Once on wrist, the Chronomaster Original carries itself with goldilocks proportions. Its mix of finishes, with quite a harsh sunburst brushing on the lugs and a smooth high-polished thin bezel creates a wonderful contrast of textures that helps each individual element pop. But, the presence of the watch is in no way diminished. The lugs are well shaped, emboldening the curves of the case by angling down and forming a rather aggressive tip before meeting the strap, as well as helping the watch conform to the shape of a wrist of any size. It’s true that 38mm is a little smaller than we’re used to these days, with manufacturers pumping out seemingly endless chronographs and divers that treat 42mm as a sweet-spot, but there’s so much more involved than just case diameter. It’s well worth talking about the case of the A386 as well, because it’s not just special for being a medium size. Should you need any more convincing of the Chronomaster Original’s flair, that click of the pusher also unveils a unique display of the second’s hand skipping across the dial once every 10 seconds, allowing the tenths to be recorded as the whole seconds are recorded on the 3 o’clock subdial. The column-wheel gives the chronograph a satisfying click when engaged, enhancing the experience of using the movement as intended. A great amount of the movement can be seen through the skeletonised winding rotor, decorated with the Zenith star, showing off a variety of attractive surface finishing techniques. It’s as technically impressive as it ever was, with its 36,000vph beat rate, 60 hour power reserve, 35 jewels, and of course that vibrantly-blued column-wheel. Speaking of the El Primero, the latest generation of the tenths-measuring chronograph is both capable and gorgeous. The colour-matched date window isn’t obtrusive, so the symmetry isn’t disturbed, while the Zenith logo is tastefully sized with the discreet El Primero script all that’s required. The elongated numerals around the chapter rings and minute markers are crisp and add just the right amount of complexity. Overall, the dial layout is just perfectly balanced. The third variant is a gloriously warm reverse-panda affair, with a slightly off-white array of subdials that harmoniously compliment the parchment shade of faux-aged luminous paint. The ever-loved white dial, available on either stainless steel or 18k rose gold, carries tri-tone subdials that seem to give the dial more space by the way in which they’re distinguished. The Chronomaster collection offers three variants of this Original design. The Zenith Chronomaster Original offers both progress and nostalgia in spades, with a faithful recreation of the first Zenith A386 in a handsome 38mm diameter, and the modern generation of the high-beat El Primero movement. Now, the world seems to yearn for tradition, with vintage reissues, old darkened lume, and most importantly, smaller sizes. Back then, the world was crying out for innovation: new techniques, new designs and new possibilities. In the ‘60s, they spent nearly the entire decade developing the El Primero to be the world’s first integrated automatic chronograph movement. Zenith have a track record for having their fingers on the pulse of the watch world. I/trending 20961 HANDS-ON: The Zenith Chronomaster Original Collection offers vintage perfection on a 38mm dial Fergus Nash
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