zenith chronomaster original boutique edition

The black inner scale surrounding the dial of the A386, once used to calculate time spent working using a 1/100 th of an hour time division system, finds a new purpose in the Chronomaster Original, with its 1/10 th of a second chronograph hand making a rotation around the dial in 10 seconds, totalling 100 measurable time units. For starters there is that emblematic tri-colour chronograph in shades of grey and blue, the trapezoid date window at 04:30 and the red chronograph second hand, all intrinsic parts that have all been passed down to the Chronomaster Original, with a few subtle updates to match the boost in performance. Undoubtedly, the most visually distinctive design element of the A386 is the dial. Indistinguishable between the past and present models. Yes, the world’s first automatic high-frequency integrated chronograph movement! Now although we have witnessed Zenith’s tributes to various emblematic historical references, including gold versions of the A386 in its Chronomaster Revival collection, a steel re-edition as part of it’s permanent is certainly more than welcome Chronomaster Original Reference: 03.3200.3600/69.C902 Price: 8,400 CHFĪt first glance, the original Chronomaster and the A386 it’s based on appear almost identical with a 38mm round bezel-less steel case with a raised and domed crystal, that pump-style chronograph pushers, the faceted lugs and the mix of radial brushed and polished surfaces throughout. Well, that just a quick insight into my bias towards Zenith, but I was quite excited to know that 50 years later, the brand has now introduced a spruced up 2021 version of the iconic A386, which made its debut way back in 1969 as one of the first steel watches to be equipped with the revolutionary El Primero calibre. Let me be honest, back then I was over the moon to get my first luxury “gold” timepiece, but I had no idea that I was now the proud owner of a 90’s cult classic.

Although I loved the sentiment here, I never knew how that actually felt until the day my father handed over his watch to me, my first luxury timepiece, the gold El Primero Rainbow Chronograph. I’ve often been intrigued by the legacy of watches being passed down, you know, like the famous Patek Philippe ad campaign, ”You never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation”. A 21st century rendition of the A386! The El Primero has been and always will be very special to me on a personal level.

Zenith chronomaster original boutique edition