Zenith Releases Ladder Bracelet For the El Primero A384 Revival
When the Zenith El Primero A384 Revival hit the market to celebrate the iconic movement’s 50th anniversary in 2019, it was a sight for sore eyes. While the strap last year’s model arrived on was nice, the newly-released ladder bracelet takes this offering to another level.
Pun intended. And to clarify before I forge on, “A sight for sore eyes” is a good thing. It means a salve, a remedy, a tonic for aching peepers. I only find it necessary to make that clear because I said it to my German girlfriend once, and I spent the night in the dog house because she thought I was insulting her. With potential misinterpretations out of the way, I will say this: Never underestimate the effect of a good bracelet. The new accessory for the Zenith El Primero A384 Revival is, despite being a bracelet and not a watch, one of the best things to come out of the LVMH Watch Week in Dubai.
An all-steel stunner
Perhaps the best thing about this release is the Zenith El Primero A384 Revival does not require an integrated bracelet. Integrated bracelets come in for a lot of criticism. Some swear by them, but a very vocal portion of watch fans worldwide can’t stand the restriction imposed upon them and the way they may choose to wear their timepieces. What they do very well, however, is ensure a watch is worn exactly as the designer and the brand intended. Thankfully, the Zenith El Primero A384 does not force owners to choose thanks to its accommodating lugs. That said, the new ladder bracelet shines a light on the potential of this timepiece to be worn as an all-steel stunner, and exactly how much a wholly realized product can pop on the wrist.
A simultaneously sporty and dressy design…
Versatility and era-appropriate verve are the calling cards of this conscious drop by LVMH. It captures the spirit of the original version, designed by renowned bracelet-maker Gay Frères. Once again, the company delivered. It is a simultaneously sporty and dressy design that suits the watch head incredibly well. The deliciously dainty diameter of the Zenith El Primero A384 Revival (a stunningly slight 37mm) may have been too tiny for some. The added heft of this optional bracelet may allay those fears.
One of the smoothest sweeps on the market
The high-frequency El Primero 400 Automatic caliber, which beats at 36,000vph, and offers a 50-hour power reserve powers the 37mm stainless steel Zenith El Primero A384 Revival watch (reference 03.A384.400/21.M384). The dial layout sees the hours and minutes in the center, supported by a going seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock. A centrally-mounted chronograph hand (with one of the smoothest sweeps on the market), combines with the 30-minute register at 3, and the 12-hour counter at 6. An unobtrusive date window pops-up between the 4 and 5 o’clock indices. The price for the Zenith El Primero A384 Revival? A cool CHF 8,400. Learn more about Zenith and the brand’s history here.
