On this week’s test drive, we have a couple of Zenith watches. I had been itching to get my hands on these watches from Zenith since their launch. These are part of the Revival category, which belongs within the El Primero line. The reference numbers are A384, which is black and white, and the A385 in a brown gradient dial version. The panda A384, comes with a leather strap as tested. The A385 comes with the famous ladder bracelet, which we will discuss further down the review.
As we get to the nitty gritty, let’s start with the A384. Out of the two, this one is my favorite. Call me boring but these dial is the one I would be more inclined to wear. Although, I am yet to see the tricolored version (boutique edition – A3817). Not many negatives here, I mean, the watch is very comfortable on the wrist and very light. It does not feel tall at all and the tonneau (squared) case makes it extremely comfortable on the wrist. I am not the type to complain about the date at 4 or anywhere for that matter. But yes, I would prefer this one specifically, without. And honestly, it would be for aesthetic purposes only, I actually use the date complication a lot. The watch is super easy to read, actually both of these examples are very readable.
Next we have the A385 with the ladder bracelet. Now things get a little more interesting. This specific model might be discontinued, at the time of this review, since it seems you cannot purchase it through Zenith’s website. The legibility is a little better than the panda but I am not crazy about the tone of the brown. Maybe too light for my taste. The watch still wears well and comfortably. I don’t want to sound like a snob here but the bracelet, as excited as I was to try it on, does not feel as high end as the watch. It feels very cheap. The clasp is stamped, something I was not expecting on a $8k watch, just saying. I understand that it is a “faithful reproduction” of the watch along with the Gay Frères designed bracelet, but some improvements never hurt anyone, again, just my two cents. I wonder if you are better off saving a few hundreds and getting a Forstner version of it.
Overall, I do appreciate these watches and the difference that they bring to the Zenith lineup. Would I buy one of these? Probably not, and I will tell you why. There are other two iterations that I believe are a little better looking, even with the date at 4, and no date. The Liberty edition (has the date complication) and the Revival Shadow (ooohhh that one is gorgeous! And no date either). Let me know your thoughts on these. Until next the next Test Drive,
DL