Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Revival A386 “Manufacture Edition” Full Set ref. 03.Z386.400
Originally unveiled in 1969 as the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre, the El Primero (Spanish for “the first one”) remains one of the most revered movements over 50 years later.
The first El Primero chronograph, the A386, introduced in 1969, was distinguished by its three subdials in blue, light grey, and anthracite—a signature layout that would go on to define many El Primero models in the years that followed.
For its inaugural “Manufacture Edition,” Zenith delved into a hidden chapter of the El Primero legacy, reviving a prototype dial originally designed for the A386. Featuring three distinct shades of blue, the dial was unearthed in the secret attic of Charles Vermot—one of the original watchmakers who worked on the El Primero movement when it was unveiled 56 years ago—bringing a forgotten piece of El Primero history to light.
The watch is housed in a 38mm stainless steel case, faithfully recreating the design of the original A386 model from 1969. To ensure the proportions remained true to the original, Zenith used the original blueprints as a reference. The case now features a lovely display caseback, offering a view of the Calibre 400 El Primero.
The curved glass with its magnifying effect, the tachymeter scale on the outer ring, the date aperture at 4:30, the font, hour markers, and the shape of the hands—including the red sweep seconds chronograph hand—are all faithful to the original vintage design.
This cool chronograph comes on its original Zenith leather strap with Zenith pin buckle. It includes the large inner and outer boxes, the original warranty card (noting a sale in 2021), hang tag, polishing cloth, cardholder, and booklet. As a special bonus, Zenith included an extra “prototype” dial. A small box contains a dial without markers, a replica of one found in Zenith’s manufacture after lying hidden for a decade.
Another detail we love: a humorous comic book that Zenith added, illustrating the history and importance of the El Primero.
This is a unique and pretty cool-looking watch that is easy to wear—and for sure a cool watch to wear on your summer holidays!
Specifications:
- Zenith reference 03.Z386.400 chronograph
- Steel 38mm case with display caseback
- Serial 579xxx dating to 2021
- Silver dial with three shades of blue subdials
- Original Zenith strap with steel Zenith pin buckle
- Zenith “El Primero” automatic movement, date function cal. 400
- HUGE Zenith outer and inner boxes, comic about the “El Primero’s” history, hang tag, polishing cloth, cardholder, booklet, copy of the “prototype” dial
- Fully checked by our watchmaker
- One-year mechanical warranty
- Free worldwide FedEx Priority shipping
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Originally unveiled in 1969 as the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre, the El Primero (Spanish for “the first one”) remains one of the most revered movements over 50 years later.
The first El Primero chronograph, the A386, introduced in 1969, was distinguished by its three subdials in blue, light grey, and anthracite—a signature layout that would go on to define many El Primero models in the years that followed.
For its inaugural “Manufacture Edition,” Zenith delved into a hidden chapter of the El Primero legacy, reviving a prototype dial originally designed for the A386. Featuring three distinct shades of blue, the dial was unearthed in the secret attic of Charles Vermot—one of the original watchmakers who worked on the El Primero movement when it was unveiled 56 years ago—bringing a forgotten piece of El Primero history to light.
The watch is housed in a 38mm stainless steel case, faithfully recreating the design of the original A386 model from 1969. To ensure the proportions remained true to the original, Zenith used the original blueprints as a reference. The case now features a lovely display caseback, offering a view of the Calibre 400 El Primero.
The curved glass with its magnifying effect, the tachymeter scale on the outer ring, the date aperture at 4:30, the font, hour markers, and the shape of the hands—including the red sweep seconds chronograph hand—are all faithful to the original vintage design.
This cool chronograph comes on its original Zenith leather strap with Zenith pin buckle. It includes the large inner and outer boxes, the original warranty card (noting a sale in 2021), hang tag, polishing cloth, cardholder, and booklet. As a special bonus, Zenith included an extra “prototype” dial. A small box contains a dial without markers, a replica of one found in Zenith’s manufacture after lying hidden for a decade.
Another detail we love: a humorous comic book that Zenith added, illustrating the history and importance of the El Primero.
This is a unique and pretty cool-looking watch that is easy to wear—and for sure a cool watch to wear on your summer holidays!
Specifications:
- Zenith reference 03.Z386.400 chronograph
- Steel 38mm case with display caseback
- Serial 579xxx dating to 2021
- Silver dial with three shades of blue subdials
- Original Zenith strap with steel Zenith pin buckle
- Zenith “El Primero” automatic movement, date function cal. 400
- HUGE Zenith outer and inner boxes, comic about the “El Primero’s” history, hang tag, polishing cloth, cardholder, booklet, copy of the “prototype” dial
- Fully checked by our watchmaker
- One-year mechanical warranty
- Free worldwide FedEx Priority shipping
