Introducing: The Zenith × Revolution Chronomaster Revival A3818 “Cover Girl Carbon”

It’s no secret that I adore the classic Zenith El Primero A384 and all of its vintage and modern descendants. One of the most famous is the brilliant El Primero A3818 “Cover Girl” that graced the cover of Manfred Rössler’s popular Zenith book from 2009. The vintage blue-dial A3818 is an absolute beauty and has become a much-desired classic. In 2020, Zenith and Revolution brought back the Cover Girl in steel to much critical acclaim. Two years later, the collaborators joined forces again to release a titanium version of the A3818. Now, three years after that release, the final chapter of the Cover Girl trilogy is here with the Zenith × Revolution Chronomaster Revival A3818 “Cover Girl Carbon.”

When Manfred Rössler was asked why he made the Zenith El Primero A3818 the “cover girl” of his book, his answer was very simple. He stated, “The beautiful blue color led to this decision. I like blue dials.” Sometimes, a love for a color is all you need. And the world agreed with him because it sparked a renewed interest in this rare classic. On top of that, the watch got its nickname roughly four decades after its initial release. It’s a pretty remarkable story that inspired Zenith and Revolution Magazine to bring back the Cover Girl almost 50 years after its initial release. That one release turned into a trilogy of Cover Girl releases. This new carbon version is missing one important detail, though — the blue dial. Let’s find out more.

The story of the Zenith × Revolution Chronomaster Revival A3818 “Cover Girl Carbon”

If you know the story of the first two Cover Girl re-editions, you are aware that it wasn’t just about bringing back the blue-dial A3818. The main theme for the second model was to reduce weight while keeping the brilliant looks. The stainless steel version that came first weighed 110.6 grams. The titanium version cut that number down to a lightweight 78.2 grams. With the third model in forged carbon, the brand reduces the weight to just 59 grams, including a carbon bracelet.

Yes, you read that correctly. Zenith offers 10 pieces of the watch on a Gay Frères-inspired ladder-style carbon fiber bracelet. If you would like the watch to be even lighter, the second option is a carbon fiber Velcro strap, which reduces the weight to just 55 grams. It makes this new release the lightest watch that Zenith has ever produced.

Let’s go over the details to get an idea of this remarkable new Cover Girl. The watch features the A384’s characteristic blocky 37mm case in forged carbon, measuring 12.5mm thick and 47mm long. The pushers, the crown, and even the dial are also made of carbon. Not only does this make it a lightweight watch, but the material also gives this edition its distinct look. To ensure the watch is water resistant up to 50 meters, Zenith used a PVD-treated Grade 5 titanium case back. It fits the technical and stealthy overall look of the watch perfectly.

The forged carbon dial is a lume fest

At first glance, the dial might look like a carbon translation of the original Cover Girl dial. And that’s not too far off. The dial keeps the design with the “shark tooth” chronograph scale and integrated pulsometer and tachymeter scales on its perimeter. Romain Marietta, Zenith’s director of product development and heritage, explained that the development team tried blue carbon fiber dials but much preferred the look of the black raw material.

Aside from the sub-dial rings, every index and marking on the dial has been rendered in Super-LumiNova as a tribute to the Cover Girl Revival. On top of that, all the hands are also treated with lume. This ensures that the stealthy black watch lights up brightly in the dark so you can read the time and use the chronograph.

Inside the case, you will find the in-house Zenith El Primero 400 caliber. This high-beat chronograph movement operates at 36,000vph and offers 50 hours of power reserve. It is also visible thanks to the sapphire window in the case back. The column-wheel chronograph comprises 278 parts and looks beautiful. As always, the brand uses a skeletonized rotor featuring the famous Zenith star. I love the El Primero chronograph movements because of their historical significance. It makes them much-respected watchmaking royalty.

A full-carbon bracelet to finish the look perfectly

As mentioned, Zenith pushed the development with this new Chronomaster Revival A3818 “Cover Girl Carbon.” The brand decided to fit 10 pieces with a full-carbon bracelet. It’s so cool to see the Gay Frères-inspired ladder bracelet executed in carbon. If you want that version, though, you’ll have to be quick due to its limited production number. On top of that, it comes at a premium price of €28,400. That’s not a small sum, but it will buy you an incredibly special watch.

Another 150 pieces will be available on a carbon Velcro strap for a price of €12,870. Additionally, another 50 pieces will be made available exclusively in the Middle East to celebrate the launch of Revolution Arabia. They feature a different version of the carbon fiber dial with Hindu-Arabic numerals at 12 o’clock and for the sub-dial markings, chronograph scale, and date disc. The new forged carbon version completes a great trilogy of “Cover Girl” models in style.

Final thoughts on the “Cover Girl Carbon”

Zenith and Revolution have gone to great lengths to create a great trilogy of Cover Girl editions for collectors. My favorites are the stainless steel and the titanium ones because of their aesthetic. To paraphrase Rössler, I simply love a good blue dial. Having said that, this new carbon model is an awesome way to complete the trilogy in style. Not only does the carbon Chronomaster Revival A3818 push boundaries in terms of materials for Zenith, but it also looks amazing. It shows the incredible versatility of the original A384 design template.

That’s exactly why I adore the watch. I have gone on record to state that I could easily start a Chronomaster Revival collection with the many great options that we have seen over the past few years. This new Zenith × Revolution Chronomaster Revival A3818 “Cover Girl Carbon” only solidifies that thought. This impressive new exercise in weight and style proves that the late-’60s design is still as crisp and relevant as ever.

This “Cover Girl Carbon” model is a great modern addition to the Zenith lineup and the perfect final chapter to Revolution Magazine and Zenith’s collaborative Cover Girl series. Lastly, full compliments to both parties for creating two wonderful retro-style posters. They meld the past and present perfectly, just like the watch itself, making this release even better!