Source: Images and content by Zenith. See the original article here - https://pressroom.zenith-watches.com/2025/06/26/original-iconic-the-spirit-of-el-primero-now-in-blue/
Few timepieces have been as influential and iconic as the Zenith A386, one of the first watches to feature the revolutionary El Primero calibre in 1969. More than a mere remake, the modern CHRONOMASTER ORIGINAL preserves the timeless design of its predecessor while integrating the high-performance, 21st-century version of the El Primero, capable of measuring time to 1/10th of a second. Now, for the very first time, the CHRONOMASTER ORIGINAL combines a striking blue dial with the emblematic tricolour subdials, a signature of ZENITH’s chronographs since 1969, offering a bold new expression of the original A386’s design language.
The CHRONOMASTER Original returns with a dial reinterpreted in blue, the brand’s signature colour. Contemporary yet timeless, this fresh take on the classic design blends elegance with a modern edge, reaffirming its status as a longstanding icon in the world of precision watchmaking. Set against a midnight blue background, the emblematic overlapping registers of the first-ever ZENITH El Primero Ref. A386 remain faithful to the original’s grey, dark grey, and blue composition. Rendered in a silver tone, the 1/10th of a second chapter ring offers striking contrast and exceptional legibility. This thoughtful layout is completed with applied baton-style markers and hands.
The compact 38mm stainless steel case of the CHRONOMASTER Original is a faithful reproduction of the iconic 1969 reference A386. Modeled directly from the original blueprints, it features a round, bezel-less design with pump-style pushers, a sloped profile, and faceted lugs. Its dynamic silhouette is brought to life by a mix of radial-brushed and polished surfaces. Water resistance is rated to 5 ATM.
At the heart of the CHRONOMASTER Original lies a modern evolution of the iconic ZENITH chronograph movement. Harnessing the full potential of its 5 Hertz frequency, the automatic El Primero 3600 enables precise time measurements down to 1/10th of a second with exceptional clarity. This is achieved through its central chronograph seconds hand, which makes a full rotation every 10 seconds instead of the standard 60. The movement also features a stop-seconds mechanism and an extended power reserve of 60 hours. A sapphire case back reveals its intricate architecture, showcasing the column wheel and the open rotor adorned with ZENITH’s signature five-pointed star.
The new CHRONOMASTER Original with a blue dial is delivered with both a blue calfskin leather strap featuring tone-on-tone stitching, and a 3-link stainless steel bracelet — each secured with a folding clasp.
The CHRONOMASTER Original is available at all ZENITH boutiques, online and in-store, as well as through authorized retailers worldwide.
