The Zenith A386, announced in January 1969, introduced the El Primero movement, the first automatic chronograph in production with an incorporated automatic chronograph movement. For details on the race to build the first automatic chronograph, read about Project 99 at OnTheDash.
Per Manfred Rossler in the catalog El Primero – The Chronograph (available in German only) from 2015, there were approximately 4,500 Zenith A386 produced. Production is estimated to have been between 1969 and 1972, with dates based on serial numbers plus information from the Extracts from the Zenith Registers, and combined with information from original owners. This update of 4,500 pieces is based upon additional Zenith review of the archives, and is the last official value from Zenith, provided to Rossler in 2014. Zenith will not be publishing any updated values. [1]
This updates earlier estimates of:
– 2,500 in Rossler’s Zenith: Swiss Watch Manufacture Since 1865, published in 2009. This figure was determined by Zenith in 2007. [2], and
– No more than 2,000 Zenith A386s per Hodinkee (2012) [unknown source – this is unusual since it comes later than Zenith’s estimate in 2007 per Rossler, above].
Zenith supported (and continues to support) the A386 by providing service dials and hands as needed. As a result, we see a large number of pieces with both (including main hands, chronograph second hand, and register hands). It is up to the individual to decide whether this appeals to them, but a watch with these components replaced will have lower market value than an all-original piece in reasonable condition. What I do find disappointing is that it is quite common to see the A386 shown in publications with replacement parts, though never mentioned as such. This is an issue to education – if a new collector stumbles upon these images, they would not likely know that they are looking at a non-original piece. I don’t have an issue with those images being used, but if so, it would do everyone a service if it was noted all the parts that are not original to the watch. Example below…
[1] Manfred Rossler, email March 20, 2018
[2] Manfred Rossler, email March 20, 2018