A new collaborations with a rich narrative: Zenith’s new partnership with the legendary manga Lupin the 3rd. The latest chapter unfolds with the Chronomaster Revival Daisuke Jigen Edition, an inspired celebration of both pioneering watchmaking and Japanese pop culture. For admirers of fine timepieces and collectors drawn to the intersection of tradition and modernity, Zenith’s fourth limited edition tribute encapsulates the quintessence of its celebrated El Primero heritage, now expressed in an audacious yet nostalgic guise.
The dial is an exemplary demonstration of Zenith’s mastery in the orchestrating of colour, material, and layout. The surface glows in a warmly textured beige, creating a striking contrast against the three black chronograph counters. There’s an understated sophistication, reminiscent of vintage chronographs yet distinctly contemporary, heightened by the applied Super-LumiNova® filled ruthenium-plated markers and hands. These accents ensure optimal legibility in all conditions whilst injecting the dial with a subtle, inviting warmth, a tribute to the anime’s sepia tones and the watch’s fictional origins. The chronograph counters are intelligently placed, adhering to the classic El Primero layout, whilst a tachymeter scale elegantly frames the dial’s composition and the date aperture discreetly resides at 4:30, maintaining both symmetry and functional clarity.
At the watch’s heart beats the El Primero 400 calibre, a movement that remains a cornerstone of Zenith’s enduring authority within high-frequency chronographs. Developed and manufactured entirely in-house, this engine operates at a brisk 5Hz, or 36,000 vibrations per hour, enabling true tenth-of-a-second measurement. The intricate construction, comprising over 300 components, delivers a power reserve of 50 hours. The calibre’s architecture and finishing are fully on display through a sapphire caseback, complete with the graceful silhouette of Daisuke Jigen, an affectionate detail for enthusiasts familiar with the source material. The movement’s exceptional precision is not simply a technical achievement but a living homage to the original 1969 El Primero, often cited as the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre and a standard-bearer for horological innovation.
Zenith’s choice of case material places the Jigen Edition at the crossroads of durability and contemporary design. The 37mm shell is rendered in matte black microblasted titanium, a lightweight yet resilient metal whose soft-grey tonality brings a refreshing update to the vintage A384 profile. There is a tactile sophistication in how this finish diffuses light across the distinctive lines of the case, underlining the Revival’s fusion of modernity and tradition. Water resistance stands at 5ATM, attesting to its everyday practicality. The accompanying ladder bracelet, reimagined in the same microblasted titanium, reprises the design first made iconic by Gay Frères in 1969. Its open central links grant exceptional comfort and freedom on the wrist, whilst the folding clasp ensures seamless integration.
Drawing the threads together, the Chronomaster Revival Daisuke Jigen Edition – 1,430,000 yen (tax included) is far more than a commemorative exercise. It stands as a rare synergetic creation uniting the clever details dictated by animated fiction with the tangible achievements of Swiss engineering. With only 200 pieces available worldwide, this edition embodies Zenith’s unwavering commitment to precision, innovation, and the spirit of adventure. A piece keenly attuned to both the culture of its inspiration and the demands of contemporary collectors, it will be sought after not only for its technical merit but for its extraordinary narrative. One could hardly ask for a finer intersection of history, artistry, and mechanical ingenuity; Zenith’s heart continues to beat strong in Le Locle and beyond.
