And when viewed from across the room (well, except maybe an auction house room or vintage watch dealer’s shop), can be taken for the original Zenith A386. This piece is a steel version of the original A386 in the Mark 1 case with specifications including the automatic El Primero column-wheel chronograph and 60 hour power reserve. Apart from the novelty of the product itself, and its low production numbers, Zenith has also added a 50 years warranty for the collection, sparking another ‘world’s first’.Zenith released in 2021 an unlimited set of the Chronomaster Original, included previously only with the ’50 Years of El Primero Anniversary Box Set’. Limited to only 50 pieces in each gold, it is said that the watches are all already spoken for. The remake is a faithful and ‘rare’ representation of one of the most iconic watches of our time. Measuring only 6.6 mm, the automatic chronograph movement was also the first ‘high-beat’ automatic chronograph with a frequency of 36,000 VpH (5 Hz). The El Primero uses a ball-bearing mounted central rotor, and contains over 50 hours of power reserve. Also known as ‘The First’, the El Primero was renown for being the first integrated column-wheel chronograph with an automatic winding system. The MovementĮl Primero has been writing the epic Zenith saga since 1969. Another subtle detail is the updated logo at the crown. The initially closed caseback now fully reveals the movement. Only when looking at the back of the watch, does one get a hint that the watch is a modern homage. In designing this vintage series, each component of an original El Primero chronograph was digitised so as to ensure accurate reproduction of its properties. The mushroom-type pushers and lugs are also identical to the original, thanks to the “reverse engineering” process adopted. Featuring a domed crystal, three-coloured counters, a tachymeter scale, the homage models are true to the original down to the shape of the hands and hour-markers.

The A386 Revival watches harks back to the original 1969 tricolor models with a 38 mm case. To mark this anniversary, the watches are issued in 50-piece limited editions with a 50-year guarantee. The “revival” trilogy is a series of 3 solid gold watches in white, pink and yellow gold. Zenith celebrates the 50th anniversary of the El Primero by releasing a homage to the legendary high-frequency chronograph.

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