In 1969 Zenith launched three stainless steel El Primero models – the A384, A385, and A386. They all used the same movement, but the combination of the round case and three colours of the tricompax chronograph sub dials of the A386 became the ‘look’ that was to be most associated with the El Primero.

This new model again comes in a 38mm stainless steel case with water resistance of 50m. With its round case shape and tri-colored chronograph register, the A386 is arguably the most well-known and popular of those three original models. Now, for the first time Zenith has brought a matte black dial with tri-coloured grey and blue registers to the Chronomaster Original, the brand’s modern reinterpretation of the A386. Apart from the new dial colour, this new addition to the Chronomaster Original family is the same as the white dial model.

Equipped with the latest generation of the El Primero high-frequency automatic chronograph calibre that features a 1/10th of a second chronograph function.

With the dial colour now black, other functions and features on the dial are flipped when compared to the white dial model – the date window is now black, as are the the 1/10th of a second and 10-second chronograph scales. The central chronograph seconds hands remains red, of course, and completes one rotation of the dial in 10 seconds.

The case is the same as the white model, with pump-style chronograph pushers, faceted lugs, and a mix of radial brushed and polished finishing.

Visible through the case back is the El Primero 3600, which beats at 36,000 VPH, has a power reserve of 60 hours, and features an open-worked rotor with the Zenith star.

The new Chronomaster Original with a black tri-coloured dial comes on a bracelet (Australian RRP $15,000) or a black calf leather strap (Australian RRP $14,300).

[Photo credit: Zenith]

Categories: chronograph, Watch Profile, watches, Women's watches, Zenith