The Low-Down

There must be something in the water cooler at manufacture Zenith — it’s the only rational reason to explain the constant parade of exceptionally hot chronographs making their way out of the brand’s HQ this year. The Chronomaster Sport knocked our collective socks off at the start of the year with its modern good looks, and most recently, the Chronomaster Revival Safari turned us green with envy. The hits keep coming though, as Zenith has just announced the long-awaited successor to the A386; the Chronomaster Original.

IMHO

The A386 is a legend, and Zenith has honoured it well in the last few years. It’s also a legend that the Chronomaster Original pays clear homage too. The case shape, size and — most importantly — the dial layout — all honour that historic reference. But the Chronomaster Original is very much its own thing. Take the dial for example; the logo and script have been updated with a more modern flavour, as has the whirling 1/10th of a second chronograph and the outer chronograph scale. The bracelet offered is another significant change. The ladder style has made way for a more modern style with polished centre links and an absolutely gorgeous combination of chamfer and brushing.

It’s also important to note that we’re not talking about a single new watch here either. Zenith has dropped five new references in two different dial variants. The first is the signature tri-colour dial variant, offered in steel on bracelet or leather, and rose gold on leather is lovely. The other two are leather and bracelet versions of a steel reverse panda configuration which — to mix my animal metaphors — is the bee’s knees. This latter version, with its sensitively done vintage-toned lume and thoroughly modern case and bracelet, is a truly impressive retro-modern chronograph.

The Chronomaster Original is an important step forward for Zenith, a blend of old world and future tech that will sit strongly alongside the Chronomaster Sport.

Tech Specs

Movement: El Primero Automatic 3600, 5 Hz, approx. 60 hours of power reserve.
Case and dial: 38mm, steel or gold, rated to 5 ATM. Dial either black matte with silver counters or silver with three-colours sub dials.
Strap or bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet with double folding clasp, or leather with triple folding clasp.
Price Availability: All references available from Zenith boutiques, e-commerce and retailers worldwide. Steel references on leather, 8400 CHF, on steel 8900 CHF. Gold model, 18900 CHF.