2024 Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero A385 37mm

Here we have the 2024 Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero A385 37mm; this stunning watch is a reimagined version of the legendary A385 from 1969, one of the world's first automatic chronographs. The 37mm stainless steel tonneau-shaped angular case curves over your wrist, featuring thick, angled lugs. A chamfered edge leads to a lug-to-lug length of 46.5mm and a case thickness of 12.5mm, giving the watch an impressive wrist presence. Radially brushed and polished bevel edges transition with crisp lines; down the right side, we have the piston chronograph pushers and a signed crown in the centre. A domed sapphire crystal sits above a stunning brown fumé dial, and an outer brown Tachymetre chapter ring, printed in white, surrounds a precisely executed minute track with applied, chamfered-edge baton indexes marking the hours. Between the 4 and 5, we have a date window; at 3 o’clock, a 30-minute register; at 6 o’clock, a 12-hour register; and finally, at 9 o’clock, a continuous seconds register, each recessed in white with black stick hands and numerals, a nice contrast to the white. The broad hands are tipped with aged SuperLumiNova and complemented by a striking red chronograph hand. At 12 o’clock, we have the Zenith motif with the El Primero in its distinctive swirling script, completing this reimagined revival of the iconic A385. On the reverse, a screw-down exhibition case back features the details of the watch engraved around its edge, showcasing the automatic Zenith El Primero 400, which has 31 jewels and beats at 36,000 beats per hour. This column-wheel chronograph is equipped with a bidirectional skeletonised rotor featuring the iconic Zenith star and comprises 278 components. It comes paired with its Zenith 20mm leather strap and pin buckle, and the watch comes with its Zenith presentation box, swing tag and paperwork.

This watch is sold with its Zenith box, swing tag and original paperwork. It comes paired with its Zenith 20mm leather strap and pin buckle. The watch is from June 2024 and is in worn condition, but overall it is in very fair condition, as you can see. It comes with its Manufacturer's Warranty.

Sometimes you don't know you need a watch until you see it in person and on your wrist. This Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero A385 with its tropical/caramel dial is exactly one of those watches. The colour is just perfect on and off the wrist, it demands its wrist presence at 37mm and wears beautifully, modern build quality with vintage styling and proportions, this is what modern Zenith can get so right when they try. I would hurry up and add this beauty to your collection today before I take a serious look at my own collection and figure out how to make this work for me!

Reference : 03.A384.400/385.C855
Movement : Automatic Zenith El Primero Cal. 400
Age : June 2024
Year : 2024
Case Size : 37mm
Case Thickness : 12.5mm
Lug to Lug : 46.5mm
Lugs : 20mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : Manufacturer Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Zenith was established in 1865 by the ambitious 22-year-old watchmaking prodigy Georges Favre-Jacot. The company established its manufacturing base in Le Locle, a picturesque town in the Swiss Jura Mountains known for its rich horological heritage. The brand gained international recognition in 1909 when the pioneering French aviator Louis Blériot wore a Zenith watch during his historic flight across the English Channel, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. Zenith's watches have adorned the wrists of remarkable adventurers, including the legendary Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. He made history by being the first person to reach both the South Pole in 1911 and the North Pole in 1926. As the company approached its centennial celebration in 1965, Zenith’s designers sought to confront the most challenging technological hurdle facing the watch industry: creating a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement. Their efforts culminated in developing the legendary El Primero movement, which was released in 1969. The El Primero, known for its high-frequency escapement and remarkable accuracy, went into production in 1975 and saw a reissue in 1986. However, the 1960s were turbulent for Zenith due to ongoing litigation regarding naming rights. To navigate through these challenges, the Zenith watch company merged in 1968 with Movado, another respected Swiss brand. This strategic alliance allowed Zenith to leverage Movado’s extensive distribution networks in the United States and stabilise its presence in the market. In 1971, the Zenith Radio Company, which had previously been in conflict with its Swiss counterpart, opted to buy Zenith Watch Company, effectively uniting two entities under the same brand during a challenging period known as the Quartz Crisis. In 1975, Zenith's leadership made the drastic decision to transition entirely to quartz watch production, marking a significant shift in their manufacturing philosophy. This included the controversial decision to destroy all mechanical watch components and blueprints, including those related to the historical El Primero movement. However, thanks to the courageous actions of Charles Vermot, a senior engineer in Zenith’s movement-making department, the company's rich mechanical heritage was saved. Together with a small group of loyal colleagues, Vermot secretly hid the El Primero blueprints and parts in a concealed attic at the factory, preserving them for potential future use amidst the pervasive quartz trend. Vermot’s foresight bore fruit in the 1980s as the market shifted back toward mechanical watches. Prominent brands like Ebel and Rolex reintroduced mechanical chronograph styles, paving the way for Zenith’s revival. The carefully safeguarded El Primero re-emerged as the driving force behind Rolex's hugely successful Daytona series. In 1978, Zenith was acquired from Zenith Radio Company, which is now part of LG Electronics, by Dixi, a company specialising in machine tools based in Le Locle. This transition marked a new chapter for Zenith, which began reintroducing its El Primero-equipped chronograph watches to meet the rising demand for high-end mechanical timepieces. In 1999, Zenith became part of the prestigious LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) group, aligning itself with other luxury brands such as TAG Heuer and Hublot. Even today, Zenith stands out as one of the few Swiss manufacturers that not only produces mechanical watches but also crafts its own movements.