Zenith is introducing the Chronomaster Revival A385, a reissue of the original A385 from 1969. The new model is an exact reproduction of the historical prototype which, together with two other variants, formed the first generation of the El Primero chronograph. As the first automatic high-frequency chronograph, the El Primero quickly achieved great fame. However, this specific model, the A385, is also drawing attention because of its gradient smoky brown dial – another first for Zenith at the time.
The classic “tonneau” case
The Zenith Chronomaster Revival A385 is an exact reproduction of the original. Using reverse engineering, the manufacture has reconstructed every component of the 37-mm “tonneau” case in stainless steel. This way, all the details, such as the pump-style pushers, remain faithful to the original. Only in the case of the crystal has Zenith moved with the times; both the front and caseback are made of sapphire glass instead of acrylic as in the original.
Like the original A385 with the graduated smoky brown dial
With the introduction of the A385, Zenith presented the first model with a smoky brown dial in 1969. This design is also found in the new model. The graduated dial, with its vignetting towards the edge, creates optical depth, as though it were domed. Furthermore, the red central chronograph seconds hand and the silver-white chronograph counters are also taken directly from the original. For better readability, however, they are now coated with Super-LumiNova, as are the indices. Furthermore, there is also a tachymeter scale on the periphery, while the date lies between four and five o’clock.
Inside the Zenith Chronomaster Revival A385 ticks the automatic El Primero 400 calibre, which has a power reserve of 50 hours. As is usual for an El Primero, the balance oscillates at 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz). The calibre consists of a total of 278 parts and has a chronograph with a column-wheel and horizontal clutch. The ornate movement can be viewed through the transparent caseback.
The watch is available with either a brown calfskin strap with rubber underlay and stainless steel pin buckle or a “ladder” stainless steel bracelet with double-folding clasp. With the leather strap, the watch costs 7,800 euros. The price for the stainless-steel bracelet is 8,300 euros. Both versions are available in the Zenith online shop, as well as in the boutiques.
FEATURES
| BRAND: | Zenith |
| MODEL: | Chronomaster Revival A385 |
| REFERENCE: | 03.A384.400/385.C855 (leather strap) 03.A384.400/385.M385 (bracelet) |
| CASE MATERIAL: | Stainless steel |
| DIMENSIONS: | Diameter: 37 mm Height: 12.60 mm |
| WATER RESISTANCE: | 5 bar (~ 50 m) |
| DIAL: | Smoked brown gradient dial with white counters |
| STRAP/BRACELET: | Light brown calfskin strap with stainless steel pin buckle or “Ladder” bracelet with stainless steel double folding clasp. |
| MOVEMENT: | El Primero 400 |
| MOVEMENT TYPE: | Automatic |
| POWER RESERVE: | 50 hours |
| FREQUENCY: | 26,000 vph (5 Hz) |
| FUNCTIONS: | Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph(central chronograph hand, 30-minute counter, 12-hour counter), date |
| PRICE: | EUR 7,800 (leather strap) EUR 8,300 (bracelet) |