International Wristwatch Magazine

Zenith – El Primero Returns in Striking Blue

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June 26, 2025
Disclaimer: This article is based on information supplied by the brand. Specs and pricing are subject to change.

With the Chronomaster Original Blue Dial, Zenith offers a rare fusion of modern mechanics and historic DNA. It’s not just a collector’s piece; it’s a mechanical marvel designed for those who appreciate time not only as a measure — but as a legacy.

Zenith, the heart of Swiss watchmaking since 1865, reintroduces a legendary icon — the Chronomaster Original — in a bold new guise. With its radiant blue dial and the unmistakable tri-color subdials, this new iteration is more than a tribute to the 1969 A386; it’s a precision instrument for the 21st century. Housing the high-performance El Primero 3600 movement capable of 1/10th of a second timing, this watch is the perfect confluence of heritage, innovation, and refined horology.

A Timeless Legacy in a Modern Frame

The original Zenith A386, launched in 1969, was a revolutionary leap forward — the first automatic chronograph with unparalleled precision. The new Chronomaster Original Blue Dial Edition retains that soul while pushing the boundaries of what a mechanical chronograph can do.

This isn’t just a color variation — it’s a reimagination. The sunray-patterned blue dial, iconic tricolor subdials, and high-legibility silver chapter ring combine for a watch that radiates sophistication and functionality. Beneath the dial, the El Primero 3600 beats at 5 Hz, allowing the central chronograph hand to sweep around the dial every 10 seconds — a visual display of speed and engineering prowess.

With a compact 38mm case modeled directly after the original A386, it blends modern precision with mid-century charm. Sapphire crystal on the front and back reveals every detail, including the column wheel and the star-engraved open rotor — a nod to Zenith’s five-pointed identity.
Zenith: 160 Years of Innovation

Founded in Le Locle, Switzerland, Zenith has consistently broken barriers — from inventing the El Primero in 1969 to supporting boundary-pushers like Felix Baumgartner and Louis Blériot. As a vertically integrated manufacturer, every Zenith watch is made in-house, reflecting a century and a half of pursuit toward ultimate accuracy

Since its founding in 1865 in Le Locle, Zenith has embodied the spirit of innovation in Swiss watchmaking. The brand is a true manufacture, renowned for developing the legendary El Primero in 1969, the world’s first integrated automatic chronograph movement. The El Primero’s high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour allows for exceptional precision, making it an icon of horology. Today, Zenith continues to build on this legacy with its Chronomaster and Defy collections, which showcase modern interpretations of the El Primero and push the boundaries of performance and material science. The brand’s motto, “Time to reach your star,” reflects its relentless pursuit of precision and innovation.

Official Website

Specification:

Reference:
03.3200.3600/52.C910
Movement:
El Primero 3600 automatic; 36,000 VpH (5 Hz); 60-hour power reserve
Price:
USD 10,300
Material:
Stainless steel case; Sapphire crystal; Blue calfskin strap + Steel bracelet