BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
Even if you have even the slightest interest in watches, you might by now be very well informed about the recently announced Omega Speedmaster Master Co-axial Chronometer. However, amidst all the noise surrounding the new Speedmaster, there is a high probability that you missed out on the release of another stunning chronograph from another great brand. In case you are done guessing, I am talking about the new Zenith A385 Chronomaster revival, a historically accurate remake of a popular Zenith reference from the 1970s.
The A385 Revival follows in the footsteps of the previously released A386 and A384 once again showcases Zenith’s capability of successfully pulling off a modern watch with strong vintage design sensibilities. The star of the show here is the brown gradient dial that looks almost identical to the one found on the original reference. Starting from a beige center, culminating into an almost dark brown color towards the outer edges, this a dial that is guaranteed to provide the wearer a visually immersive experience for a long time to come. The layout remains familiar with a white tri-register setup, applied rectangular indices, baton-style hands, a neatly executed date window between 4 and 5, and a tachymeter scale on the outer periphery. To complement the brown tones of the dial, Zenith has made use of cream-colored luminescent material on the hands and the indices.
Like the dial, the case also sticks to the past both in terms of design as well as dimensions. Made using stainless steel, the case has a bold and striking angular shape that features nice radial brushing which is offset by beautifully polished bevels running along the sides of the case. It measures 37mm in diameter, which, combined with the downward angled lugs should make this watch wear comfortably on a wide variety of wrists. The right side of the case is flanked by two pump action pushers and a nice grippy crown.
On the rear of the watch is a sapphire window that gives a clear view of the high beat El-Primero movement that powers it. The calibre 400 operates at a frequency of 5 Hz resulting in a super-smooth sweep of the second’s hand. The movement is a beauty to behold and has been decorated using perlage and blued screws, and even a blued column wheel.
The Zenith A385 Chronomaster Revival is available to purchase on either a brown leather strap for EUR 7,800 or on the amazing tapering ladder style bracelet for EUR 8,300. Also, just like the overhauled Speedmaster, this is a full-time production model and not another limited edition.
Visit Zenith here.
