ZENITH CHRONOMASTER ORIGINAL. The Successors to the A386 from 1969 ...

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In this the 4K-video we present you the new Zenith Chronomaster Original chronographs. While Zenith has paid tribute to many of its iconic historical references, including gold versions of the A386 in its Chronomaster Revival collection that debuted during the El Primero’s 50th anniversary, a steel re-edition as part of the permanent Zenith collection has long been something that Zenith collectors and chronograph aficionados have been eagerly awaiting.
But beyond a modern reinterpretation of this enduring staple among chronographs, Zenith has gone a step further with the Chronomaster Original, which retains the singular and enduringly relevant design of the A386 while packing the performance of the 21st century version of the El Primero boasting 1/10th of a second precision and time measurement.
The 38mm round bezel-less steel case with a raised and domed crystal, the pump-style chronograph pushers, the faceted lugs and the mix of radial brushed and polished surfaces throughout are indistinguishable between the past and present models.
The steel bracelet has been reimagined, foregoing the open “ladder” design of the 1960s for solid links that are sumptuously 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-colour 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 black inner scale surrounding the dial of the A386, once used to calculate time spent working using a 1/100th of an hour time division system, finds a new purpose in the Chronomaster Original, with its 1/10th of a second chronograph hand making a rotation around the dial in 10 seconds, totalling 100 measurable time units. Substituting the tachymeter scale on the outer circumference on the dial, a 1/10th of a second chronograph scale takes its place, allowing for the measurement and reading of elapsed time in precise fractions of a second. And for instantaneous, precise reading of the 10th of a second, the paddle-shaped seconds hand of the original A386 has been replaced with a straight, red-lacquered hand. The logo has also been updated to the more contemporary script Zenith uses today.

The Zenith Chronomaster Original is equipped with the latest version of the El Primero calibre: the El Primero 3600. With its frequency of 5 Hz (36’000 A/h), the movement is able to precisely offer a true 1/10th of second indication. Its autonomy has also been rendered more efficient, with an extended power reserve of 60 hours. Visible through the sapphire display back, the new architecture features a sleeker and more open design, revealing a blue column wheel and open rotor marked with the five-pointed star Zenith.


Movement: El Primero 3600 Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power reserve: approx. 60 hours
Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre. Small seconds at nine o’clock. 1/10th of a second Chronograph: central chronograph hand that makes one turn in 10 seconds, 60 minute counter at six o’clock, 60 second counter at three o’clock.
Case: 38 mm
Dial diameter opening: 33,05 mm
Thickness: 12,6 mm
Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides

Reference: 03.3200.3600/69.M3200
Material: stainless steel
Dial: Silver with three-colors sub dials signature
Water-resistance: 5 ATM
Caseback: sapphire crystal
Price: 8800 EUR (including VAT)
Hour-markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova®SLN C1
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova®SLN C1
Bracelet & Buckle: Stainless steel bracelet and stainless steel double folding clasp.

Reference: 03.3200.3600/21.C903
Material: stainless steel
Dial: Black matte with silver-toned counters
Water-resistance: 5 ATM
Caseback: sapphire crystal
Price: 8300 EUR (including VAT)
Hour-markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with beige Super-LumiNova®SLN
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with beige Super-LumiNova®SLN
Bracelet & Buckle: Beige calfskin strap with stainless steel triple folding clasp.

Reference: 18.3200.3600/69.C901
Material: 18-carat Rose gold
Dial: Silver with three-colors sub dials signature
Water-resistance: 5 ATM
Caseback: sapphire crystal
Price: 18.600 EUR (including VAT)
Hour-markers: Gold-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova®SLN C1
Hands: Gold-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova®SLN C1
Bracelet & Buckle: Brown calfskin strap with rose gold triple folding clasp.