Overview
In 1969, Zenith joined Heuer and Seiko as the first brands to develop and launch an automatic chronograph watch. Zenith’s mechanism was the most complex of the group, utilizing a column-wheel chronograph within a high-beat movement that could maintain accuracy down to 1/10 of a second. They dubbed their achievement the “El Primero” and fitted it within the A384, A385, and A386 watches in the fall of that year.
For the 50th anniversary of the El Primero in 2019, Zenith released several Revival pieces, including a Chronomaster that was a faithful reproduction of the original A384 from 1969. The new model came with the same case size, shape, and dial design, but with a few modern upgrades including Super-LumiNova, a sapphire crystal, and an exhibition caseback to show off the glorious El Primero movement. With its stunning panda dial and modest proportions, this example is easily one of Zenith’s most charming modern watches, made all the better by the inclusion of the vintage-inspired ladder bracelet.
Specifications
Brand:
Zenith
Model:
Chronomaster El Primero Revival A384
Reference:
03.A384.400/21.C815
Year:
2021
Case Number:
559 343
Case Material:
Stainless steel
Diameter:
37 mm
Lug Width:
19 mm
Thickness:
12.6 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
46.9 mm
Dial:
White
Lume:
Super-LumiNova
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Automatic
Caliber:
El Primero 400
Bracelet/Strap:
Zenith stainless steel ladder bracelet
Max Wrist Size:
8 in (12 links)
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
UNWORN: Case is pristine with no signs of use. Original stickers may still be present. Dial, hands, and lume have no imperfections and may show natural, even aging.
MINT: Case has only a few superficial hairlines. Lugs are thick, full, and sharp with superb finishing. Dial, hands, and lume may have micro imperfections visible only with a loupe.
EXCELLENT: Case has very light scratches or nicks. Lugs are thick, full, and well-defined. Dial and hands may have imperfections visible upon close inspection. Lume is fully intact and may show slight discoloration.
VERY GOOD: Case may have a few moderate scratches or nicks. Lugs are thick and full but may have softened edges. Dial and hands may have light stains or marks. Lume may have cracks or discoloration.
GOOD: Case has many scratches and nicks. Lugs may show signs of moderate polishing with worn edges. Dial and hands may have noticeable stains or marks. Lume may be damaged or show significant discoloration.
Case: The stainless steel case shows minimal signs of wear with a couple hairlines, micro nicks, and tiny scuffs present. The lugs are thick and sharp with superb definition between brushed and polished surfaces. There is a ding with two light scratches on the polished portion of the lug at 1 o’clock. The case sides are clean with virtually no wear present. The caseback has a few hairlines, micro nicks, and tiny scuffs. The model and serial number engravings remain deep and legible.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The white dial and polished hands are in pristine condition with no notable imperfections and fully functioning Super-LumiNova. The front and rear sapphire crystals are squeaky clean and scratch-free.
Bracelet/Strap: The fully linked Zenith stainless steel bracelet shows virtually no stretch and very little wear with only a few faint hairlines and scuffs present. The clasp has a few light desk diving marks, but nothing major to note. The stamped Zenith logo remains sharp and detailed.
Movement
Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, quickset date, and chronograph start/stop/reset are working as expected.
Service History: None.
