In 2020, Zenith collaborated with international media outlet Revolution & The Rake to reissue the legendary El Primero A3818. Known affectionately as the "Cover Girl" among vintage watch collectors and El Primero enthusiasts after appearing on the cover of Manfred Rössler's book "Zenith: Swiss Watch Manufacture Since 1865," the A3818 was released in 1971 and, due to its short production run and limited production numbers, is considered a rare and elusive vintage El Primero. The Zenith x Revolution Chronomaster Revival A3818 "Cover Girl" modern remake of the A3818 quickly became a hit among vintage watch enthusiasts, selling out all 100 units in one day. Now, in collaboration with Revolution & The Rake, Zenith has resurrected the "Cover Girl" with a modern touch. Introducing the Chronomaster Revival A3818 "Airweight Covergirl."
At first glance, it may look similar to the previous "Covergirl" model until you hold it in your hand. The "Airweight Covergirl" features a ladder bracelet, weighs just 78.2 grams, and is crafted entirely from Grade 5 titanium, the only titanium that can be polished to a mirror finish. The transition from steel to lightweight yet durable titanium while maintaining the same overall finish was a challenging one, requiring extensive experimentation and effort to achieve. Also a first for Zenith, this ladder bracelet, originally designed by the renowned Gay Fréer in the 1960s, is crafted from titanium and features polished center links.
"Zenith has a tradition of constantly pushing boundaries, as we introduced the world's first integrated automatic chronograph movement in 1969. We have used titanium in A386-style cases, such as the Chronomaster Revival "Shadow," but never on a bracelet before. However, we thought now was the perfect opportunity. We are ambitious and we like to work on limited edition models that offer real value for collectors," said Julien Tornare of Zenith's unprecedented use of titanium.
One of the most striking features of the original A3818 is undoubtedly its dial. This special edition faithfully recreates the vertical brushed, Superman blue dial, while adding a modern touch with Super-LumiNova applied throughout the sharktooth index, tachymeter scale, logo, and lettering. Compared to the first Chronomaster Revival A3818 "Cover Girl," the "Airweight" Super-LumiNova is finished in a more natural "C1" white color, compared to the slightly greenish "C3" tone used in the previous Revival model.
The sapphire crystal case back reveals the 5Hz (360'000 vph) vibrations of Caliber El Primero 400, a faithful successor to the original high-frequency El Primero automatic chronograph movement introduced in 1969.
The Zenith × Revolution & The Rake Chronomaster Revival A3818 "Airweight Cover Girl" is limited to 250 pieces and can be purchased at Zenith boutiques or online boutiques in Japan.
Chronomaster Revival A3818 Airweight Cover Girl
Reference: 95.A3818.400/51.M3818
Features: Re-issue of the 1971 reference A3818. Automatic "El Primero" column-wheel chronograph movement. First titanium ladder bracelet. Limited edition of 250 pieces
Movement: El Primero 400. Rotor decorated with Côtes de Genève.
Voltage: 36,000 vph (5 Hz)
Power reserve: More than 50 hours
Functions: Central hour and minute hands. Small seconds at 9 o'clock. Central chronograph hand, 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock, 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock. Tachymeter and pulsometer scales. Date display at 4:30 o'clock.
Case: 37mm
Material: Grade 5 Titanium
Dial: "Superman" blue with vertical brushed finish
Water Resistance: 5 ATM
Case Back: See-through sapphire crystal
Price including tax: 1,166,000 yen
Hour Markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted, and coated with Super-LumiNova(R)SLN
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted, and coated with Super-LumiNova(R)SLN C1
Bracelet & Buckle: Titanium "Ladder" bracelet and blue "Cordura" effect strap with white stitching
Click here for company press release details
At first glance, it may look similar to the previous "Covergirl" model until you hold it in your hand. The "Airweight Covergirl" features a ladder bracelet, weighs just 78.2 grams, and is crafted entirely from Grade 5 titanium, the only titanium that can be polished to a mirror finish. The transition from steel to lightweight yet durable titanium while maintaining the same overall finish was a challenging one, requiring extensive experimentation and effort to achieve. Also a first for Zenith, this ladder bracelet, originally designed by the renowned Gay Fréer in the 1960s, is crafted from titanium and features polished center links.
"Zenith has a tradition of constantly pushing boundaries, as we introduced the world's first integrated automatic chronograph movement in 1969. We have used titanium in A386-style cases, such as the Chronomaster Revival "Shadow," but never on a bracelet before. However, we thought now was the perfect opportunity. We are ambitious and we like to work on limited edition models that offer real value for collectors," said Julien Tornare of Zenith's unprecedented use of titanium.
One of the most striking features of the original A3818 is undoubtedly its dial. This special edition faithfully recreates the vertical brushed, Superman blue dial, while adding a modern touch with Super-LumiNova applied throughout the sharktooth index, tachymeter scale, logo, and lettering. Compared to the first Chronomaster Revival A3818 "Cover Girl," the "Airweight" Super-LumiNova is finished in a more natural "C1" white color, compared to the slightly greenish "C3" tone used in the previous Revival model.
The sapphire crystal case back reveals the 5Hz (360'000 vph) vibrations of Caliber El Primero 400, a faithful successor to the original high-frequency El Primero automatic chronograph movement introduced in 1969.
The Zenith × Revolution & The Rake Chronomaster Revival A3818 "Airweight Cover Girl" is limited to 250 pieces and can be purchased at Zenith boutiques or online boutiques in Japan.
Chronomaster Revival A3818 Airweight Cover Girl
Reference: 95.A3818.400/51.M3818
Features: Re-issue of the 1971 reference A3818. Automatic "El Primero" column-wheel chronograph movement. First titanium ladder bracelet. Limited edition of 250 pieces
Movement: El Primero 400. Rotor decorated with Côtes de Genève.
Voltage: 36,000 vph (5 Hz)
Power reserve: More than 50 hours
Functions: Central hour and minute hands. Small seconds at 9 o'clock. Central chronograph hand, 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock, 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock. Tachymeter and pulsometer scales. Date display at 4:30 o'clock.
Case: 37mm
Material: Grade 5 Titanium
Dial: "Superman" blue with vertical brushed finish
Water Resistance: 5 ATM
Case Back: See-through sapphire crystal
Price including tax: 1,166,000 yen
Hour Markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted, and coated with Super-LumiNova(R)SLN
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted, and coated with Super-LumiNova(R)SLN C1
Bracelet & Buckle: Titanium "Ladder" bracelet and blue "Cordura" effect strap with white stitching
Click here for company press release details
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