Overview
In 2020, Zenith released this distinctive version of its A384 Revival series, drawing inspiration from a unique 1970s prototype that never made it into production. The model of interest was a black PVD chronograph equipped with a hand-wound caliber that Zenith initially planned to release shortly after the launch of its iconic El Primero automatic movement in 1969. The exact reasons behind its abandonment are unknown, but after a few of the prototypes surfaced in recent years, Zenith apparently felt inspired to reimagine a contemporary version of this watch.
The resulting Chronomaster Revival Shadow is truly an amalgamation of old and new, taking the brand’s classic A384 case and rendering it in a modern micro-blasted titanium that achieves a blackening effect similar to that of PVD coating. Subtle details such as the exclusion of the seconds markers, the removal of the 4:30 date window, and tone-on-tone registers allow for a clean and expansive dial reminiscent of Jack Heuer’s early Carreras. Completing the full “stealth mode” look is an anthracite textile strap that feels highly durable and entirely up to the task at hand. For chronograph lovers, especially those who are monochromatically inclined, there’s no other El Primero on the market quite like this one.
Specifications
Brand:
Zenith
Model:
Chronomaster Revival Shadow
Reference:
97.T384.4061/21.C822
Year:
2021
Case Number:
555 802
Case Material:
Titanium
Diameter:
37 mm
Lug Width:
19 mm
Thickness:
12.9 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
46.9 mm
Dial:
Black
Lume:
Super-LumiNova
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Automatic
Caliber:
El Primero 4061
Bracelet/Strap:
Zenith black textile strap with tang buckle
Max Wrist Size:
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
Case: The micro-blasted titanium case is overall in really great condition with only faint signs of use. There are a couple very light scuffs to the surface, the most notable of which is to the corner of the case at 1:30. Otherwise, there are no nicks or scratches to note. This watch does not appear to have ever been polished—the lugs are thick and strong with sharp definition at the faceted edges. The caseback is also in really nice condition with hardly any wear and no notable imperfections. The model and serial number engravings remain sharp and legible.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The matte black dial and polished hands are in perfect condition with fully functioning Super-LumiNova. The front and rear sapphire crystals are squeaky clean and scratch-free.
Bracelet/Strap: The black textile strap shows very little wear. There is very tiny fraying in a few spots, but that's to be expected for this type of material. The attached tang buckle is in pristine condition and the additional deployant buckle shows a couple light scuffs.
Performance
Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, and chronograph start/stop/reset are working as expected.
Service History: The watch recently underwent a partial service by Zenith to fix the chronograph hour hand reset. The service was performed under warranty and was not returned with documentation papers.
