Zenith El Primero A386 Revival
Zenith honours its legendary 1969 El Primero high-frequency chronograph with a solid gold “revival” trilogy. To mark 50th anniversary of this icon, the new Zenith El Primero A386 Revival models in white, rose or yellow gold are issued in 50-piece limited editions with a 50-year guarantee.
El Primero has been writing the epic Zenith saga since 1969. For this golden jubilee, the world’s most accurate automatic chronograph arrays its original attributes in the radiant glow of white, pink or yellow gold. Its revolutionary mechanics capable of tenth-of-a-second measurement, together with its three emblematic counters, have made it a legend.
A cadence of 36,000 vibrations per hour; an integrated column-wheel construction; a ball bearing-mounted central rotor; and over 50 hours of power reserve (a real feat for such a high frequency) have been the signature features of El Primero creations for half a century. As a fitting tribute, Zenith presents three 50-piece re-editions of the original model, complete with a 50-year guarantee ensuring the bright future and heirloom stature of this anniversary series.
Apart from its precious metal, this anniversary edition faithfully reproduces the initial characteristics of the 1969 El Primero: a 38 mm diameter case, a domed crystal, three-coloured counters, a tachymeter scale, as well as the shape of the hands and hour-markers.
The mushroom-type pushers and lugs are also identical to the original, thanks to the “reverse engineering” process adopted. In designing this vintage series, each component of an original El Primero chronograph was digitised so as to ensure accurate reproduction of its properties.
The only exceptions are the initially closed caseback that now fully reveals the movement, as well as the updated logo adorning the crown.
Meanwhile, this model’s ‘engine’ is the current version of the El Primero automatic caliber powering the hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, tachymeter and date functions, with the latter appearing between 4 and 5 o’clock on the white lacquered dial.
Nods to the past continue with a brown or black leather strap depending on the model –pictured here in rubber-lined alligator leather – fitted with a buckle made of the same gold as the case, as well as with the composition of the case.
The latter contains a bright red travel pouch, like the one from 1969, as well as a microfibre cloth adorned on one side with an El Primero chronograph movement plan and on the other with a picture of the original user manual.
Technical details
Model: Zenith EL PRIMERO A386 REVIVAL
Movement
El Primero 400, Automatic
Calibre: 13 ¼ “` (Diameter: 30 mm)
Movement thickness: 6.6.mm
Components: 278
Jewels: 31
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power-reserve: min. 50 hours
Finishes: Oscillating weight with “Côtes de Genève”. motif
Functions
Hours and minutes in the centre
Small seconds at 9 o’clock
Chronograph:
– Central chronograph hand
– 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock
– 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock
Tachymetric scale
Date indication at 4:30
Zenith EL PRIMERO A386 REVIVAL White Gold Version, Reference 65.A386.400.69.C815
Case
Diameter: 38 mm
Diameter opening: 33.05 mm
Thickness: 12.60 mm
Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Case-back: Transparent sapphire crystal
Material: White gold
Water-resistance: 10 ATM
Dial
White-lacquered dial with three different-coloured counters
Hour-markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C3
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C3
Strap
Black alligator leather strap with protective rubber lining
White gold pin buckle
Zenith EL PRIMERO A386 REVIVAL Rose Gold Version, Reference 18.A386.400/69.C807
Case
Diameter: 38 mm
Diameter opening: 33.05 mm
Thickness: 12.60 mm
Crystal: Box sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Case-back: Transparent sapphire crystal
Material: Rose gold
Water-resistance: 10 ATM
Dial
White-lacquered dial with three different-coloured counters
Hour-markers: Gold-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C3
Hands: Gold-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C3
Strap
Brown alligator leather strap with protective rubber lining
Rose gold pin buckle
Zenith EL PRIMERO A386 REVIVAL Yellow Gold Version, Reference 30.A386.400/69.C807
Case
Diameter: 38 mm
Diameter opening: 33.05 mm
Thickness: 12.60 mm
Crystal: Box sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Case-back: Transparent sapphire crystal
Material: Yellow gold
Water-resistance: 10 ATM
Dial
White-lacquered dial with three different-coloured counters
Hour-markers: Gold-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C3
Hands: Gold-plated, faceted and coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C3
Strap
Brown alligator leather strap with protective rubber lining
Yellow gold pin buckle
