One of the top Baselworld surprises for me - Zenith El Primero A386 Revival
andrewluff
After spending the last few days in Basel, I have to say that one of the highlights and surprises of the whole 2019 show for me was the A386 Revival! On paper, this watch should not appeal to me as it not my normal style being quite classical and 38mm... however after getting a close up look at the trio, I must say that I think it is a stunning re-edition and one of the set will be destined for my collection.
Yellow Gold
Of course, powered by the updated El Primero movement with a nice traditional clean exhibition case back.
I was lucky enough to be able to compare the new versions against the original, other than now being in the gold variants there are very few changes like using the updated logo on the crown and the case now having exhibition case back in order to see then updated El Primero movement. The domed crystal, case shape with sharp lugs and the mushroom style pushers are in perfect keeping with the original.
Here a few quick pictures I took to share, unfortunately I forgot to take the side by side 
Rose Gold
White Gold
Yellow Gold
Of course, powered by the updated El Primero movement with a nice traditional clean exhibition case back.
The great news is that Zenith are selling them separately rather than only a box set of the 3... however this then leaves the tough decision of which one! With only 50 pieces in each material (White, Rose and Yellow) it is difficult to decide which one is my personal favourite. At just under EUR20k each, I do not think the price is crazy considering that the weight of the case is substantial and the execution really is spot on (I am surprised it is only going to be produced in 50 pieces each metal!!) As an additional amazing bonus is that they come with a 50... yes 50 year service warranty! Wow Zenith... you really have stepped up in looking after your clients!
My personal conclusion is for my taste is that I think the yellow gold is too retro for me to wear and the white gold even though it is nice and clean, perhaps takes away how special the piece is. The rose gold on the other hand seems to be that bridge between the 2 and has a beautiful warmth in its tone making a statement on the wrist.
Cheers
Andrew
Comments:
amanico March 24th, 2019-11:45
Thank you so much for this report and for your impressions. The pictures are awesome! My favorite among the three is the white gold. My only regret is that they didn't make it steel. But like you, relieved to know that they didn't decide to sell it in a set of three. So, a special orange version for you, Andrew? B...
andrewluff March 24th, 2019-11:58
They did make a steel version... BUT it was only sold as part of the box set they released during Geneva week Cheers Andrew
amanico March 24th, 2019-11:59
Yes, I heard that. Hence the fact I am relieved to see that they didn't decide to sell the three gold as a set! ;)
andrewluff March 24th, 2019-12:03
I loved the box set and was really surprised that they produced the steel only as part of this set... for me, they could have put the steel version as 500 pieces or an unlimited number and sold them straight away! Cheers Andrew
Ambiorix March 24th, 2019-14:28
Yes, like youself, i find these trio more then a simple reedition, they are as legit as can be, true masterpieces! And, btw, my friend, those pics are top! Grtz,Dom
Gelato Monster March 24th, 2019-18:22
Wow to get you interested it must be quite special
andrewluff March 26th, 2019-11:27
It certainly is... It should not have ticked my box on paper, but a very well thought out watch and great on the wrist. Cheers Andrew
redcorals March 25th, 2019-10:38
Q wats so special about this rendition vis-a-vis the El Primero used by Bvlgari or others? This isnt the 1/100 strike or is it?
andrewluff March 26th, 2019-11:26
This is a revival of the watch which contained the EP movement It's a 50 piece (in each gold) edition to celebrate the release of the A386 and the 50 years since Zenith created the El Primero movement. This is the classic EP movement in it, the same found in others. Cheers Andrew
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