The Chronomaster Revival A3817 is crafted in the same 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, resulting in a unique and appealing aesthetic that continues to resonate with vintage chronograph enthusiasts. 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 groundbreaking debut in 1969, Zenith chose to house it in two broad but distinct watch categories. Definitely a cheaper optuion than tracking down an original with paperwork, this one should retail at about £5900 in the UK. We like that classic chrono pusher look as well. It has a real bold, primary colour punch from the dial compared to some other El Primero variants in the Zenith range. For a brand that was quietly responsible for the popularisation of the luxury sports chronograph, it is only fitting that the Zenith Chronomaster Revival A3817 be as true to its roots as humanly possible, to exhibit a company in a golden age of watchmaking.One of our fave watch designs of all time, the original El Primero gets a revamp from the modern day Zenith factory here’s the press release on the A3817 Revival model. With the Chronomaster Revival A1817, the watch not only retains its exclusivity like models of the past, but it also rounds out a collection paying tribute to models that formed one of the pillars of modern watchmaking in the 20th Century. Zenith should be rightfully proud to display its heritage as one of the first makers of the Automatic Chronograph – to do it in a way that they have, as well as it lasting over 60 years is a testament to the foresight of the company’s movement designers and engineers. The watch is available on the revival model’s signature “Ladder” bracelets that are a recreation of the Gay Freres bracelets of yore, or on a light brown leather strap that develops a patina as the watch is worn.Īvailable only at boutiques and Zenith’s eCommerce platform, the Zenith Chronomaster Revival A3817 retains the rarity of the originals, given the presence of boutiques in exclusive locations. Visible through the display back of the watch is the El Primero 400 Automatic movement, one that has virtually remained unchanged since 1969 – fitting for a watch meant to pay tribute to legendary models of the past. The vintage vibes continue with the “shark tooth” pattern for the seconds markers of the chronograph – this was originally done to aid legibility back in the day. On the periphery of the dial is the tachymeter scale that also incorporates a pulsometer – adding further functionality to this watch. A peculiarity of this watch is the coloured markers of the 9 o’clock subdial for the running seconds counter – this is further accentuated by a blue hand in contrast to the chronograph hands that are white. Like the original, the watch features a stainless steel case and a white lacquered dial with the signature coloured subdials in tones of grey and blue, as well as the radial brushing on top of the 37mm tonneau shaped case that appears to emanate from the centre of the watch. Zenith’s product development team utilised blueprints from the era as well as reverse engineering to replicate aspects of the watch such as finishes and dimensions. The Zenith Chronomaster Revival A3817 is, as the name suggests, a revival of this model, with a lot of effort paid to making this as close to the original as possible. Amongst aficionados of vintage watches, only 1000 pieces of this particular reference were produced, making it a rare bird indeed for those seeking an original. The A3817 model was originally released in 1971, 2 years after the first release of watches containing the El Primero movement. The brand continues to honour its heritage with the release of the Chronomaster Revival A3817 – a boutique and eCommerce exclusive model first unveiled in 1971 that combines the classicism of the original 1969 releases with the sportiness and funkiness befitting a model of the 1970s. Zenith’s modern heritage is inextricably linked with the El Primero, and how it changed the game for chronographs in 1969.
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