Zenith and watch magazine Revolution have unveiled the latest addition to their Chronomaster Revival A3818 collaboration: the Cover Girl Carbon. This watch, inspired by the rare A3818 from 1971, features a case and bracelet made of carbon fibre. It comes in two limited editions, one with a carbon bracelet and the other with a Velcro strap. The A3818, one of the rarest El Primero references with approximately 1,000 examples, gained its “Cover Girl” nickname after appearing on the cover of Manfred Rössler’s book Zenith: Swiss Watch Manufacture Since 1865. In 2020 launched the first limited edition Zenith Chronomaster Revival, inspired by the rare reference. Initially released in steel, the series progressed to a titanium version in 2022. Now, the trilogy concludes with a carbon fibre edition weighing just 55 grams.
The case of the Zenith Chronomaster Revival A3818 Cover Girl Carbon is made of black carbon composite, a material known for its strength and low weight. The dimensions of the tonneau-shaped case are 37 mm in diameter and 12.5 mm in height. This gives the watch a compact and vintage appearance, reminiscent of the original A3818. The pushers and crown are also made of carbon composite, adding to the watch’s cohesive design. A box-shaped sapphire crystal protects the dial and enhances its readability. The water resistance of the watch is rated at 5 bar, or 50 meters, which is adequate for everyday use but not suitable for water activities. The titanium case back with black PVD coating and sapphire crystal offers a view of the movement inside.
The dial of the Zenith Chronomaster Revival A3818 Cover Girl Carbon is made of black carbon and features the distinctive “shark tooth” chronograph scale. This design element harks back to the original A3818 and adds a sporty touch to the watch. The double scale includes a pulsometer and tachymeter which enhance the watch’s chronograph capabilities. The sub-dials for the small seconds, 30-minute counter, and 12-hour counter are in a contrasting colour. The dial features plenty of Super-LumiNova as do the hands. There is a date window at 4:30, which is a characteristic feature of the Chronomaster series.
At the heart of the Zenith Chronomaster Revival A3818 Cover Girl Carbon is the El Primero 400 movement. This movement dates back to the introduction of the first automatic chronograph in 1969 and is known for its high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, or 5 Hz. The movement consists of 326 parts and has a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. The column wheel and horizontal clutch enhance the movement’s reliability and smooth operation. The oscillating weight is decorated with Côtes de Genève and adds to the movement’s aesthetic appeal.
The Zenith Chronomaster Revival A3818 Cover Girl Carbon is released in two different strap configurations. The first option is a black Velcro strap with a carbon fibre effect that is complimented by a second black embossed “ladder effect” calfskin strap. The second option, available for the limited edition of 10 pieces, is a carbon fibre bracelet inspired by the iconic Gay Frères “ladder” design. The bracelet adds an additional 4 grams to the total weight of the watch, which is still impressively light at 59 grams.
The Zenith Chronomaster Revival A3818 Cover Girl Carbon comes in two limited editions. The version with the Velcro strap is limited to 150 pieces and has a price of 12,870 euros. The version with the carbon fibre bracelet is limited to 10 pieces and costs 28,400 euros. These watches are available at Zenith boutiques worldwide and select authorised dealers.
