Zenith Kicks Off 2021 With New El Primero

It is not more than fitting that Zenith kicks off the new year by introducing another version of the Chronomaster Revival A385. By adding this final El Primero to the two that were launched previously, the line-up with which Zenith introduced this groundbreaking movement to the world in 1969 is complete. The most eye-catching detail of the Chronomaster Revival A385 is its gradient brown dial, which offers quite a contrast with the white subdials and date wheel. Style and legibility go therefore hand in hand in this faithful remake of the original.

Zenith was, at the time of introduction, very adamant to prove that the groundbreaking El Primero models could stand their ground in even the harshest environments. This is why in 1970, they launched ‘Operation Sky,’ in which they attached an A385 to the landing gear of a Boeing 707 from Air France, flying from Paris to New York. Once arrived, the Zenith was still functioning as it was supposed to, despite being exposed to significant shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperature changes. The Chronomaster Revival A385 shares the angular tonneau-shaped case with the previously introduced Chronomaster Revival A384, which houses the caliber El Primero 400. This automatic movement runs, of course, at the historically correct high-frequency of 36,000 vph/5 Hz, making it possible to measure elapsed time with 1/10th of a second precision. One of the minor tweaks that Zenith did to the revival model, in comparison to the original, is that they applied a beige luminous material to the hands and hour markers. This further amplifies the vintage character of the watch.

Currently, the Chronomaster Revival A385 is fitted with a brown leather strap that is a nice match with the gradient dial. As of next month, the watch will also be available on the ladder-style bracelet, which was also fitted on the Chronomaster Revival A384. This bracelet combines that unique 1970’s style with excellent wearing comfort and is therefore worth the wait.