What matters with the Zenith Chronomaster Revival A3817 is the dial, which seems to be identical to the A386… but isn’t. All the details have been rendered using historical blueprints and reverse-engineering, so the watch is basically a 1-to-1 reproduction of the original model. The case also sticks to the handsome combination of radially brushed surfaces with polished facets and sides. As such, it retains the tonneau case of the other two models, with its compact (and historically relevant) dimensions, measuring 37mm in diameter, 12.6mm in height and 47mm lug-to-lug. A vintage example of the Zenith El Primero A3817 – photo by Phillipsįollowing the Chronomaster Revival A385 and A385, and using the same technical base, Zenith releases a new edition in the Revival collection, paying a highly faithful tribute to the A3817. Produced in just 1,000 pieces, it remains one of the most desirable models among the early El Primero watches. It featured the sportier steel tonneau-shaped case of the earliest steel El Primero references with the striking tricolour dial of the A386, resulting in a unique and appealing aesthetic – and it even featured one or two cool design elements. And in 1971, a watch appeared that combined both universes, the A3817. The A386 was, on the other hand, a more classic option with round cases in steel or gold, and of course, the iconic tricolour dial that remains one of the most recognisable elements in Zenith’s DNA. In the 1969 trilogy, the A384 was seen as the sportier model, with its tonneau-shaped case, panda dial and stainless steel case. Known as the A3817, it mixed the case of the first and the dial of the latter… And today, this style makes its comeback with the new Zenith Chronomaster Revival A3817. But in 1971, a watch appeared that obliterated the differences between the A384 and A386. All of them have been reissued by Zenith in recent years, under the hot and attractive “Revival” collection. The Chronomaster Revival A3817 is exclusively available at Zenith Boutiques as well as its online shop from May 2021 at the price of € 8.300.Although the El Primero name refers to the legendary automatic chronograph introduced in 1969, it was also used as the name of various watches, including the iconic inaugural trilogy known as the A384, the A385 and the A386. Through the open display case back, one of the few differences between the original A3817 with a solid steel case back and the Revival model, one can admire the legendary El Primero high-frequency automatic chronograph calibre that has remained a staple among chronograph movements for over 50 years.Ĭompleting the retro look and feel of the Chronomaster Revival A3817, two strap options are proposed: the first is the steel “ladder” bracelet, a modern remake of the Gay Frères bracelets that became emblematic of the early El Primero watches and the other is a light brown calf leather strap that will develop a patina unique to each wearer. The seconds track is done in a pyramid pattern affectionately nicknamed the “shark tooth” scale, which enhances legibility with a distinctly retro touch. The outer tachymeter scale also serves as a pulsometer, an especially handy and precise function provided by the high-frequency 5Hz (36’000 VpH) escapement of the El Primero movement. Like its progenitor of 1971, the Chronomaster Revival A3817features a white lacquered dial with chronograph counters done in the tones of grey and blue, with the running seconds counter at 9 o’clock done with blue markers, indicated by the single blue hand on the dial. Zenith waited two years after the launch of the El Primero in 1969 before introducing the iconic tri-colour dial to its sportier tonneau case, albeit with a slightly different execution in both function and aesthetic when compared to the A386. The Chronomaster Revival A3817 is crafted in the same 37mm angled tonneau-shaped case with pump-style pushers as the original, using historical blueprints and reverse-engineering to preserve the original proportions and finishes.
Given that only 1000 of the A3817 were ever produced, it remains one of the most distinguished, elusive and sought-after references among the early El Primero watches. It combined the sportier steel tonneau-shaped case of the earliest steel El Primero references with the striking tri-colour dial of the A386. Released in 1971, the A3817 was the exception to the rule.
On one hand, there were sportier models in tonneau-shaped steel cases, such as the A384, and on the other, more classical round cases in steel or gold, most notably the A386. When the El Primero calibre made its debut in 1969, Zenith chose to house it in two watch categories.
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