Zenith Chronomaster Original — Zenith has a history of keeping their finger on the pulse of the watch industry. They spent over a decade creating the El Primero, the world’s first integrated automated chronograph movement, in the 1960s. The world at the time was in desperate need of fresh techniques, designs, and possibilities. With vintage reissues, ancient darker lume, and, most crucially, smaller sizes, the world appears to crave for tradition.
With a precise replica of the original Zenith A386 in a beautiful 38mm diameter and the latest version of the high-beat El Primero movement, the Zenith Chronomaster Original provides both advancement and nostalgia in spades.
With a slightly off-white array of subdials that perfectly complement the parchment shade of faux-aged luminous paint, this watch has a wonderfully warm reverse-panda affair. The dial arrangement is overall very well balanced.
The sharp elongated numbers around the chapter rings and minute markers offer the perfect amount of intricacy. The Zenith logo is nicely scaled with the subtle El Primero font all that’s necessary, and the color-matched date window isn’t intrusive, so the symmetry is well balanced.
The lugs are beautifully-shaped, emphasizing the case’s curves by angling down and producing an assertive point before reaching the strap, as well as assisting the watch in conforming to the contour of any wrist. The watch’s existence, on the other hand, remains unaffected.
Its combination of finishes, including a rough sunburst brushing on the lugs and a clean high-polished narrow bezel, produces a beautiful juxtaposition of textures that helps each individual part sparkle. With its 38mm diameter, the Chronomaster Original carries itself with goldilocks proportions once worn on the wrist.
This watch is powered by the legendary El Primero automatic chronograph that takes performance to new heights. It is able to precisely offer a 1/10th of second display from the 5 Hz (36’000 VpH) escapement, as well as an extended power reserve of 60 hours. The contemporary architecture is strikingly evident, revealing a blue column wheel and an open rotor marked with the five-pointed Zenith star.
Crafted in a 38mm steel case with a black “reverse panda” dial and paired with a leather strap, this watch is a true classic on the design, perfect for your vintage look in casual or formal events. If you are interested in this watch, visit The Time Place boutique for more information.
