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.
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 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 highlights the brand’s mastery of high-precision chronographs, the DEFY showcases technical innovation and bold design, while the PILOT collection celebrates ZENITH’s storied aviation legacy with distinctive, adventure-ready 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 re engineering 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 ORIGINAL
Reference: 03.3200.3600/52.C910
Key points: Automatic El Primero column-wheel chronograph able to measure and display 1/10th of a second. Power reserve of 60 hours. Date indication at 4:30 o’clock. Stop-second mechanism.
Movement: El Primero 3600 automatic
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power reserve: approx. 60 hours
Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre. Small seconds at 9 o'clock 1/10th of a second Chronograph: - Central chronograph hand that makes one turn in 10 seconds - 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock - 60-second counter at 3 o'clock
Finishes: Star-shaped oscillating weight with satined finishings
Price: $10,700 USD // $14,700 CAD
Material: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Case: 38mm / Thickness : 12.6 mm / Lug to lug : 46 mm
Dial: Blue-toned sunray-patterned with three different-coloured counters
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Bracelet & Buckle: Comes with 2 straps : Blue calfskin leather strap with steel folding clasp. Metal bracelet with folding clasp included