Is the Zenith Chronomaster Rainbow a gem or a fake?

As we all know, in luxury watchmaking, design is as much a statement of innovation as it is of identity. And this is where the new Zenith Chronomaster Rainbow sparks an interesting debate.

Zenith is a brand that has always known how to position itself as a benchmark in fine watchmaking. Its original Chronomaster was a hit from its launch, combining a high-quality movement with a competitive price, establishing it as a solid alternative to giants like the Rolex Daytona. But, as we well know, in luxury watchmaking, design is as much a statement of innovation as it is of identity. And this is where the new Zenith Chronomaster Rainbow sparks an interesting debate.

This white gold model, adorned with rainbow-colored sapphires on the case and bezel, isn't just a niche piece. It's an obvious nod, almost a carbon copy, of Rolex's famous Rainbow Daytona. From the case design to the arrangement of the stones' colors, the similarities are hard to ignore. Of course, Zenith isn't the first or the last brand to experiment with this style: other firms like Hublot have played with this striking aesthetic before. However, the question arises: is this direction appropriate for a brand that already has a solid legacy with watches like the Chronomaster?

Launching a model like the Chronomaster Rainbow comes with its risks, and the first is the price. At $112,000, this watch competes not only with Rolex, but also with other brands that have dominated decorative jeweled watchmaking for longer. For collectors and enthusiasts, it's hard to justify this price when the design looks more like a replica than an original statement.

Despite this, we recognize Zenith's merit for daring to explore new territory. This type of timepiece isn't for everyone and is ultimately aimed at a very specific audience. However, we believe that this type of execution, especially when it comes to incorporating jewels into watches, should be left to brands that have absolute dominance in this field, such as Rolex or even Patek Philippe.

The Chronomaster's true strength has always lain in its high-precision movement and its proposition as a standalone, unique, and competitive model. Zenith doesn't need to jump on the jewelry watch bandwagon to gain relevance. In fact, this model could end up being more of a distraction than a positive contribution to the brand.

That said, we're not trying to discredit Zenith, a brand we deeply admire, but rather to invite reflection: Is it really necessary to try to replicate someone else's success when you have the ability to create your own innovations?

In our opinion, the Zenith Chronomaster doesn't need to become a shadow of the Rainbow Daytona to stand out. Its legacy speaks for itself.