The modern successor to the ZENITH A386, one of the first round-cased steel El Primero reference from 1969, the Chronomaster Original now reinterprets the iconic tricolour dial in black – a first for the historical 1969 case. Equipped with the latest generation of the El Primero high-frequency automatic chronograph calibre that features a 1/10th of a second chronograph function, the Chronomaster Original with black tricolour dial stands out as a thoroughly contemporary take on one of the most emblematic El Primero references.
In the newest addition to the Chronomaster Original line, one of the most distinctively El Primero design elements is inverted: the traditionally creamy-white dial bearing three counters in shades of grey and blue is rendered black for a more dramatic look. It marks the first time that a black tricolour dial appears in the 38mm steel case originally designed for the A386 in 1969. Much like the Chronomaster Sport line, which features both white and black tricolour dials, the Chronomaster Original line is now completed with a historical white tricolour dial and a bolder, more modern black tricolour dial. By making the base black, the other elements also had to be inverted form white to black and vice-versa, including the date wheel in the trapezoid window at 04:30, as well as the 1/10th of a second and 10-second chronograph scales.
Without disrupting the unique aesthetic of the A386 and its multiple scales, the Chronomaster Original perfectly integrates a 1/10th of a second chronograph into the design. Truly like no other chronograph, the Chronomaster Original features a central red chronograph second hand that completes one rotation of the dial in 10 seconds. The chronograph hand steadily advances every 1/10th of a second, allowing for intuitive fractional time measurement.
Sharing the same overall silhouette and proportions as its historical predecessor from 1969, the Chronomaster Original is crafted in a 38mm round bezel-less steel case with a raised and domed crystal. The pump-style chronograph pushers, the faceted lugs and the mix of radial brushed and polished surfaces throughout are indistinguishable between the past and present models. The steel bracelet has also been redesigned, replacing the open “ladder” design of 1969 with solid links.
After over 50 years since changing the trajectory of mechanical chronographs forever, ZENITH continues to develop and evolve the El Primero calibre into new iterations that push the limits of performance. It remains the benchmark of precision among automatic chronograph movements. The Chronomaster Original is equipped with the latest version of the El Primero calibre, dubbed the El Primero 3600. With its high frequency of 5 Hz (36’000 VpH), the movement offers a true 1/10th of second indication. Its autonomy has also been rendered more efficient, with an extended power reserve of 60 hours. The sapphire display back provides an unobstructed view of the movement’s contemporary, architecture features a sleeker and more open design, revealing a blue column wheel and open rotor marked with the five-pointed star Zenith.
The Chronomaster Original with black tricolour dial joins the line as a permanent part of the collection, available at ZENITH boutiques and authorized retailers around the world.
