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Chronomaster revival el primero a38176/24/2023 ![]() ![]() Visible through the display back of the watch is the El Primero 400 Automatic movement, one that has virtually remained unchanged since 1969 – fitting for a watch meant to pay tribute to legendary models of the past. The vintage vibes continue with the “shark tooth” pattern for the seconds markers of the chronograph – this was originally done to aid legibility back in the day. On the periphery of the dial is the tachymeter scale that also incorporates a pulsometer – adding further functionality to this watch. A peculiarity of this watch is the coloured markers of the 9 o’clock subdial for the running seconds counter – this is further accentuated by a blue hand in contrast to the chronograph hands that are white. Like the original, the watch features a stainless steel case and a white lacquered dial with the signature coloured subdials in tones of grey and blue, as well as the radial brushing on top of the 37mm tonneau shaped case that appears to emanate from the centre of the watch. Zenith’s product development team utilised blueprints from the era as well as reverse engineering to replicate aspects of the watch such as finishes and dimensions. ![]() The Zenith Chronomaster Revival A3817 is, as the name suggests, a revival of this model, with a lot of effort paid to making this as close to the original as possible. Amongst aficionados of vintage watches, only 1000 pieces of this particular reference were produced, making it a rare bird indeed for those seeking an original. The A3817 model was originally released in 1971, 2 years after the first release of watches containing the El Primero movement. The brand continues to honour its heritage with the release of the Chronomaster Revival A3817 – a boutique and eCommerce exclusive model first unveiled in 1971 that combines the classicism of the original 1969 releases with the sportiness and funkiness befitting a model of the 1970s. The Chronomaster Revival A3817 is exclusively available at Zenith Boutiques as well as its online shop from May 2021 at the price of € 8.300.Zenith’s modern heritage is inextricably linked with the El Primero, and how it changed the game for chronographs in 1969. Through the open display case back, one of the few differences between the original A3817 with a solid steel case back and the Revival model, one can admire the legendary El Primero high-frequency automatic chronograph calibre that has remained a staple among chronograph movements for over 50 years.Ĭompleting the retro look and feel of the Chronomaster Revival A3817, two strap options are proposed: the first is the steel “ladder” bracelet, a modern remake of the Gay Frères bracelets that became emblematic of the early El Primero watches and the other is a light brown calf leather strap that will develop a patina unique to each wearer. The seconds track is done in a pyramid pattern affectionately nicknamed the “shark tooth” scale, which enhances legibility with a distinctly retro touch. The outer tachymeter scale also serves as a pulsometer, an especially handy and precise function provided by the high-frequency 5Hz (36’000 VpH) escapement of the El Primero movement. Like its progenitor of 1971, the Chronomaster Revival A3817features a white lacquered dial with chronograph counters done in the tones of grey and blue, with the running seconds counter at 9 o’clock done with blue markers, indicated by the single blue hand on the dial. Zenith waited two years after the launch of the El Primero in 1969 before introducing the iconic tri-colour dial to its sportier tonneau case, albeit with a slightly different execution in both function and aesthetic when compared to the A386. The Chronomaster Revival A3817 is crafted in the same 37mm angled tonneau-shaped case with pump-style pushers as the original, using historical blueprints and reverse-engineering to preserve the original proportions and finishes. Given that only 1000 of the A3817 were ever produced, it remains one of the most distinguished, elusive and sought-after references among the early El Primero watches. It combined the sportier steel tonneau-shaped case of the earliest steel El Primero references with the striking tri-colour dial of the A386. Released in 1971, the A3817 was the exception to the rule. ![]() On one hand, there were sportier models in tonneau-shaped steel cases, such as the A384, and on the other, more classical round cases in steel or gold, most notably the A386. When the El Primero calibre made its debut in 1969, Zenith chose to house it in two watch categories.
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