Zenith celebrates the 50th anniversary of the El Primero calibre, as well as the first watch to house this movement, the El Primero A384, with the final model in its acclaimed revival series.
Half a century is a milestone, no matter what you’re achieving. Fifty years ago Zenith released its El Primero A384, a new watch, with a new movement, for a new era. With its distinct and instantly recognizable design, the A384 brought a new sense of style and substance to the world of chronographs, becoming a collectable icon.
A Watch for the Era
With its retro-futuristic styling, timeless proportions and emblematic chronograph calibre, the A384 took the world of watchmaking by storm. It was the first automatic chronograph movement and brought forth a set of distinctive features, including a high frequency of 36’000 vph, a column-wheel chronograph mechanism, and an automatic winding system that delivers 50 hours of power reserve.
As part of the movement’s anniversary, the El Primero A384 makes its return as the final addition to the watchmaker’s Revival series. More than just a vintage-inspired watch, the Revival is a historically accurate recreation of one of the most emblematic chronographs ever made.
Today’s Icon
For the A384 Revival, Zenith has preserved and reproduced just about everything from the original watch. Each part of the original A384 from 1969 has been digitized so as to be accurately reproduced, from the 37mm faceted steel case to the lacquered white and black tachymeter dial.
The only differences are the use of sapphire crystal instead of acrylic, a display back replacing the solid steel case back, and the latest version of the El Primero 400 chronograph movement.
In keeping with its retro appeal, the El Primero A384 Revival comes on a black alligator leather strap with a black rubber lining. An integrated metal “ladder” bracelet option is also available, mimicking the look of the one from the original 1969 El Primero A384.
This final addition follows the release of the El Primero box set, unveiled in January, as well as A386 Revival series in three gold alloys announced during Baselworld.
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