Zenith introduced a new model inspired by a prototype from the 1970s, which has to hide in the attic, Chronomaster Revival "Shadow".
Legends to be told in well-established brands never end. One of these legends dates back to the 1970s, shortly after Zenith launched its first automatic chronograph, El Primero. The brand produced a manual-winding chronograph prototype and completed it with a blackened case, which was rare at the time. Only a few models produced and the model never went on mass production. Although there are very few records about this prototype, some of Zenith's employees had the chance to see this rare model.
By 2019, the Zenith team began to re-examine all plans and parts that Charles Vermont had hidden in the attic while celebrating El Primero's 50th anniversary. Among the large inventory, the original prototype of the black chronograph, which no one has seen since the 1970s, has been found. And the team decided it was the right time to complete the black chronograph project that started 50 years ago.
Chronomaster Revival "Shadow" revives a historical Zenith instead of making an exact copy. Inspired by the black chronograph from 1970, the model comes with a 37mm case, which is a faithful reproduction of the A384, the first watch to beat with the El Primero movement. However, instead of a coated stainless-steel case, Zenith used matte titanium, light but extremely durable metal, with micro blasting for the case material and revealed the gray nuances of the.
Shadow's case, which has a very remarkable appearance, resists water pressure up to 50 meters. The movement can be monitored through the sapphire crystal case back.
Another difference between the model produced in the 1970s and the Chronomaster Revival "Shadow" is the movement. Unlike the prototype model, this version features the automatic movement El Primero 4061 and provides a minimum of 50 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
Despite its dark look, Shadow contrasts matte black with its gray counters and tachymeter scale, providing a highly legible chronograph look. The hands and markers feature white Super-LumiNova that emits bright green light.
The Zenith Chronomaster Revival “Shadow” is complemented by a white stitched Cordura effect black strap and a micro-blasted titanium buckle. The model meets watch lovers with a price tag of 8,400 CHF.
