The Most Stunning Chronograph of 2025? This Zenith Watch Might Just Be It—But Here’s Why It’s More Than Meets the Eye
The watch world was ablaze in 2025, with brands unveiling one breathtaking timepiece after another. From Audemars Piguet’s jaw-dropping Royal Oak RD#5 to Longines’ game-changing Spirit Pilot Flyback, it was a year to remember. But amidst the flurry of releases, one watch stood out as the undisputed beauty queen: the Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli. And let me tell you, it’s not just a pretty face—though, wow, what a face it has.
A Year of Blue Brilliance
2025 was a massive year for the watch industry, with countless compelling new watches launched from myriad brands. Among the standout chronographs were Audemars Piguet’s incredible Royal Oak RD#5, Longines’ bar-raising Spirit Pilot Flyback, and Zenith’s unexpected Defy Chronograph collaboration with furniture designer USM. All of these made it onto the prestigious 2025 GP100, Gear Patrol’s annual countdown of the year’s most important products. But the title for the most beautiful chronograph—and perhaps the prettiest watch of the year, period—goes to Zenith’s Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli, which debuted in May.
But here’s where it gets controversial... While many brands experimented with stone dials in 2025, Zenith’s obsession with lapis lazuli feels almost poetic. The brand used this deep blue stone not just in the Chronomaster but also in its GPHG-winning G.F.J. dress watch and the Defy Zero G. Why? The natural brilliance of lapis lazuli perfectly matches Zenith’s signature blue, a shade that dominated their 160th-anniversary celebrations. But is this just a marketing gimmick, or is there something deeper to this choice? Let’s dive in.
A Dial That Stops Time
The star of this watch is undoubtedly its dial. Crafted from high-quality lapis lazuli, it’s a feast for the eyes. Lapis isn’t a single mineral but a combination of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. Cheaper versions show white calcite streaks, but the Chronomaster’s dial is heavy on pyrite, creating a glittering effect reminiscent of gold stars. Each stone dial is unique, so no two watches will ever look the same. This isn’t just a dial—it’s a piece of art.
And this is the part most people miss... The dial’s depth is mesmerizing. The calendar windows, subdials, and silver track all sit on different planes, creating a 3D effect that’s enhanced by the box sapphire crystal. Speaking of which, Zenith’s attention to detail here is remarkable. Despite its dramatic height, the crystal is crystal clear (pun intended) from every angle, with no distortion or milky rings often seen in oversized crystals. It’s a small detail, but it elevates the watch to another level.
A Case Study in Simplicity
The stainless steel case is simple yet elegant. A thin, mirror-polished bezel frames the dial, while the straight lugs are radially brushed with a sharp chamfer. The left side houses pin pushers for adjusting complications, while the right side features pump-style chronograph pushers and a coin-edge crown with Zenith’s star logo. At 38mm, it’s compact but wears larger due to the crystal’s height. The display caseback reveals Zenith’s El Primero Calibre 3610, a high-beat automatic chronograph with a modern, industrial finish. The skeletonized rotor, adorned with the Zenith star, is the cherry on top.
But is the 1/10th-second complication just a gimmick?
The movement’s 1/10th-second measurement is a polarizing feature. While some call it unnecessary, I disagree. Sure, I don’t need to time events to such precision, but it adds a dynamic element to the watch. Plus, it doesn’t sacrifice functionality—regular chronograph seconds and minutes are still tracked. My only gripe? The silver inner seconds track that goes to 100 feels out of place. I’d prefer the 1/10th-second track to be more prominent.
Quibbles and Comfort
Two minor issues stand out: the moonphase indicator and the lugs. The moonphase, while pretty, uses a polished silver disc that can be hard to see at certain angles. A more natural-looking moon would’ve been ideal. The lugs, though straight and well-finished, sit high on the case, creating a gap between the strap and the wrist. It’s not uncomfortable, but a more wrist-hugging fit would’ve been perfect.
Worth the Premium?
At $22,700, this watch is a significant investment—over $8,000 more than the non-lapis version. But is it worth it? In my opinion, yes. The lapis lazuli dial gives it a je ne sais quoi that’s hard to quantify. It’s not just a watch; it’s a statement. And since it’s not a limited edition, you can still get your hands on one.
Final Thoughts
The Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli is more than just the prettiest chronograph of 2025—it’s a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. But here’s the question: Is its beauty enough to justify the price, or is it a case of style over substance? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’m curious to hear if you’d splurge on this blue beauty.
Specs:
- Case Size: 38mm
- Movement: Zenith El Primero Cal. 3610 automatic triple-date chronograph
- Water Resistance: 50m
About the Author:
Johnny Brayson is an editor at Gear Patrol, specializing in watches. He appreciates timepieces with intricate details and believes most watches could benefit from being slightly smaller.
