There are watches inspired by history, and then there are watches inspired by culture. With the new CHRONOMASTER Revival Daisuke Jigen Edition, ZENITH taps into both, transforming an iconic anime timepiece into a tangible, modern collector’s piece.
For fans of Lupin the 3rd, Daisuke Jigen is more than just the cool, sharp-shooting partner. He is a symbol of style, confidence and understated sophistication. And for decades, the watch he wore in the anime was pure fiction. Today, ZENITH brings that legend one step closer to reality.
From manga panels to the wrist
The story begins in 1969, when ZENITH introduced the groundbreaking El Primero, the world’s first automatic chronograph movement. Just two years later, Lupin the 3rd made its debut in Japan, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Jigen was portrayed wearing a watch inspired by the ZENITH A384, although the exact model never existed in real life.
Over the past few years, ZENITH has gradually brought this fictional watch to life through a series of limited editions. Each release drew inspiration from different versions seen in the anime, from black dials to panda chronographs and asymmetrical designs.
This fourth chapter takes the tribute even further. It is designed to be the closest interpretation yet of the watch portrayed in the manga.
A stealthy modern twist
What makes this edition particularly compelling is its contemporary approach. Instead of steel, ZENITH uses matte black microblasted titanium, giving the 37mm case a stealthy, tactical look while keeping it lightweight and comfortable.
The beige dial with contrasting black chronograph counters creates a striking vintage aesthetic. Paired with a tachymeter scale and warm-toned Super-LumiNova, the watch feels both nostalgic and modern at the same time. It is not trying to be a retro reissue. It feels like a reinterpretation for today’s collector.
The ladder bracelet, originally designed by Gay Frères in 1969, returns in titanium. This design, known for its lightness and comfort, adds authenticity while enhancing everyday wearability.
The legendary El Primero within
Inside beats the El Primero 400 calibre, operating at a high frequency of 5 Hz or 36,000 vibrations per hour. This allows tenth-of-a-second precision, a hallmark that has defined ZENITH’s chronographs for decades. The movement offers a power reserve of around 50 hours and can be admired through the sapphire caseback.
A particularly nice touch is the engraving of Daisuke Jigen’s silhouette on the caseback, reinforcing the connection between watchmaking and pop culture. The movement itself consists of more than 300 components and is entirely developed and manufactured in-house, underscoring ZENITH’s heritage as a vertically integrated manufacturer.
Limited, exclusive and highly collectable
This edition is limited to 200 pieces, making it especially appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate both anime culture and Swiss watchmaking. It will debut first at the ZENITH pop-up at ISETAN Shinjuku before becoming available worldwide through boutiques and authorised retailers.
For information about the ZENITH CHRONOMASTER Revival Daisuke Jigen Edition, click here.
