Zenith Launches A Rhapsody In Blue With Chronomaster Revival “Manufacture Edition”

The story is one of the true legends of the watch world; how Charles Vermot, watchmaker at Zenith, got in the 1970’s the orders to destroy everything connected to the El Primero movement but instead hide everything away on the attic. While the management thought that quartz movements would soon be all there is, Vermot kept believing that there was a future in mechanical watchmaking and was proved to be right in the end. Today the El Primero is one of the most acclaimed chronograph movements and Zenith one of the highest stars in mechanical watchmaking. That attic turned out to be a real treasure trove. Next to everything they needed to start the production of the El Primero again also other things were uncovered such a stunning dial for the A386 El Primero. This dial is now featured in a special edition of the Chronomaster Revival “Manufacture Edition.”

What set this dial apart from the other editions is that the three subdials all have a different shade of blue. Originally it was a prototype, that never made it into production with the original A386, the first watch to be fitted with the El Primero chronograph movement. While colors on a subdial may only be a detail, they matter. They give this El Primero a completely new look, as the different shades of blue have something mesmerizing in an understated way. To complement it, Zenith fitted this watch also with a blue alligator leather strap with a comfortable rubber lining.

The rest of this Chronomaster Revival “Manufacture Edition” is the same as the revival pieces that Zenith created in 2019 for the 50th anniversary of the El Primero. It features a 38mm stainless steel case with prominent pump-style pushers for the chronograph function. On the wrist is combines excellent wearing comfort with a lot of character. While not limited in production, the Chronomaster Revival “Manufacture Edition” is only available to purchase when you visit the Zenith manufacture, where you also get to visit the famous attic. As this is currently not possible, it will also be available for purchase on Zenith’s e-commerce platform, and will be delivered in a book-shaped case with the blueprint of the Zenith manufacture on its cover. Also included are a reproduction of the vintage dial that was found on the attic, as well as a comic book about Charles Vermot by renowned Swiss cartoonist Cosey.