![]() It isn’t the first time that Zenith pays tribute to this watch. In fact, visually speaking, it is even closer to the original model than the previous 38mm Chronomaster was. This new 2021 Zenith Chronomaster Original pays tribute to the A386. But it was only for a few months since Zenith’s classic chronograph, now dubbed Chronomaster Original, is here to fill the gap. Earlier this year, however, Zenith discontinued this model, leaving space only for the Chronomaster Sport and its more modern approach to the El Primero concept. For years, the brand had a watch in its portfolio that could be regarded as a tribute to this vintage model, the classic 38mm Chronomaster with silver dial, tri-colour counters, bezel-less case and Calibre El Primero 400, the closest you could get to the original 1969 movement. This specific watch, the A386, is not only highly collectable and sought-after, but it has also been a source of profound inspiration for Zenith over the years. This trilogy comprises the A384, a tonneau-shaped panda-dial model, the A385, featuring the same case but with an original gradient brown dial (possibly the first of its kind) and the A386, the most classic of the three models, with a round case but also the watch that first showed the signature tri-colour sub-counters, something that has become a hallmark of Zenith. It is the most iconic model in the trilogy introduced in 1969, the three watches created by Zenith to feature its newly developed and innovative movement, the El Primero calibre, regarded as one of the earliest automatic chronograph movements. The name “A386” will certainly resonate in the mind of vintage watch lovers as one of the most emblematic models ever to be produced by the Le Locle-based manufacture. Here is the Zenith Chronomaster Original, the revamped 38mm El Primero and the successor to the A386 watch. ![]() Indeed, the classic 38mm, bezel-less Chronomaster is back, with more modern mechanics and a powerful vintage-inspired design. But this slightly larger and more modern take on the El Primero wasn’t meant to be a replacement. This very watch was, however, discontinued when the attractive Chronomaster Sport was introduced earlier this year. The 38 pieces will exclusively be sold through Zenith retailer timelessluxwatches.For long, the name Chronomaster has been associated at Zenith with an El Primero-powered (what else…) classic chronograph, without an external bezel, often with tri-colour sub-dials and available either in 42mm or in an even more desirable, historically relevant 38mm diameter, inspired by the legendary A386 model of 1969. ![]() Price for the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero 38mm Final Edition will be $8,800 on the three leather straps and $9,850 on bracelet with the three leather straps, as well. There will also be a steel bracelet option that includes those three leather straps, though I am not certain about the exact number out of 38 that will have this bracelet option. The 38mm Chronomaster Final Edition is going to come with three calf-leather straps in red, blue, and gray that match the subdial windows. 3523.80.00 that is 39mm and pretty perfect. I actually quite like sub-40mm chronographs and own an old Omega Speedmaster Reduced Ref. ![]() Of course, I’m going by memory from the last time I wore a 38mm El Primero, but I have done so on several occasions. I believe the lug-to-lug height for this soon-to-be-gone case is just around 46mm, which is more than one would guess for a 38mm, but it makes for a very wearable watch. The 38mm-wide case should be just around 12.45mm-thick and has 100M of water resistance, as is the case with previous iterations. Of course, it operates at a frequency of 36,000 vph and has a 50-hour power reserve. Zenith uses the El Primero 4061 movement here, which is the no-date model, and I think the type of enthusiasts who will pick up one of these 38 pieces likely will likely appreciate this choice. ![]()
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