The Chronomaster A3817 is exclusively available at Zenith Boutiques around the world as well as its online shop from May 2021. The Chronomaster Revival A3817 is undoubtedly a welcome addition to the collection for those who appreciate one of the rarer early steel El Primero references, faithfully reproduced with all the charm and performance of the original. 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 ancestor of 1971, the Chronomaster Revival A3817 features a white lacquered dial with chronograph counters done in the instantly recognizable 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 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. To boost the vintage look of the Chronomaster Revival A3817 even more, the watch is complemented by a steel “ladder” bracelet, an up-to-the-minute remake of Gay Frères bracelets, or by a light brown calfskin strap.Swiss luxury watch brand Zenith presents Chronomaster Revival A3817, a re-edition of an iconic El Primero watch launched in 1971. Some of its components can be admired through the sapphire-crystal caseback. Once fully wound, it delivers a power reserve of 50 hours. The time data is all orchestrated by the iconic selfwinding El Primero 400 movement still beating at 36,000 vibrations an hour. Along the case-middle, a duo of piston-shaped pushers triggers the chronograph functions. The ensemble is moreover encircled by a tachymetric scale set on the black flange. All hover over a seconds graduated scale boasting a pyramid-shaped pattern nicknamed “shark tooth”, which offers excellent readability. The hour and minute hands as well as the indexes are coated with beige Super-LumiNova®. The direct-drive stands out perfectly with its red hue. We also discover the small seconds and the two totalizers colored in gray and blue dedicated to measuring time displayed on a white lacquered dial. Incidentally, as well as reiterating the original size, this model also takes on the original finishes. The Chronomaster Revival A3817 as such takes on the same tonneau-shaped steel and 37 mm diameter. With this reissue of the 1971 A3817 as a 1,000-piece limited series, Zenith invites once again to discover or rediscover a model which forged the legend of the El Primero caliber. BACK TO THE 70s The watchmaker from Le Locle gives a new lease of life through a limited edition to one of the chronographs most-sought-after by collectors for its unique adornments and, of course, for its high-frequency motor.
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