’s the catch? The price. At $17,500 USD, the Meteorite commands a roughly 50% premium over the standard Chronomaster Sport. Fans and critics alike have called it out as excessive, especially when smaller brands like Bulova, Zelos, or even Formex offer meteorite dials for a fraction of the cost. While Rolex also charges hefty premiums for meteorite dials, Zenith’s move has many wondering if the brand is reaching for a tier it hasn’t fully earned.

Still, there’s no denying its appeal. The El Primero’s fast sweep remains one of the most captivating chronograph tricks in the industry, and the meteorite dial is among the most refined on the market. For enthusiasts who want a bold conversation starter and don’t flinch at the markup, the Chronomaster Sport Meteorite may well become the Zenith to own. For others, it’s a love story cut short by sticker shock.