Description

The Zenith Ref. A384 chronograph from the 1970s is a remarkable representation of the brand’s innovation and craftsmanship during an era marked by rapid advancements in watchmaking. 

Zenith, a prestigious Swiss watchmaker established in 1865 by Georges Favre-Jacot, has long been celebrated for its dedication to precision, quality, and groundbreaking developments in horology. 

The brand’s most significant contribution came in 1969 with the introduction of the El Primero movement, a pivotal achievement that placed Zenith at the forefront of watchmaking.

The Ref. A384 was part of the first series of watches to be equipped with the El Primero, one of the world’s first integrated automatic chronograph movement. This model distinguished itself from the other El Primero variants with its unique, angular tonneau-shaped case and bold design language. The A384 not only demonstrated Zenith’s innovative spirit but also solidified the El Primero’s status as a revolutionary movement, making this model historically significant for both the brand and the industry.

The case of the A384 is stainless steel and it Measures 37mm in diameter, it showcases a distinctive tonneau shape with sharp, angular lugs that give the watch a sporty presence. The case design, coupled with the robust construction, speaks to the 1970s era of bold, experimental styles in watchmaking. The pushers and crown are original, and the case back is solid, unpolished and complete with its serial number.

At the heart of the Zenith A384 lies the Caliber 3019PHC, an early iteration of the legendary El Primero movement. Renowned for being the first fully integrated automatic chronograph, the El Primero operates at a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (vph), enabling it to measure time with accuracy up to 1/5th of a second. 

This movement set a benchmark for precision and durability, influencing the design and performance of future chronograph calibers.

The dial of this Zenith A384 is noteworthy for its dark brown “panda” configuration, which consists of a contrasting silvered-white background with subdials in a darker brwon hue. 

This color scheme enhances the legibility of the chronograph counters and adds a vintage appeal that collectors admire. 

The three subdials, located at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, display elapsed minutes, hours, and running seconds, respectively. The red central chronograph hand adds a pop of color and visual interest, while the tachymeter scale on the outer edge of the dial allows for speed calculations.

This example of the A384 has well-preserved markers and hands with aged luminous material. The dial shows very light signs of gentle aging, consistent with a timepiece of this era, but retains its clarity and legibility.

For collectors and enthusiasts, the Zenith A384 is not just a timepiece but a piece of horological history that captures the essence of the innovative 1970s watchmaking period. With its pioneering El Primero movement, unique design, and impeccable craftsmanship, this chronograph represents an iconic chapter in Zenith’s legacy

This rare and historically significant Zenith Ref. A384 is a must-have for collectors seeking a classic yet distinctive chronograph. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of watchmaking history that embodies Zenith’s tradition of excellence and innovation.

This watch is guaranteed original, comes with our 12-months warranty and our certificate of authenticity