The Zenith Chronomaster Revival Safari

Zenith has been playing hard on the vintage trend in recent years, bringing back some of its most glorious watches from the inaugural El Primero trilogy – A384, A385, and A386 -, to other important models, such as the A3817 launched a couple of weeks ago. There have been some more editions based on these faithful re-editions, with a more contemporary take, such as the Shadow or the Liberty editions. Today, and still based on the A384 architecture, the brand launches an adventurous and rugged edition, the Zenith Chronomaster Revival Safari.

This watch is a modernised take on the geometry and overall proportions found in the historical A384, however, with less vintage-inspired features. Replacing the traditionally finished stainless steel case in a mix of satin-brushed and polished surfaces, the Chronomaster Revival Safari is crafted in titanium, a lightweight and resistant material, and finished with matte microblasted surfaces. The entire case, including the star-emblazoned crown and pump-style pushers, is fashioned from this material. Not only is the look muted, but this finishing also brings out a darker colour for the material. No coating is applied because the matte titanium absorbs light rather than reflecting it. The case retains its classic barrel shape and compact 37mm diameter.

The other unexpected change in this Chronomaster Revival Safari is the dial. Don’t expect the classic tri-colour or panda schemes here. Instead, Zenith gives its watch an adventurous look with a matte khaki green dial, contrasting black registers and tachymeter scale, with a touch of vintage inspiration with its warm beige-coloured Super-LumiNova on the applied baton markers and hands. It also comes with a white on green date wheel, camouflaged with the rest of the dial. Matching this dial is a rubber and Cordura-effect strap in green with a matte microblasted titanium pin buckle.

Inside the case, no surprises, as the watch comes equipped with the iconic El Primero Calibre 400. This high-frequency (5Hz) chronograph comes with an integrated automatic architecture, a column wheel, and a lateral clutch. It is the direct descendant of the 1969 El Primero movement (the calibre 400 is the closest iteration to the original version), and it is visible through a sapphire caseback.

Availability & Price

The Zenith Chronomaster Revival Safari (reference 97.T384.400.57.C856) is launched as part of the permanent collection. However, it will only be available as a boutique and e-commerce exclusive. It is now for sale at zenith-watches.com and retails for CHF 8,900, EUR 8,800 or USD 9,000.