Zenith is under the spotlight with the El Primero A386 Revival limited edition series, which was exclusively designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the brand’s legendary product line El Primero.
One of the most successful brands of this year’s Baselworld exhibition was Zenith. The brand, which remained on the agenda with its Defy Inventor model that re-defines the rules of traditional watchmaking with its Oscillator technology in its serial production friendly form, introduced a wide variety of novelties at Baselworld 2019. One of the most remembered ones among those novelties is the El Primero A386 Revival limited edition series, which was exclusively designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the brand’s cult model family El Primero Collection.
The new series includes three different models all based on the first generation El Primero Ref. A386. The models, which are differentiated with their material oriented themes as 18K white, yellow and pink gold, are limited to 50 units per each and available with a MSRP of CHF 19,900.
The model we opted for the review is the 18K yellow gold themed version Ref. 30.A386.400 / 69.C807 model. The model’s case measures 38mm in diameter like the original version. With a total height of 12.6mm, the case promises a comfortable wear on the wrist. The case is equipped with scratch resistant sapphire crystals on both sides and offer a water resistance rating of 100 meters / 10 bars, which is more than enough for a mechanical sports chronograph timepiece.
The new model’s dial is also designed to evoke the original model, especially in terms of font selection and index / hands design. In the Tri-Compax chronograph laid out dial, contrast tones are used which support fast readability. The date display window is placed between 4 and 5 o’clock where the red center seconds hand shows up as a detail that highlights the model’s sporty character.
The new series is powered by the manufacture Caliber El Primero 499 movement. Beating at 5 Hz (36,000 vph) which is a signature features of the El Primero movement family, self-winding chronograph movement offers a power reserve pf 50 hours when fully wound. Equipped with a perforated oscillating rotor adorned with the brand’s star logo, the movement can be enjoyed through the sapphire crystal case back.
The model we selected for the review comes on a dark brown tone hand-stitched alligator strap that is secured by a Zenith signed pin buckle made of 18K yellow gold.
