Le Locle, 29 April 2026 : Before 1969, owning a chronograph meant embracing a daily ritual: manually winding its movement. Then came a breakthrough that would redefine the category. With the introduction of the El Primero calibre, ZENITH unveiled the world’s first automatic, integrated high-frequency chronograph — a milestone in watchmaking history. Among the inaugural references, the A384 stood out with its distinctive tonneaushaped case and bold, modern design. Today, ZENITH revisits this icon with the CHRONOMASTER Revival A384 Tropical, reinterpreting one of its most emblematic references through the lens of time. Drawing inspiration from naturally aged “tropical” dials — whose warm brown tones emerged over decades of exposure to sunlight — this new edition captures the character of these rare vintage pieces, expressed through ZENITH’s high-frequency precision.
Tropical dials refer to vintage watch faces whose original colour has naturally evolved into rich brown tones over time, most often as a result of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light and the gradual oxidation of dial materials. Originally unintended, this transformation would occur unevenly, making each piece unique — a characteristic that has since become highly sought-after among collectors. Rather than replicating a specific historical example, translated into a controlled and cohesive aesthetic, capturing the visual depth and warmth of aged dials with a precise, contemporary execution.
The dial is built around a white lacquered base, contrasted by brown-toned subdials in a classic “chocolate panda” configuration. This harmonious palette extends to the tachymetric scale, rendered in matching tones. Faceted applied markers and hands are enhanced with “old radium” Super-LumiNova, evoking the subtle patina of time while ensuring optimal legibility. A vivid red chronograph seconds hand introduces a dynamic, contemporary accent.
The CHRONOMASTER Revival A384 faithfully reproduces the proportions and architecture of the 1969 original. Its compact 37 mm stainless steel case, directly derived from historical blueprints, retains the sharp tonneau profile, pump-style pushers and the distinctive interplay of brushed and polished surfaces that defined the era. Water-resistant to 5 ATM, it seamlessly combines vintage fidelity with modern robustness.
Powering the watch is the El Primero 400 calibre, the most faithful descendant of the original El Primero 3019 PHC introduced in 1969. Entirely developed and manufactured in-house, it operates at a frequency of 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour), enabling precise measurement to 1/10th of a second. Delivering a 50-hour power reserve and comprising 278 components, the movement can be admired through the sapphire case back, where the openworked rotor is shaped as the ZENITH five-pointed star.
In tribute to its historical counterpart, the watch is fitted with the iconic “ladder” bracelet, originally developed for ZENITH by Gay Frères in 1969. Lightweight, flexible and instantly recognizable, it reinforces the authenticity of the Revival line while ensuring contemporary comfort.
The CHRONOMASTER Revival A384 Tropical is available at all ZENITH boutiques, online and in-store, as well as through authorized retailers worldwide.
ZENITH: THE HEART OF WATCHMAKING
Founded in 1865 in Le Locle, Switzerland, ZENITH has been at the forefront of Swiss watchmaking for over 160 years, driven by a pioneering spirit and a relentless pursuit of precision. As the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture, ZENITH has continuously revolutionized horology by developing and manufacturing in-house movements, most notably the El Primero, the world’s first automatic, integrated highfrequency chronograph calibre launched in 1969, renowned for its unparalleled precision and high-frequency performance.
ZENITH’s timepieces celebrate its dedication to innovation and exceptional craftsmanship. The CHRONOMASTER collection embodies the expression of mechanical excellence and watchmaking versatility, the DEFY showcases technical innovation and bold design, while the PILOT collection celebrates ZENITH’s storied aviation legacy with distinctive, adventureready timepieces. This unwavering commitment to precision has been recognized with an unparalleled 2,333 chronometry prizes, underscoring ZENITH’s enduring legacy of excellence. The Calibre 135, having won most of those prizes, went through a modern reengineering integrating up-to-date technical solutions and materials. ZENITH decided to give it a new home in its newly introduced G.F.J collection.
Throughout its history, ZENITH timepieces have accompanied pioneers who dared to dream big and achieve the extraordinary: from Louis Blériot’s historic flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking stratospheric free-fall jump. This daring spirit continues to drive the Maison as it redefines the future of Swiss watchmaking. Celebrating over a century and a half of excellence, innovation, and purpose, ZENITH remains at the forefront of Swiss horology, empowering those who challenge conventions and strive for greatness.
From Le Locle to the world, from 1865 to now, ZENITH is the heart of watchmaking.
CHRONOMASTER Revival A384
Reference: 03.A384.400/69.M384
Key points: Automatic El Primero column-wheel chronograph movement, Original Revival of the "Gay Frères" ladder bracelet, Original 1969 case with 37 mm diameter
Movement: El Primero 400
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power reserve: 50 hours
Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre, small seconds at 9 o'clock, Tachymetric scale Date indication at 4:30, Chronograph:
- Central chronograph hand
- 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock
- 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock
Finishes: Oscillating weight with “Côtes de Genève” motif
Price: $10,000 USD
Material: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Case: 37 mm
Dial: White-lacquered dial tropical brown-coloured counters
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with “old radium” Super-LumiNova
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with “old radium” Super-LumiNova
Bracelet & Buckle: Stainless steel “ladder” bracelet by Gay Frères