Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero Owner Review : Iconic, innovative and enthralling

The Zenith is the reissue of the world's first automatic chronograph, released in 69, under the El Primero caliber. The reissue is very faithful to the original model, except for the logo, glass and sapphire caseback. On paper, it has a small diameter of 37mm, but its barrel shape, its massive horns, the sunray brushed case and the contrast of its panda dial give it an undeniable presence on the wrist, incomparable with any other round watch of the same diameter. Its characteristic detail is its ladder bracelet, atypical and divisive. Very comfortable in summer, it gives the watch an "integrated bracelet" style whose main flaw is the clasp which may seem cheap (folded sheet metal) but does the job, and is faithful to the model of 50 years ago. It is complete and complex, automatic and with date, its rougher machining edges, its square lollipop red second hand, and its alternation of subtle polished and brushed give the impression of a firmer and more mechanical handling, less warm and more technical. The seconds hand slides at 10Hz, activated by a stiffer pusher via its blued column wheel, the ticking of the el primero being sharper and faster. Very comfortable on leather, I like it on a black perforated rally strap, like its rival of the time: the Monaco from Heuer. I found a beautiful Zenith folding clasp to highlight it. On steel, it will immediately be more sport chic, without being consensual. Very unphotogenic in my opinion, it deserves a try-on out of curiosity. It is, in my opinion, a unique experience and emotion, very 70's and very fresh at the same time. In the shadow of the A386, it is more unique: it is a little-known (but emblematic) model from a little-known (but emblematic) house. Mustang atmosphere: a cool spirit, a special aura enhanced by a legendary engine….