This trilogy comprises the A384, a tonneau-shaped panda-dial model, the A385, featuring the same case but with an original gradient brown dial (possibly the first of its kind) and the A386, the most classic of the three models, with a round case but also the watch that first showed the signature tri-colour sub-counters, something that has become a hallmark of Zenith. It is the most iconic model in the trilogy introduced in 1969, the three watches created by Zenith to feature its newly developed and innovative movement, the El Primero calibre, regarded as one of the earliest automatic chronograph movements. The name вЂњA386вЂќ will certainly resonate in the mind of vintage watch lovers as one of the most emblematic models ever to be produced by the Le Locle-based manufacture. Here is the Zenith Chronomaster Original, the revamped 38mm El Primero and the successor to the A386 watch.

Indeed, the classic 38mm, bezel-less Chronomaster is back, with more modern mechanics and a powerful vintage-inspired design.

But this slightly larger and more modern take on the El Primero wasnвЂ™t meant to be a replacement. This very watch was, however, discontinued when the attractive Chronomaster Sport was introduced earlier this year. For long, the name Chronomaster has been associated at Zenith with an El Primero-powered (what elseвЂ¦) classic chronograph, without an external bezel, often with tri-colour sub-dials and available either in 42mm or in an even more desirable, historically relevant 38mm diameter, inspired by the legendary A386 model of 1969.

Zenith chronomaster 38mm