Post by carl on Aug 25, 2019 22:30:51 GMT -6
As far as El Primero 50th Anniversary Revivals, Zenith definitely saved the first - and IMO, the best - for last. In 1969 when the El Primero was introduced, the A384 was the first model for the movement. The model, likely due to it’s unusual case shape, only lasted for two years and was discontinued in 1971. The A386 model with the traditional round case lived on and is now known as the Chronomaster original 1969 38mm model, with updated El Primero 400 movement.
Previously Zenith introduced the A386 Revival to a rather disappointed crowd, including me. It is only available in very Limited Edition quantities and only in three gold models. I just decided that I would likely never even see one. I think they were all spoken for almost immediately. So I simply put the model out of my head.
I heard more recently that Zenith’s final 50th Anniversary El Primero revival would be the A384 with the cool cushion shaped case. And in unlimited quantity in stainless steel. I nevertheless thought it would simply not work for me as for some reason all that type of case just never suited me. And I have never really been a fan of the Panda dial. And even though it’s an unlimited and 50th Anniversary Edition, who knows how long it will be produced? I admit being less than enthusiastic in spite of the numerous reviews. I heard it was due to appear in September.
When I went into Time & Gold yesterday to ask about a steel bracelet for my Hamilton Khaki, it wasn’t busy and we got talking along with one of the watchmakers about Zenith watches. It was mentioned that they had received an A384 and my friend Ryan asked if I would like to see it, mentioning that after seeing it, it is now a “must have” model for him. He is the head of Red Door here in Vancouver, and obviously passionate about watches, especially Zenith. I said that I would love to take a look at the watch, a great chance to see one in real life before it’s gone. I assumed it was a pre-order as it was in the box.
As soon as I saw it, my heart started fluttering. Suddenly I loved Panda dials and cushion shaped cases! Turned out it was not sold, so I strapped it on my wrist. Absolutely perfect in every way, and likely the coolest looking watch I will ever have on my wrist. So much for my “no more new watches unless I sell first” idea. The watch never left my wrist, got out my credit card, paid and left the shop. The watch is still on my wrist, only having taken it of to sleep and shower.
A few details about the A384:
Case width 37mm (it does fit larger, still not big. Actually had to measure it myself to believe it)
Case thickness 12.6mm
Lug to lug 47mm
Lug width 19mm
Case stainless steel with polished lugs, one piece no bezel, satin brushed top and sides with polished bevel. Quality of polish and brushing: Outstanding!
Black leather crocodile strap with rubber lining
Period (1969) correct tang buckle
The only differences between the original and revival: sapphire crystal coated both sides (original was acrylic), sapphire case back (original was solid, with large embossed Zenith star), and the El Primero 400 movement, updated over the years but still the base movement. Great to be able to position sundials exactly as original.
Crown and push pieces also identical to original, as is the vibrant red chrono hand, with rectangular tip
Date between 4 and 5, window frame beveled like original. Detail is amazing, makes me enjoy having the date!
Dial is an absolute vibrant white, not opaque or silvery. The sundials slightly stepped with a fine, circular guilloche pattern.
Outer black Tachymetre scale brings all dial elements beautifully together.
Lumed markers and hands with lovely greenish hue
I probably left out a few details. Took a slew of pics, which I hope successfully illustrate all facets of this beauty, as well as the vibrance of the white, black and red on dial and hands. Also beautifully polished hour and minute hands and vibrant white sub dial hands.
Sorry for so many pics. I have never before shown so many in one go. Hope you enjoy. And, of course, I have to add in my thanks to Time & Gold especially Ryan, Juanita and Ben who were a big part of the fun I had getting this watch.
Cheers,
Carl
Previously Zenith introduced the A386 Revival to a rather disappointed crowd, including me. It is only available in very Limited Edition quantities and only in three gold models. I just decided that I would likely never even see one. I think they were all spoken for almost immediately. So I simply put the model out of my head.
I heard more recently that Zenith’s final 50th Anniversary El Primero revival would be the A384 with the cool cushion shaped case. And in unlimited quantity in stainless steel. I nevertheless thought it would simply not work for me as for some reason all that type of case just never suited me. And I have never really been a fan of the Panda dial. And even though it’s an unlimited and 50th Anniversary Edition, who knows how long it will be produced? I admit being less than enthusiastic in spite of the numerous reviews. I heard it was due to appear in September.
When I went into Time & Gold yesterday to ask about a steel bracelet for my Hamilton Khaki, it wasn’t busy and we got talking along with one of the watchmakers about Zenith watches. It was mentioned that they had received an A384 and my friend Ryan asked if I would like to see it, mentioning that after seeing it, it is now a “must have” model for him. He is the head of Red Door here in Vancouver, and obviously passionate about watches, especially Zenith. I said that I would love to take a look at the watch, a great chance to see one in real life before it’s gone. I assumed it was a pre-order as it was in the box.
As soon as I saw it, my heart started fluttering. Suddenly I loved Panda dials and cushion shaped cases! Turned out it was not sold, so I strapped it on my wrist. Absolutely perfect in every way, and likely the coolest looking watch I will ever have on my wrist. So much for my “no more new watches unless I sell first” idea. The watch never left my wrist, got out my credit card, paid and left the shop. The watch is still on my wrist, only having taken it of to sleep and shower.
A few details about the A384:
Case width 37mm (it does fit larger, still not big. Actually had to measure it myself to believe it)
Case thickness 12.6mm
Lug to lug 47mm
Lug width 19mm
Case stainless steel with polished lugs, one piece no bezel, satin brushed top and sides with polished bevel. Quality of polish and brushing: Outstanding!
Black leather crocodile strap with rubber lining
Period (1969) correct tang buckle
The only differences between the original and revival: sapphire crystal coated both sides (original was acrylic), sapphire case back (original was solid, with large embossed Zenith star), and the El Primero 400 movement, updated over the years but still the base movement. Great to be able to position sundials exactly as original.
Crown and push pieces also identical to original, as is the vibrant red chrono hand, with rectangular tip
Date between 4 and 5, window frame beveled like original. Detail is amazing, makes me enjoy having the date!
Dial is an absolute vibrant white, not opaque or silvery. The sundials slightly stepped with a fine, circular guilloche pattern.
Outer black Tachymetre scale brings all dial elements beautifully together.
Lumed markers and hands with lovely greenish hue
I probably left out a few details. Took a slew of pics, which I hope successfully illustrate all facets of this beauty, as well as the vibrance of the white, black and red on dial and hands. Also beautifully polished hour and minute hands and vibrant white sub dial hands.
Sorry for so many pics. I have never before shown so many in one go. Hope you enjoy. And, of course, I have to add in my thanks to Time & Gold especially Ryan, Juanita and Ben who were a big part of the fun I had getting this watch.
Cheers,
Carl
