Overview
In 1969, Zenith joined Heuer and Seiko as the first brands to develop and launch an automatic chronograph watch. Zenith’s mechanism was the most complex of the group, utilizing a column-wheel chronograph within a high-beat movement that could maintain accuracy down to 1/10 of a second. They dubbed their achievement the “El Primero” and fitted it within the A384, A385, and A386 watches in the fall of that year.
For the 50th anniversary of the El Primero in 2019, Zenith released several Revival pieces, including a Chronomaster that was a faithful reproduction of the original A384 from 1969. The new model came with the same case size, shape, and dial design, but with a few modern upgrades including Super-LumiNova, a sapphire crystal, and an exhibition caseback to show off the glorious El Primero movement. With its stunning panda dial and modest proportions, this example is easily one of Zenith’s most charming modern watches, made all the better by the inclusion of the vintage-inspired ladder bracelet.
Specifications
Brand:
Zenith
Model:
Chronomaster El Primero Revival A384
Reference:
03.A384.400/21.C815
Year:
2021
Case Number:
559 343
Case Material:
Stainless steel
Diameter:
37 mm
Lug Width:
19 mm
Thickness:
12.6 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
46.9 mm
Dial:
White
Lume:
Super-LumiNova
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Automatic
Caliber:
El Primero 400
Bracelet/Strap:
Zenith stainless steel ladder bracelet
Max Wrist Size:
8 in (12 links)
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
Case: The stainless steel case shows minimal signs of wear with a couple hairlines, micro nicks, and tiny scuffs present. The lugs are thick and sharp with superb definition between brushed and polished surfaces. There is a ding with two light scratches on the polished portion of the lug at 1 o’clock. The case sides are clean with virtually no wear present. The caseback has a few hairlines, micro nicks, and tiny scuffs. The model and serial number engravings remain deep and legible.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The white dial and polished hands are in pristine condition with no notable imperfections and fully functioning Super-LumiNova. The front and rear sapphire crystals are squeaky clean and scratch-free.
Bracelet/Strap: The fully linked Zenith stainless steel bracelet shows virtually no stretch and very little wear with only a few faint hairlines and scuffs present. The clasp has a few light desk diving marks, but nothing major to note. The stamped Zenith logo remains sharp and detailed.
Performance
Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, quickset date, and chronograph start/stop/reset are working as expected.
Service History: None.
