ZENITH × Ray-Ban III is back with another collaborative timepiece, introducing the fourth model, the Chronomaster Revival Daisuke Jigen Edition. This piece breathes new life into the fictional watch worn by the anime character Daisuke Jigen. Since 2019, ZENITH has been on a journey with this iconic animation, transforming fantasy into reality through the Chronomaster Revival series, which has now blossomed into four uniquely styled limited editions.
The debut of the Chronomaster A384 “Lupin The 3rd” in 2019 marked the beginning of this series, with a limited release of just 50 pieces. The design draws inspiration from the early frames of the animation, faithfully showcasing the pairing of a black dial with golden details, all housed in a ZENITH original A384 replica case. This version also features a unique special edition, which was auctioned at Phillips auction house, where the dial details – including the reduced hour markers and modified brand logo – perfectly match the animation, making it an incredibly valuable collector’s item.
Launched in 2020, the second model is limited to 200 pieces and features a dial design with stronger visual contrast, Panda. The white main dial is paired with three black chronograph sub-dials, reflecting another stylistic version seen in the animation. While the first model leaned towards an animated rendition, the second iteration strikes a more modern balance in color and proportion, appealing to the need for practicality in wear and visual impact.
The third installment of the Chronomaster Revival, the Lupin The 3rd Final Edition, was released in 2021, marking the conclusion of the trilogy. With a limited run of only 250 pieces, its design is the most experimental yet. For the first time, it combines the black and gold color scheme from the previous two models with a panda color palette, resulting in a strikingly asymmetrical dial that truly stands out. This model is also the first in the series to feature a titanium case, laying the groundwork for the technical and material innovations of the future fourth release.
Entering the fourth installment, the Chronomaster Revival Daisuke Jigen Edition goes beyond simply recreating scenes from the animation; it immerses you in the character’s perspective. If Daisuke Jigen were real, what kind of ZENITH watch would he choose to wear day and night? Starting from this angle, the design team crafted a collaboration that’s understated in appearance yet rich in details. The watch case retains the original proportions and contours of the 1969 A384, measuring 37mm in diameter, and is updated with a first-ever matte black micro-sandblasted titanium material. The matte gray finish ensures that the timepiece remains discreet under light, while also providing a lighter and more comfortable wearing experience.
The dial features a beige base color, complemented by a black chronograph and tachymeter scale, echoing the design of the second edition of the Panda dial, yet with a softer color treatment that creates a vintage vibe. The hands and three-dimensional hour markers are coated with beige Super-LumiNova® luminous paint, maintaining a consistent aesthetic between light and dark. Inside, it houses the brand’s self-developed El Primero 400 automatic chronograph movement, with a vibration frequency of 36,000 beats per hour, achieving a 1/10 second timing accuracy and approximately 50 hours of power reserve. The transparent case back reveals the intricate structure made up of over 300 components, engraved with the silhouette of Jigen, paying homage to the character himself rather than a depiction from the work.
The bracelet is definitely worth mentioning. It features an original design from 1969 created by the renowned chain manufacturer Gay Frères for ZENITH. This design is characterized by its central hollow structure, and this reimagined version is crafted from matte titanium, consistent with the style of the watch case, providing a comfortable and modern fit when worn. Overall, this collaborative timepiece has evolved from mere restoration to a reinterpretation of character, using materials, colors, and details to create a unique style.
The Chronomaster Revival Daisuke Jigen Edition is limited to just 200 pieces worldwide, with a suggested retail price of HK$86,400. It will make its debut at the Zenit exclusive store in Shinjuku, Tokyo on November 19, and will be officially available from November 26 at select boutiques and the brand’s online store globally.
