Zenith has introduced the Chronomaster Original with a blue dial. The Chronomaster Original is a modern reinterpretation of Zenith’s iconic A386, one of the first watches to feature the brand’s revolutionary high-frequency El Primero chronograph calibre that was introduced in 1969. Please click here to read our article on the Chronomaster Triple Calendar where we delve a bit into the El Primero’s history.
Key Features
Functions
Image: A modern reinterpretation of the A386, yet one that evokes vintage vibes. Blue is Zenith’s signature colour. I am not a fan of a date window at 4.30. However, Zenith has colour matched the date wheel with the dial, a thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing touch.
Central hours and minutes.
Small seconds on subdial at 9 o’clock.
1/10th of a second central chronograph hand – 1 turn every 10 seconds.
60-minute counter on subdial at 6 o’clock.
60-second counter on subdial at 3 o’clock.
Date indicated via an aperture at 4.30.
Stop seconds function.
Dial
Image: Tricolour overlapping subdials is a signature Zenith feature. Notice the snailed pattern on all three. The red 1/10th of a second central chronograph hand and silver toned 1/10th chapter ring contrast well with the blue dial and tricolour subdials.
Midnight blue dial with a sunburst pattern.
Overlapping subdials in three different colours – grey, dark grey, and blue.
Baton-shaped hour and minute hands are rhodium-plated, faceted, and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1.
Hour-markers are rhodium-plated, faceted, and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1.
1/10th of a second chapter ring is silver toned.
Movement
Image: One of the one of the most legendary chronograph movements of all time. Notice the Zenith five-pointed star and satin finishing on the automatic winding rotor.
Powered by El Primero 3600, a high-frequency automatic movement with a column-wheel chronograph. It drives the hours, minutes, small seconds, central 1/10th of a second chronograph, 60-minute counter, 60-second counter, date, and stop seconds function. It is an evolution of the original El Primero calibre.
Parts: 311. Jewels: 35. Frequency: 36,000 vph or 5 Hz. Power reserve: Approximately 60 hours.
The DEFY Skyline Chronograph Skeleton features a skeletonised version of the same calibre – El Primero 3600SK. While Zenith has significant experience with high-frequency movements, Rolex has entered this domain with its new Land-Dweller collection. It will be interesting to see how Rolex evolves its new high-frequency movement. Perhaps a high-frequency movement to power future versions of the Cosmograph Daytona, Rolex’s iconic chronograph that used to be powered by a heavily modified and detuned (from 5 Hz to 4 Hz) version of the El Primero in the past.
Case
Image: “The CHRONOMASTER Original is a faithful reproduction of the iconic 1969 reference A386. Modelled directly from the original blueprints, it features a round, bezel-less design with pump-style pushers, a sloped profile, and faceted lugs. Its dynamic silhouette is brought to life by a mix of radial-brushed and polished surfaces.”
Case is made from stainless steel.
Diameter: 38 mm. Thickness: 12.60 mm. Lug-to-lug distance: 46 mm.
Dial and caseback feature a sapphire crystal. Water resistant up to 5 ATM or approximately 50 metres.
The watch is delivered with an interchangeable blue calfskin leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching and a 3-link bracelet made from stainless steel. Both are fitted to a folding clasp.
Our Thoughts
The Chronomaster Original houses one of the most (if not the most) legendary chronograph movements of all time. In terms of movement design and complexity, the El Primero 3600 is haute horology at an extremely high level. At USD$ 10,700, it is a horological bargain. I cannot think of any other brand that offers a watch with this level of pedigree and complexity at such an accessible price.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph Ocean Grey comes close at USD$ 14,900. However, as a 2-register chronograph beating at at 28,800 vph or 4 Hz, it offers none of the horological theatre than the Chronomaster Original with its 1/10th of a second central chronograph hand. Furtheremore, the Chronomaster Original can hold its own next to chronographs from A. Lange & Söhne and Patek Philippe.
If you love chronographs, then you must add the Chronomaster Original to your collection. It is a horological gem.
Additional Details
Name: Chronomaster Original
Reference: 03.3200.3600/52.C910
Price: United States Dollar (USD$): 10,700 / United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED): 39,600
Please visit the Zenith website and Instagram page for more information.
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