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July 14, 2021
The long-awaited successor to the A386 has finally arrived! Introducing the "Chronomaster Original" in five variations | ZENITH
ZENITH
The Iconic El Primero Caliber Reimagined for the 21st Century
ZENITH has unveiled the Chronomaster Original, a new collection of five models that reimagine the iconic El Primero for the 21st century.
Text by OZAKI Sayaka | Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi
Delivering the 21st-Century Performance of the El Primero, Measuring 1/10th of a Second
Launched in 1969 as one of the first steel watches to house the revolutionary El Primero caliber – the world's first high-frequency integrated automatic chronograph movement – Zenith's "A386" set a new standard. More than 50 years after its debut, the El Primero remains the benchmark for precision in automatic chronograph movements, with continuous advancements in technology and performance leading to new versions and reissues.
Now, the Chronomaster Original, the successor to the A386 and a reimagining of the iconic El Primero for the 21st century, has been announced.
At first glance, the new model masterfully recreates the original's features: a 38mm round, bezel-less steel case, a domed crystal, pump-style chronograph pushers, faceted lugs, and a surface blending radial brushed and polished finishes. However, the steel bracelet has been refined from the open "ladder" design of the 1960s to solid links with luxurious chamfering and decoration, mirroring the case.
The most distinctive feature of the A386's dial is its tri-color registers in shades of grey and blue, a trapezoidal date window at 4:30, and a red chronograph seconds hand – all unique and beautiful elements. These signature components are carried over to the Chronomaster Original, with subtle updates to enhance performance.
The black inner scale surrounding the A386's dial, used to calculate working times with a 1/100th-second time division system, finds a new purpose in the Chronomaster Original. Here, the 1/10th-second chronograph hand completes a full dial rotation in 10 seconds, creating a total of 100 measurable time units. Replacing the tachymeter scale on the outer edge of the dial is a 1/10th-second chronograph scale, allowing for precise measurement and reading of elapsed time in one-second increments.
To ensure instant and precise reading of 1/10th seconds, the paddle-shaped seconds hand from the original A386 has been replaced with a straight hand finished in red lacquer. Additionally, the logo has been updated to the modern font currently used by Zenith.
The watch is powered by the latest iteration of the El Primero movement, the "El Primero 3600" caliber, the culmination of 50 years of progressive refinement, offering true high-frequency automatic chronograph performance. Its high frequency of 5 Hz (36,000 VpH) enables exceptionally accurate 1/10th-second measurement. The power reserve has also been improved, offering 60 hours of autonomy. Through the sapphire crystal case back, the new architecture is clearly visible, featuring a smoother, more open design with a blue column wheel and an open-worked rotor adorned with the Zenith star.
In addition to the signature steel model with a tri-color dial, the Chronomaster Original collection offers five variations: a steel case with a "reverse panda" black dial featuring silver chronograph registers, and an 18K rose gold case with a tri-color dial, available with either a steel bracelet or a leather strap. This collection is available at Zenith boutiques worldwide, via e-commerce, and at authorized retailers.
Chronomaster Original
- Movement | Automatic (El Primero 3600)
- Power Reserve | Approx. 60 hours
- Functions | Hours and minutes, small seconds. 1/10th second chronograph: chronograph hand making one rotation in 10 seconds, 60-second counter, 60-minute counter
- Case Material | Steel or 18K RG
- Case Diameter | 38mm
- Bracelet/Strap Material | Steel or Leather
- Water Resistance | 5 ATM
- Price | From ¥968,000 to ¥2,200,000 (incl. tax)
