Introducing the Zenith Chronomaster Revival Lupin The Third 2nd Edition

Arsène Lupin III is, at first glance, a somewhat unusual character to be honored with not one, but two limited edition Zenith watches. For starters, he’s criminal, and a fictitious one at that. But that’s precisely what the Zenith Chronomaster Revival Lupin the Third second edition is, and — upon closer inspection — it all makes sense.

This watch is the follow up to the overwhelming success of 2019’s Lupin the Third A384 reissue, released to coincide with the opening of Zenith’s new Ginza boutique, which honestly makes sense given that the Japanese origins of the Manga, originally created by Monkey Punch, in 1967. The series has been popular ever since, both in its home country and abroad: some fun facts include the fact that it was a Lupin III movie, The Castle of Cagliostro that was legendary director Hayao Miyazake’s feature debut. Lupin also gets name-checked in Kanye West’s bombastic 2005 single, Touch the Sky.

There’s also pedigree when it comes to the relationship between Zenith and Monkey Punch. The series sidekick, Daisuke Jigen seems to have been something of a horological aficionado, and was pictured wearing Zenith (among other) watches.

So that’s the context, how does the watch hold up? Very well. Whereas the first run of 50 pieces was a dark take on the A384, with a black and grey dial, this edition inverts the aesthetic with a dramatic panda dial — black registers on a white field with warm creamy lume plots — high contrast and highly appealing. Bonus points to Zenith for the streamlined dial text, there’s no “Chronograph Automatic El Primero” script underneath the Zenith name. A seemingly small change, but one that makes a big difference.

While the first release tested the waters with a comparatively small run of 50 pieces, Zenith is more confident with demand this time around, releasing the Chronomaster Revival Lupin The Third in an edition of 200 pieces. Initially the watch will  be offered through the new Ginza boutique and then other boutiques, retailers, as well as online through Zenith’s e-shop.