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Zenith is producing some of our favorite vintage reissue watches lately as part of their Revival series, the newest of which resurrects a rare model from 1971. With some truly distinctive looks, the reference A3818 stands out even among the many Zenith El Primero watches that featured a similar case shape and funky dial designs. After being featured on the cover of a book about the brand’s history, collectors nicknamed the A3818 “Cover Girl.”
Like past Zenith Revival reincarnations, the A3818 is meant to be very faithful to the original. While it was long the norm to reissue vintage watches in upped sizes for modern tastes, Zenith is among those leading the way with historically accurate sizing. The A3818 measures 37mm wide and recreates the original’s offbeat and somewhat colorful dial design. The dial features extensive Super-LumiNova, and the brand thankfully refrained from the common choice of beige lume meant to mimic patinated vintage watches.
Unlike its historical counterpart, the A3818 Revival features a sapphire crystal display case back for admiring the El Primero 400 automatic chronograph movement inside. Produced in collaboration with the watch enthusiast magazine Revolution and its sister publication The Rake, the Zenith El Primero A3818 Revival “Cover Girl” will have a price of around $8,160. Only 100 examples will be made, with 50 available through The Rake and another 50 at Zenith boutiques worldwide. Purchases include a copy of the book the watch is associated with.
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