The truly iconic Zenith A386 made its debut in 1969 as one of the first steel watches to be equipped with the revolutionary El Primero caliber – the world’s first automatic high-frequency integrated chronograph movement. Over 50 years later, the El Primero remains the benchmark of precision among automatic chronograph movements. Now, Zenith presents a new take on the A386 with the Zenith Chronomaster Original. A nearly identical copy of its source of inspiration, the case of the 2021 Zenith Chronomaster Original measures 38mm across. The bezel-less structure, raised and domed crystal, the pump-style chronograph pushers, and faceted lugs are all almost identical to the vintage original and the 2021 version.
What is new is the movement inside. The Zenith Chronomaster Original is powered by the El Primero 3600. The result of over 50 years of gradual improvements since the launch of the original El Primero, this movement features a central seconds hand that makes one rotation every 10 seconds and possesses a new, sleeker architecture. The power reserve is also increased to a welcome 60 hours. The steel bracelet has been reimagined, foregoing the open “ladder” design of the 1960s for solid links that are lavishly chamfered and decorated in the same fashion as the case.
Undoubtedly, the most visually distinctive design element of the A386 is its dial. Its unique aesthetic language includes the emblematic tri-color chronograph registers in shades of grey and blue, the trapezoid date window at 04:30, and the red chronograph second hand. All these intrinsic parts have been passed down to the Chronomaster Original, with a few subtle updates to match the boost in performance. The Zenith Chronomaster Original is available in stainless steel or 18k rose gold, both with a silver dial featuring the brand’s signature three-colored subdials. The stainless steel case also comes in a reverse-panda configuration.
For another recent release from Zenith, check out the Chronomaster Revival El Primero A3817.
