Zenith's legendary model A384 is back with modern touches and be sure, vintage watch aficionados will love it!
1969 corresponds to a very important time for the watchmaking industry: the birth of El Primero. Being the world's first automatic integrated chronograph, El Primero is still considered as one of the best movements, despite being 40 years old. A384, one of the models introduced in those years, is back in the Zenith catalogs with its timeless design and legendary movement. Moreover, it is more attractive than ever thanks to modern production technologies.
The A384 has a highly characteristic case design. The model, where the lugs and therefore the belt/bracelet integrates with the case, also serves as the design pioneer for the Defy series, which is also included in the brand's modern collection. The new model, designed as per the original A384's dimensions produced in 1969, has a case diameter of 37mm and a height of 12.6mm. The case made of stainless steel has a curved sapphire crystal with AR coating on the front, and a flat sapphire crystal on the back. The model is water-resistant to 50 meters.
The resemblance to the original design is more than obvious in the dial area. The black chronograph sub-dials on white background, the red second hand, and the tachymetric scale, which is considered necessary for a sports chronograph, reinforce the nostalgic atmosphere. The date window placed at 4:30 is just one of the features that increase the functionality of the model. Since all hands and indexes are Super-LumiNOVA applied so, there is no problem reading the dial in the dark.
The Zenith Chronomaster A384 Revival has the automatic in-house Caliber El Primero 400. The movement, measuring 30mm x 6.6mm, consists of 278 parts (31 jewels), beats at a unique frequency of 36000vph and offers a 50-hour power reserve. El Primero is an original chronograph. In other words, Zenith engineers designed it to be a chronograph movement from the very first sketch. It is not a modular chronograph. There is a very easy way to understand whether a chronograph movement is integrated or modular. In chronograph watches, if the watch's second display is 6 o'clock or 9 o'clock, that watch has an integrated movement. If it is located at 3 or 12 o'clock than it’s a modular one. In Zenith El Primero, the small second is at 9 o'clock, chronograph hours at 6 o'clock and the chronograph minutes counter is at 3 o'clock.
The model features a stainless steel bracelet that tributes to the original bracelet designed and produced by Gay Freres, the largest bracelet manufacturer in the 70s. The thin, sheet metal clasp is possibly the only downside that I could mention as it contrasts with the modern watchmaking approach. Let me add that, the lug width is 19mm.
