When Zenith released the iconic A386 back in 1969, the watch world stood up and listened. Why? Because it was one of the first steel watches the be equipped with the revolutionary El Primero movement. Now the El Primero movement is the world's first chronograph movement and overtime it has garnered a reputation of being extremely precise, hence its growing popularity.

While there have been many times in the past (in almost 50 years since its launch) that Zenith has come up with various iterations and evolution of the A386, what makes this one special is its affinity to the original (like the name suggests). The 2021 Chronomaster Original is not just a re-imagination of the original A386 but so much more. It is not just a tribute to the original but an amalgamation of the evolution of the A386 into the 21st century.

About the watch:

The 2021 Zenith Chronomaster Original no doubt is heavily inspired by the A386. At first glance, each aspect of the watch is similar to the original; from its 38mm round bezel-less steel case to the pump-style chronograph pushers to the brushed and polished surfaces of the case. The major difference between the past and present iteration of the timepiece can be noticed on the dial and the bracelet of the new timepiece. While the dial features an emblematic tri-colour chronograph counters in shades of grey and blue, the bracelet has been changed from the “ladder” design of the 1960s to the series of solid links that are chamfered and decorated like the case of the watch.

Additional changes made to the dial includes the black inner scale surrounding the dial is now not used to calculate time spent working using a 1/100th of an hour time division. This time this is done with the 1/10th of a second chronograph hand that makes a rotation around the dial in 10 seconds, totalling 100 measurable time units. The tachymeter scale present on the outskirts of the dial is replaced with the 1/10th of a second chronograph scale. So to measure instant time, the straight, red-lacquered hand is used instead of the paddle-shaped hands of the original A386. Furthermore, the dial also houses distinct design codes like the trapezoid date window at 4:30 and an updated logo.

The Zenith Chronomaster Original is equipped with the latest version of the El Primero calibre – the 3600 that features a high frequency of 5Hz and is able to precisely offer a true 1/10th os second indication. Clocking in a power reserve of 60 hours, the movement is visible via the sapphire crystal caseback showcasing a blue column wheel and open rotor marked with the five-pointed star Zenith.

The 2021 edition is available in two versions; a steel case with a 'reversed panda' black dial with silver chronograph counters and an 18K rose gold edition with a tri-colour dial.

Technical Specification:

Name: Zenith Chronomaster Original

Reference no: 03.3200.3600/69.M3200

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:

Dimensions: 38mm

Material: Stainless Steel

Water-resistance: 5 atm

Caseback: Sapphire crystal

Dial: Silver with three-colours sub dials signature

Hour-markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLumiNova®SLN C1

Hands : Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLumiNova®SLN C1

Bracelet & buckle: Stainless steel bracelet and stainless steel double folding clasp

Name: Zenith Chronomaster Original

Reference no: 03.3200.3600/69.C902

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:

Dimensions: 38mm

Material: Stainless Steel

Water-resistance: 5 atm

Caseback: Sapphire crystal

Dial: Silver with three-colours sub dials signature

Hour-markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLumiNova®SLN C1

Hands : Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLumiNova®SLN C1

Bracelet & buckle: Blue calfskin strap with stainless steel triple folding clasp

Price: INR 6.88 lakh (approx.)

Name: Zenith Chronomaster Original

Reference no:03.3200.3600/21.M3200 

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:

Dimensions: 38mm

Material: Stainless Steel

Water-resistance: 5 atm

Caseback: Sapphire crystal

Dial: Black matte with silver-toned counters

Hour-markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted ad coated with beige SuperLumiNova®SLN

Hands : Rhodium-plated, faceted ad coated with beige SuperLumiNova®SLN

Bracelet & buckle: Stainless steel bracelet and stainless steel double folding clasp

Price: INR 6.88 lakh (approx.)

Name: Zenith Chronomaster Original

Reference no: 03.3200.3600/21.C903

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:

Dimensions: 38mm

Material: Stainless Steel

Water-resistance: 5 atm

Caseback: Sapphire crystal

Dial: Black matte with silver-toned counters

Hour-markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted ad coated with beige SuperLumiNova®SLN

Hands : Rhodium-plated, faceted ad coated with beige SuperLumiNova®SLN

Bracelet & buckle: Beige calfskin strap with stainless steel triple folding clasp

Price: INR 6.88 lakh (approx.)

Name: Zenith Chronomaster Original

Reference no:18.3200.3600/69.C901

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:

Dimensions: 38mm

Material: 18K Rose gold

Water-resistance: 5 atm

Caseback: Sapphire crystal

Dial: Black matte with silver-toned counters

Hour-markers: Gold-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLumiNova®SLN C1

Hands: Gold-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLumiNova®SLN C1

Bracelet & Buckle: Brown calfskin strap with rose gold triple folding clasp

Price: INR 15.26 lakh (approx.)

The Zenith Chronomaster Original is available here.