If you aren't living under a rock then you know that the year 1969 is the year Zenith made watchmaking history. How? By gifting the watch industry the El Primero (world's first automatic high-frequency chronograph) that forever changed one of the most complicated complications of all time - the chronograph. One of the three models that was released then included the A385 which was a tonneau-shaped steel chronograph with a brown gradient dial. This eye-catching dial was the first “smoked” dial ever to be made in the watch industry and for Zenith.

50 years later, Zenith gives birth to the legend again with the return of the A385 in the form of a Chronomaster Revival model. This new watch is not just inspired by the original but is an actual reproduction of the 1969 model. This amazing feat has been achieved with the help of an exercise of “reverse engineering” by the Manufacture. They have used the blueprint of the original timepiece and created a timepiece as close to the original as possible. The only minor differences between the two is the domed sapphire crystal and an open caseback instead of a closed solid steel covering.

In terms of design aesthetics, the new Zenith A385 Chronomaster Revival sticks to the original model with its smoked brown gradient dial with a red chronograph second hand and silver-white chronograph counters. Powered by the El Primero 400 chronograph movement, the watch clocks in a power reserve of 50 hours.

The Zenith A385 Chronomaster Revival is available in two options; a steel “ladder” bracelet that is a modern remake of the Gay Frères bracelets that became emblematic of the early El Primero watches and a light brown calf leather strap that will develop a unique patina over time.

The Zenith Chronomaster A385 is available at Zenith Boutiques and online shop, as well as at authorised retailers around the world.