A386
- Production
- 1969–1971
- Model
- El Primero
- Case material
- Stainless Steel
- Case size
- 38mm
- Movement
- Automatic
- Calibre
- El Primero 3019 PHC
- Dial colours
- Silver / White
- Market value band
- $12k – $35k
The 1969 launch reference for the El Primero, the first automatic chronograph running at 36,000 vibrations per hour — fast enough to measure a tenth of a second. Its three overlapping colour subdials became the most copied chronograph dial layout in watchmaking.
Key dates.
- El Primero launches as the first high-frequency automatic chronograph
- When Zenith's owners ordered the El Primero tooling destroyed during the quartz crisis, watchmaker Charles Vermot hid the plans and machinery in the factory attic. Their recovery a decade later is why the movement — and the Rolex Daytona 16520 — exist.
Before you ask.
When was the Zenith A386 produced?
The A386 was produced from 1969 to 1971.
What movement does the Zenith A386 use?
The Zenith A386 runs the El Primero 3019 PHC, an automatic movement.
How do I check a Zenith A386 with Watch Safe?
Look up the watch's serial number in the Watch Safe registry to see whether a record exists or a theft flag is attached. A registry search identifies records for a specific serial; it does not authenticate the watch. Authentication is performed in person by an independent expert authenticator, and Watch Safe records and publishes the result.
Checking a specific Zenith? Look up its serial number in the registry.