Recommended Free Tools
The 2021 Zenith Chronomaster Original brings the 38mm, bezel-less look of the 1969 A386 into Zenith’s permanent collection, but it is an evolution rather than a one-to-one reissue. Its vintage-shaped steel case surrounds the modern El Primero 3600, whose central chronograph hand makes one rotation every 10 seconds to display tenths of a second. The prices reported at launch were CHF 8,400 to CHF 18,900, depending on material and configuration; they are historical figures, not verified 2026 prices.
How the 2021 Chronomaster Original relates to the A386
Zenith introduced the Chronomaster Original on June 29, 2021, presenting it as a modern successor to the A386, which debuted in 1969. The design preserves the A386’s distinctive bezel-less profile and familiar dial language, while the movement updates the chronograph for contemporary 1/10-second measurement. Zenith described the watch as retaining the A386’s design while using the performance of a 21st-century El Primero generation. Zenith’s launch announcement sets out that historical framing.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Zenith Chronomaster Original 03.3200.3600/21.M3200 | $8,000.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Chronomaster Original | $11,235.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero Chronograph Automatic White Dial Men's Watch... | $7,900.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
ZENITH Chronomaster Automatic White Dial Watch 03.A384.400/21.M384 (Pre-Owned) | $8,500.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Open Silver Dial Steel 03.2040.4061/01.R576 | $9,000.00 | Buy on Amazon |
In its contemporaneous review, Monochrome characterized the Original as visually closer to the A386 than an earlier 38mm Chronomaster, and noted that it followed the arrival of the more modern 41mm Chronomaster Sport earlier in 2021. That is the publication’s assessment of the design relationship, rather than a claim that the Original reproduces every detail of the vintage watch. Monochrome’s 2021 review included live photographs and the listed specifications.
Case and dial: A386 cues in a modern watch
The round 38mm case has faceted lugs, no surrounding bezel, pump-style pushers and a raised domed sapphire crystal. Monochrome’s 2021 specification block gives the overall height as approximately 13mm and water resistance as 50m. The case combines radial brushing with polished accents, giving the silhouette definition without changing its compact, vintage-inspired proportions.
#1 Best Overall
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Diameter: 38 mm
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM (50 meters)
- Dial & Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted, Super-LumiNova coated
- Movement: El Primero 3600 Automatic
The silver-dial steel versions use three differently coloured subdials—blue, anthracite and grey—with a red central chronograph hand. The black, reverse-panda version pairs its dark dial with silver-toned subdials and a white central hand. The result is a recognizable take on the A386’s multi-colour chronograph display, not a plain reproduction of its period specification.
2021 references and configurations
The launch range varied by dial, case material and attachment. Monochrome’s 2021 review listed these references:
Rank #2
- Automatic Chronograph: Self-powered timing function
- Case Material: 38mm Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters
- Dial Design: Blue, Sun-brushed Face
| Reference | Case and dial | Attachment |
|---|---|---|
| 03.3200.3600/69.M3200 | Steel, silver dial with blue, anthracite and grey subdials | Steel bracelet |
| 03.3200.3600/69.C902 | Steel, silver dial with blue, anthracite and grey subdials | Calfskin leather strap |
| 03.3200.3600/21.M3200 | Steel, black reverse-panda dial | Steel bracelet |
| 03.3200.3600/21.C903 | Steel, black reverse-panda dial | Calfskin leather strap |
| 18.3200.3600/69.C901 | 18k rose gold, silver dial with blue, anthracite and grey subdials | Leather strap |
What the El Primero 3600 changes
The automatic, integrated El Primero 3600 is a high-frequency chronograph operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour. Monochrome’s 2021 specifications list a column wheel, horizontal coupling, 35 jewels, a 30mm movement diameter and a 60-hour power reserve. The functions include hours, minutes, small seconds and date, alongside the chronograph’s central 1/10-second hand, 60-second counter and 60-minute counter.
The defining display is the central chronograph hand: it completes a full turn every 10 seconds, rather than taking a minute for one rotation. Used with the dial’s 1/10-second scale, that faster sweep allows tenths of a second to be read directly. Zenith’s launch announcement identifies this precision and measurement as a key distinction of the newer calibre generation. The 60-hour reserve and 38mm steel product listing also appear on Zenith’s current Norway product page; the page content retrieved for that listing did not establish a current price or stock status.
Rank #3
- Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero Chronograph Automatic White Dial Men's Watch 03.A384.400/21.C815
What the watch cost at launch—and what is not established now
Monochrome reported these launch prices on June 29, 2021. They are CHF figures for the stated configurations, not current 2026 retail prices:
| 2021 configuration | Reported launch price |
|---|---|
| Steel case, leather strap | CHF 8,400 (Monochrome Watches, June 29, 2021) |
| Steel case, steel bracelet | CHF 8,900 (Monochrome Watches, June 29, 2021) |
| 18k rose gold, leather strap | CHF 18,900 (Monochrome Watches, June 29, 2021) |
The 2021 report said the model joined the permanent collection and was available at that time through Zenith boutiques, its e-boutique and authorized retailers. Current regional pricing, inventory and seller listings have not been established here; confirm those directly with Zenith or a retailer before buying.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Featuring a Silver-tone Band, Silver-tone Case, Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
- Item shape: Tonneau
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
