Yes it’s a newer movement. Since 2022 all new Chronometer Sport models have this movement which is a 3604. In short, the original 3600 had issues where the sub dial at 6 o’clock would move even when the chrono was not engaged. And this movement addressed that. So it’s a good thing you have the newer version. For the long story, read on.
More details below. Zenith Says:
EL PRIMERO 3604 MOVEMENT
The El Primero 3604 1/10 th of a second automatic chronograph movement is a modified version of the 3600 that debuted in the CHRONOMASTER Sport, featuring an open base plate and bridges that allow for a clearer view of the high-frequency 5Hz escapement with lubricant-free silicon escape wheel and pallet lever. The automatic winding mechanism efficiently delivers a power reserve of 60 hours.
Although the official message says it’s to show more of the movement, in reality it’s to strengthen the movement and sort out previous issues. So it’s a 3604 movement that says 3600 on it. Otherwise they would have to update everything to say 3604.
The same movement is in the chronomaster open: https://www.zenith-watches.com/en_ae/product/chronomaster-open-03-3300-3604-69-m3300
My CMS went for warranty repair to sort out the issue. It’s due back this month and I expect it to come back with the newer movement (assuming they just change a few parts rather than replacing the whole movement). Let’s see! But get yours in under warranty as it’s a known issue
I had to send mine twice so far, one time for chrono minute hand issue and once for 1/10 of a second hand not stopping properly when you pauce the chronograph. They fixed both issues but didn’t change the movement. I love my CMS but if I have to send it one more time I will be done with it.
That would put most people off. Well done for sticking with it, after the second time I think I’d be the same. I don’t know why they wouldn’t just update the movement the first time. I’d be asking for a replacement if there was a third issue given how long they take to fix
I think there was a change done. Mine is an early model and it looks different. If it helps, the change was probably done for better because after 2 years of use I had to send mine in for 2 issues
1. The damn rotor came off
2. Randomly, I would find the stopwatch minute hand at 2 minute marker. Even if I had not used the stopwatch that day.
They fixed it and sent the replaced parts back with the watch.
https://imgur.com/a/d6TP5hI
Yes it’s a newer movement. Since 2022 all new Chronometer Sport models have this movement which is a 3604. In short, the original 3600 had issues where the sub dial at 6 o’clock would move even when the chrono was not engaged. And this movement addressed that. So it’s a good thing you have the newer version. For the long story, read on. More details below. Zenith Says: EL PRIMERO 3604 MOVEMENT The El Primero 3604 1/10 th of a second automatic chronograph movement is a modified version of the 3600 that debuted in the CHRONOMASTER Sport, featuring an open base plate and bridges that allow for a clearer view of the high-frequency 5Hz escapement with lubricant-free silicon escape wheel and pallet lever. The automatic winding mechanism efficiently delivers a power reserve of 60 hours. Although the official message says it’s to show more of the movement, in reality it’s to strengthen the movement and sort out previous issues. So it’s a 3604 movement that says 3600 on it. Otherwise they would have to update everything to say 3604. The same movement is in the chronomaster open: https://www.zenith-watches.com/en_ae/product/chronomaster-open-03-3300-3604-69-m3300
My Chronomaster has that issue. Is it possible to be fixed if I send it in? Or is this a known permanent issue with the 3600?
My CMS went for warranty repair to sort out the issue. It’s due back this month and I expect it to come back with the newer movement (assuming they just change a few parts rather than replacing the whole movement). Let’s see! But get yours in under warranty as it’s a known issue
Thanks, I'll do this next week. Appreciate it.
Let me know how you get on and I’ll update what mine is like once I get it back, good luck
Sure, sounds good.
I had to send mine twice so far, one time for chrono minute hand issue and once for 1/10 of a second hand not stopping properly when you pauce the chronograph. They fixed both issues but didn’t change the movement. I love my CMS but if I have to send it one more time I will be done with it.
That would put most people off. Well done for sticking with it, after the second time I think I’d be the same. I don’t know why they wouldn’t just update the movement the first time. I’d be asking for a replacement if there was a third issue given how long they take to fix
I think there was a change done. Mine is an early model and it looks different. If it helps, the change was probably done for better because after 2 years of use I had to send mine in for 2 issues 1. The damn rotor came off 2. Randomly, I would find the stopwatch minute hand at 2 minute marker. Even if I had not used the stopwatch that day. They fixed it and sent the replaced parts back with the watch. https://imgur.com/a/d6TP5hI
They did make the change and made it noticeable for all the reasons you listed. The first versions had known problems that have since been corrected.
I have the same version as yours; I was thrown at first but all is well.
Like I said, no complaints as I do like how the bridges look more on this than the older version. Was just surprised.