Zenith hulks out a new Chronomaster Sport with Aaron Rodgers
For better or worse, since its introduction, the Zenith Chronomaster Sport has been consistently compared to the Rolex Daytona. Considering the esteem in which the Crown is held, it is definitely not an unflattering thing. Whether it’s the ceramic or steel bezels, the watch community finds itself drawing parallels to modern and neo-vintage models alike. Of course, those in the know understand the link between Zenith and Rolex, with Rolex turning to Zenith’s legendary El Primero movement to power the Daytona for years. Presently, the Chronomaster Sport technically distinguishes itself with a high-beat movement that can track down to one tenth of a second through its central chronograph seconds hand that makes one full rotation every ten seconds. So, all the noise aside, they are both equally compelling chronographs with distinct characteristics. Today, however, Zenith irrefutably does something their rival’s chronograph never has, with their first-ever Chronomaster Sport limited edition. In tribute to their brand ambassador, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Zenith introduces the Chronomaster Sport Aaron Rodgers Limited Edition with a green dial and green ceramic bezel – the Hulk chronograph we always wanted, but never had – until now.
Limited to 250 pieces, the Chronomaster Sport Aaron Rodgers is dimensionally and functionally identical to the standard production models. The distinction is, of course, the green ceramic bezel and dial that many will draw a throughline to Rodgers’ current NFL team – the New York Jets. For those unfamiliar with American football, the New York Jets home jersey colour is green with accents of white. Prior to joining the Jets this year, Rodgers spent the entire 17 prior years of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers – who also have green as a primary colour on their home jerseys. While the Jets simply have white accents to complement the green, the Packers use accents of yellow and white on their green home strip. I point this out because the green is immediately clear on this watch, and there is white SuperLuminova and a white-to-grey spectrum for the tri-coloured registers.
Look closer, and you will notice that the chronograph hands are tipped in a rather Packers-ish yellow. Coincidence? I am just being cheeky, as there is no official statement from Zenith on how they arrived at the colour combo, but when you think about it, having a green backdrop means you have to tip the chronograph hand in the right shade for legibility. Run through them in your head. Red would be too Christmas-y, orange a bit barfy, white too uniform, and black or blue a bit too hard to discern. Yellow, ultimately, has the loudest pop that also, in my opinion, complements the dial. Especially considering its (un)intentional, subtle symbolism. Quick side note – I have to give props to Zenith for consistently colour-matching their date windows to the dial with perfection. Many brands gloss over this detail, Zenith however takes the time to get it right.
Another first-ever for the Chronomaster Sport is the usage of applied arabic numerals for hour indices rather than a full set of batons. The usage of numerals is meant to evoke the numbers found on the front and back of an NFL Jersey. On the reverse side, the El Primero 3600 is exhibited beneath a sapphire crystal. The crystal also has a commemorative etching of Aaron Rodgers’ personal ‘AR’ logo that slightly obstructs the view of the calibre beneath.
As an American, I am biased regarding how well-known Aaron Rodgers is. Domestically, he certainly has reach. Internationally speaking, I cannot say for sure. Watch fans, Jets fans, Packers fans, or Aaron Rodgers fans will be intrigued by this release, but within the context of the broader watch community that is less familiar with Rodgers or the NFL, this Chronomaster Sport, I predict, will sell rather quickly due to its green dial and green ceramic bezel. Not only is green a recently certified colour of the year, but executed in this manner it offers up a fleeting chance for watch collectors to own a Hulk colour scheme chronograph that is a pound-for-pound heavyweight within the category.
UPDATE: According to Zenith, while not a regional exclusive, the bulk of the allocation will be for the U.S. market (approximately 80%) with the remainder to be distributed in international markets .Zenith Chronomaster Sport Aaron Rodgers Limited Edition pricing and availabilityThe Zenith Chronomaster Sport Aaron Rodgers Limited Edition is available now for purchase. Price: US$12,800, limited to 250 pcs.
Brand Zenith
Model Chronomaster Sport Aaron Rodgers Limited Edition
Case Dimensions 41mm (D) x 13.8mm (T) x 47mm (LTL)
Case Material Stainless steel
Water Resistance 100 metres
Dial Green, tri-colour counter
Crystal Sapphire crystal front and back
Strap Steel bracelet, folding buckle
Movement El Primero 3600, in-house, automatic, column wheel chronograph
Power Reserve 60 hours
Functions Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
Availability Limited to 250 pieces
Price US$12,800
