Lot #4181
Zenith El Primero Revival A386 03.A386.400/69.C815 50th Anniversary Stainless Steel
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Introduction
Arguably one of the most famous chronograph makers in all of horology, Zenith is best-known for their El Primero automatic chronograph movement. From its status as one of the first automatic chronograph movements ever made (depending on who you ask) and the base movement to feature within the second-generation Rolex Daytona, the El Primero is certainly a modern-day icon. Launched in 1969, its incredible hi-beat rate, amazing accuracy and technical prowess ensured that any watch it was inside was one of the best chronographs money could buy. One of those watches was Zenith's own A386. Featuring a stainless-steel case with sharp polished bevels, a thin bezel and pump-style pushers, the A386 fit right in with the aesthetics of its time, while its mechanics were at the very forefront of horology and mechanics. Indeed, to let others know of its incredible movement, the A386 features a tell-tale hint at just what watch it is, its dial. Featuring a white dial with three overlapping multi-colored subdials; navy, black and light grey, the A386 is immediately distinctive on the outside, just like it is on the inside – a fitting tribute to its status as a trailblazing timepiece indeed. A tribute to the original A386, the El Primero Revival A386 ref. 03.A386.400/69.C815that we have here was launched in 2019 as a near-perfect reissue of the original watch, with a virtually unchanged construction or dial besides its subtle change from a solid caseback to a sapphire crystal caseback. Offered only within a three-watch box set to celebrate the El Primero’s 50th anniversary, the Revival A386 50th Anniversary was not offered as a lone watch, and so this is a rare opportunity to acquire this watch by itself without having to purchase the other two watches it was originally retailed with as part of that box set.
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Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers, hang tags, ladder style and modern style bracelets
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Zenith
Dimensions
38mm
Model
El Primero Revival A386
Movement
Automatic El Primero cal. 9004
Reference
03.A386.400/69.C815
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Year
2019
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, Box and Papers, hang tags, ladder style and modern style bracelets
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Probably one of the most distinctive uses of color in watchmaking, the A386's multi-colored overlapping subdials on its wite dial are an immediately recognizable visual trait that reveals exactly what iconic timepiece this is.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring a fittingly contemporary-sized 38mm stainless steel case, the A386 50th Anniversary wears just as modern collectors have always cherished, but with the subtle addition of a sapphire crystal caseback to showcase its movement.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
The watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case has light marks from use, with some surface scratches on the polished bezel. The display case back has well-defined engravings around the edge. The dial and hands are like new. The steel ladder bracelet has light surface marks and no play between the links. It comes with an additional modern style style bracelet as welll. The bracelet has 11 links and fits an approximately 7” wrist. The watch comes with its box, warranty, card holder, papers, and hangtag.
Our Perspective
Originally offered in a three-watch box set made up of the three most important El Primero-based watches Zenith ever made, it is fitting that this watch is being sold on its own, given that the A386 is by far the most famous and integral to Zenith of the three.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
