What We Know
Today, Zenith adds another variation of its modern revival of the unique A384 chronograph to its catalog, with the Chronomaster Revival A384 Tropical. This is, at a high level, just a new dial that’s been added to the collection, and one that’s done in a familiar Zenith way at that.
Here, the inspiration is very much around tropical dials, with a base dial in a softly grained white, contrasted by brown accents in the subdials and tachymeter scale. Zenith calls it a “chocolate panda” configuration, and I think that’s a pretty apt name. Text on the white portion of the dial is printed in black, including the “El Primero” script under the Zenith logo, while printing on the brown portions of the dial, such as the tachymeter and sundial markings, is all done in white.
The aged, tropical theme continues with lume on the applied markers and handset executed in Old Radium Super-LumiNova, which certainly complements the warmth of the overall look. A bright red chronograph seconds hand sits front and center, and a date window sits between the four and five o’clock hour markers. The dial sits in that distinctive A384 case, with a compact, angular tonneau silhouette measuring 37mm. Pump pushers and a Zenith star-signed crown sit on the right flank of the case. Finishing is interesting throughout the watch, with radial brushing on the front slab of the case, polished facets, and horizontal brushing on the sides. It’s complemented by Zenith’s revival of the Gay Frères ladder bracelet with a clasp containing five positions of (tool-required) microadjustment.
Image provided by Zenith
Inside the watch is the El Primero 400 automatic column-wheel chronograph caliber, beating at 36,000 VpH (5 Hz) and offering a power reserve of 50 hours. It’s Zenith’s tried-and-true chronograph caliber, one that continues to highlight the brand’s importance when it comes to mechanical chronographs, and can measure up to 1/10th of a second.
The Chronomaster Revival A384 ref. 03.A384.400/69.M384 is available now and priced at $10,000.
What We Think
I could’ve sworn that this was something Zenith already made, but maybe it’s the combination of remembering Zenith’s brown-dialed A385 revival and the many listings I’ve stumbled across with original tropical dial A384s that make this release all the more familiar. That means, no, this isn’t a groundbreaking release, but one Zenith should have done a long time ago.
The only sticking point I have with the revival series is the ladder bracelet—it’s perhaps a bit too faithful to the original vintage inspiration. That is, the bracelet and clasp feel quite flimsy during wear and use, and though the shape is novel in this day and age, it’s a great example of something I would have loved to see modernized for a chronograph at $10,000. For me, I’d probably be throwing this on a strap immediately. But the chronograph itself, with the iconic El Primero movement, is incredibly fun to use.
But considering this release is just a new dial option, this look is nicely attractive, and I’m sure it will find a good appetite among modern Zenith buyers (or those looking to save a little bit of money compared to buying the genuine, sun-aged vintage thing).
The Basics
Brand: Zenith
Model: Chronomaster Revival A384
Reference Number: 03.A384.400/69.M384
Diameter: 37mm
Thickness: 12.6mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: White and brown
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Old Radium Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Gay Frères ladder bracelet revival
The Movement
Caliber: El Primero 400
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, date
Power Reserve: 50 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Chronometer Certified: No
Pricing & Availability
Price: $10,000
Availability: Zenith retailers
Limited Edition: No
For more, click here.
