The indices and main hands are different here, they are gold-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova. The dial of the Chronomaster Original with a gold case has coloured counters on a white background. The indices and main hands are coated with beige Super-LumiNova, while the chronograph hand shines in white.
In contrast to the above variation, the trapezoidal date window at 4:30 also remains black. The second variation has a “reverse panda” dial and dispenses with coloured counters in favour of the black and white look. For this purpose, Zenith has decided against the blade-shaped chronograph hand of the A386 and included a straight red hand. Similarly, the white tenths of a second scale allows the elapsed time to be read in fractions of a second. There is also a black inner scale around the dial, which divides the dial into 100 time units. The white dial is the most authentic, as it presents the counters in shades of grey and blue. The three versions also come with three different dials. For this model, though, Zenith has given it a slightly different dial. Apart from the material, however, this case is no different from the other two. The two stainless-steel versions are also joined by this piece, which comes with a case made of 18-carat rose gold. Last but not least, the El Primero Chronomaster Original has water resistance to 50 m. Unlike the Zenith A386, the brand has opted for a visible caseback, which reveals the mechanics within. Meanwhile, raised, domed sapphire crystal protects the front. This is complemented by pump-style pushers and faceted lugs. Accordingly, the watch has a stainless-steel case with a diameter of 38 mm and no bezel. Zenith adheres almost entirely to the lines of the original when it comes to the design of the case. The Zenith El Primero A386 became the first watch to be equipped with this special movement.Ĭase & Materials Zenith Chronomaster Original in Steel
Nevertheless, Zenith succeeded in creating such a movement, which henceforth bore the name El Primero – meaning, of course, “the first”. For this, the frequency of the balance had to be 5 Hz, which led to other difficulties. It had to be able to measure tenths of a second in order to become the most accurate automatic chronograph of the time. However, the innovative calibre was to fulfil even more specifications. The history of the Zenith El Primero A386Īlthough automatic movements became increasingly popular from 1940 onwards, no watch manufacture had yet succeeded in developing a self-winding chronograph. The new Zenith Chronomaster Original is available in three versions, which differ in terms of their dials, case materials, straps and bracelets.
#Zenith chronomaster el primero series#
Now, however, we have a series production with a steel case. Zenith already presented a reinterpretation of this watch in 2019, however this was only available in precious metal. This was the first automatic chronograph movement to use a high frequency of 5 Hz. The original Zenith A386 was one of the first stainless-steel watches to be equipped with the El Primero calibre. Zenith is relaunching its legendary A386 as the Chronomaster Original, giving it a permanent place in the collection.