Zenith has announced the new Chronomaster Original, a reproduction of the Zenith A386, one of the earliest models equipped with the El Primero movement, released in 1969. While the design follows the original model, it is equipped with the automatic mechanical chronograph movement, Cal. El Primero 3600. It has modern performance with a power reserve of approximately 60 hours and a 1/10th of a second measurement function.
Re-release of the earliest El Primero models
The 1969 Zenith A386 is one of the earliest models to feature the iconic El Primero movement. A new Chronomaster Original model has been released, a revival of this model. This timepiece features Zenith's signature blue dial. Against this deep blue dial, the three subdials—a 60-second counter at 3 o'clock, a 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock, and a small seconds at 9 o'clock—retain the gray, dark gray, and blue color scheme of the A386. Equipped with the Caliber El Primero 3600, this timepiece also boasts modern performance, including a 1/10-second timekeeping function and a power reserve of approximately 60 hours.
Automatic winding (Cal. El Primero 3600). 35 jewels. 36,000 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 38mm, thickness 12.6mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 1,402,500 yen (tax included).
The blue dial also features central hour and minute hands, a chronograph second hand, and a date display at the 4:30 position, making it highly readable.
Furthermore, this model is equipped with the automatic chronograph movement Cal. El Primero 3600, which is the latest version of the El Primero that was installed in the original model. It has a power reserve of approximately 60 hours and is endowed with modern performance.
While the chronograph second hand of a typical mechanical chronograph makes one rotation every 60 seconds, the Caliber El Primero 3600 features a rotation that takes 10 seconds. To fully utilize the performance of this mechanism, which differs from the original model, this model is equipped with a chapter ring divided into 100 sections, which allows it to measure time to within 1/10 of a second.
This model comes with a calf leather strap in the same color as the dial and a three-link stainless steel bracelet, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your style.
