A variation of the legendary chronograph to be sold exclusively online.

 

Custodians of traditions established by glorious historic models can be found in the collections of many a watch brand with a serious history. Yet not all of them can be praised for their attention to the original details.

 

Zenith is a company where a very careful approach is taken to honoring the memory of its first automatic high-frequency integrated chronograph. That's why even acquiring a new model with the El Primero movement is an encounter with the most interesting moments in the history of watchmaking.

 

The year 1969 can be described as a competitive one in terms of watchmaking technology. The competitors developing this chronograph were neck and neck, but Zenith was the first to make it over the finish line. The company announced it had created its El Primero on January 10.

 

Zenith Chronomaster Original E-Commerce Box
Zenith Chronomaster Original E-Commerce Box
Zenith Chronomaster Original E-Commerce
Zenith Chronomaster Original E-Commerce

Truth be told, El Primero 3019 PHC was only presented to the public that fall, later than the chronograph movements created by Seiko and the Chronomatic Group. But Zenith was still the first. Another puzzler is trying to put a specific date on the two chronographs from the same year: the A384 and A386. 

 

The A384 model with three black chronograph counters was the first star of the advertising campaign, but the first model made at the factory was the A386 with its three counters in different colors. The A386 was the model Zenith chose as the base which inspires this year's Chronomaster Original E-commerce edition to be sold exclusively through Zenith’s online boutique.

 

The idea of using a tri-color has been taken to unexpected new levels. The shades of the chronograph counters have been extended onto a matching scale around the edge of the dial, dividing it into three sectors.

 

Zenith Chronomaster Original E-Commerce
Zenith Chronomaster Original E-Commerce
Zenith Chronomaster Original E-Commerce
Zenith Chronomaster Original E-Commerce

This choice is a first for El Primero. By the way, this subtle play on colors can also be spotted on the calfskin strap. It's the same shade as the minute counter at 6 o'clock, but the stitching on the right is blue while the stitching on the left is light gray.

 

The designers encircled the colored scale in another outer 1/10th of a second track for the chronograph capable of measuring time with an accuracy of up to one tenth of a second. This level of accuracy is ensured by the El Primero 3600 movement, which runs at a frequency of 36,000 vph and has an extended 60-hour power reserve.

 

The movement has been placed in a steel case which preserves the historic traits: the thin bezel, pump chronograph pushers and domed crystal over the dial. The case measuring 38 mm in diameter fits the new conventions for this century, transforming the watch into a unisex accessory which can be worn on anyone's wrist.

The case measuring 38 mm in diameter fits the new conventions for this century, transforming the watch into a unisex accessory which can be worn on anyone's wrist. This is a watch which upholds tradition while following modern fashion trends that break down gender barriers — at least when it comes to watches.