The Zenith El Primero A3818 Cover Girl is a faithful revival of the legendary 1971 A3818 — an emblem of 1970s sporty elegance fused with one of the most celebrated chronograph movements in watchmaking history.
This model features the iconic cushion-shaped steel case, a hallmark of the era's design language, combining brushed and polished finishes that interplay subtly under light. The vertically brushed blue dial exhibits a captivating dual personality: it shifts from bright, vibrant blue to a more subdued tone depending on the angle of lighting.
Adding to the dial's complexity are the chronograph sub-registers, which sport concentric rings that catch light differently, creating intriguing contrasts and depth. The luminous hour indices ensure legibility, while the distinctive red paddle-shaped chronograph hand stands out vividly — a dynamic splash of color that echoes vintage motorsport cues.
The shark teeth seconds track surrounding the dial adds another layer of personality, further enriching the visual story of this timepiece. This feature was only used in few Zenith models. And besides El Primeros even on AutoSport.
For the shoot, I chose clean, mostly monochrome backgrounds to focus attention entirely on the watch's nuanced textures and vibrant dial. Lighting was carefully controlled to accentuate the dial's light-responsive nature, revealing its multiple facets without overwhelming reflections.
