Mario C 
All the best things come in threes, do they not? Zenith and Revolution seems to agree – For the third edition of the sought-after ‘Cover Girl’ remaster, they’ve released not one, but three brand-new references!
Zenith has consistently proven themselves to be the masters of old school cool, as their burgeoning Revival lineup has proven to be incredibly popular in the modern watch world, thanks to their careful curation of iconic vintage references to bring back into the fold. This year, the Star, along with Revolution, has once again chosen to revive yet another lost relic of the retro era – the ‘Cover Girl.’ It’s important to note that they’ve done this twice before, in 2020 with a steel model and in 2022 with a titanium model. This year for their third outing, Zenith x Revolution has introduced the truly special Chronomaster Revival A3818 Cover Girl Carbon trio.
But what makes this new version of an old watch so significant? Let me set the stage for you: It’s 1971, and the Swiss watch brand Zenith has just created a new watch. This reference, called the A3818, was a modification of the original A385, part of what would later become known as the Chronomaster collection in 1994. The A3818, made in limited quantities, shared all the same design features as its older brother. The 37mm tonneau case, the iconic ladder bracelet designed by Gay Frères, even the original El Primero movement were all the same. However, there were subtle design cues that made the A3818 a completely different beast.
First, the outer scale that ran the periphery of the watch was changed, not containing both a pulsometer and a tachymeter for added practicality; Then, the printed second track was changed into a ‘shark tooth’ pattern, which tapered symmetrically up into a peak in-between each index. Finally, each chronograph register/subdial was given a distinct two-tone pattern, adding contrast and furthering the attractiveness of the watch. So attractive it was, as it turned out, that the A3818 eventually graced the cover of Manfred Rössler’s ZENITH – Swiss Watchmaking Since 1865. Since then, the A3818 ditched its original name for one more suited to its eye-catching nature: ‘Cover Girl.’
Since its initial release, while the Cover Girl is no longer made, it became one of the most sought-after references in Zenith’s vintage catalogues. Auctioneers and collectors were tripping over each other just to pick one up, so much so that it attracted the attention of the LVMH brand. Thus, in 2020, and eventually again in 2022, they teamed up with watch publication Revolution Watch to bring the original reference back to life. For 2025, they have done that once again, but this time with a new trick up their sleeves.
Instead of the steel and titanium references made previously, all three new versions of the Chronomaster Revival A3818 Cover Girl Carbon are what it says on the tin: constructed entirely out of carbon fibre. Weighing a maximum of just 55g, the new watches are exceptionally light and surprisingly tough, with a never-before-seen neofuturistic aesthetic to boot. Sure, steel may be stronger overall, but it’s not entirely necessary here, as carbon fibre provides a significantly higher strength-to-weight ratio that makes it perfect for any horological needs.
As you may expect, all the aforementioned design features of the original Cover Girl (and their subsequent remasters) all appear here in their full glory, including the now-modernised El Primero 400 sporting 50 hours of power reserve and the staggering 5Hz (36,000VpH) beat rate we’re all accustomed to. However, Zenith’s dedication to the celebration extended beyond making just one version of the watch. To commemorate the achievements of Revolution Watch, they have elected to make two more version of the illustrious Cover Girl.
Model 1 features all the hallmarks of the original, albeit in a carbon case and dial. The 37mm case, baton hour markers and two traps – a black “carbon-effect” Velcro strap and a black embossed «ladder effect» calfskin strap make this a striking piece, and it is limited to 150 peices. While not massively different from Model 1, both Model 2 and Model 3 sport some aesthetic changes that make them more appealing from a collector’s standpoint.
Model 2, celebrating Revolution Watch’s new Arabic publication Revolution Arabia, features a dial that replaces all the Western Arabic Numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.) with Eastern Arabic (٣,٢,١) which is read from right to left. It also comes with the two “carbon-effect” straps so you can interchange them and alter it’s looks. This model is limited to just 50 pieces worldwide.
Model 3, for the first time in Zenith history, features the iconic “Gay Frères” ladder bracelet once again, but this time delicately made in carbon fibre. For this, Zenith x Revolution has dedicated only 10 pieces, making this a much more rare and highly sought after model.
My Thoughts
When I got my hands on the Zenith Chronomaster Revival Shadow a while back, I thought to myself, “Wow, this watch certainly does feel high-tech and futuristic. I wonder how much further Zenith can push it?” Evidently, it seems they’ve got more in the tank and thanks to Wei Koh and the team at Revolution Watch, have delivered.
This brand new triple release from Zenith – the Chronomaster Revival A3818 Cover Girl Carbon collection – has perhaps answered that question and more. To take a vintage reference like the A3818 and not only remaster, but completely transform the look and feel of the watch is nothing short of fascinating. While I may not get my hands on this straight away – I’m glad to know that there are still modern twists on retro revivals out there, and Zenith has successfully maintained their winning streak of bringing classic references back into the fold.
References:
- 10.A3818.400-2/21.R100 (Model 1)
- 10.A3818.400/21.C105 (Model 2)
- 10.A3818.400-1/21.M3818 (Model 3)
- Dimensions: 37mm case diameter x 46mm lug-to-lug x 12.8mm thickness
- Case Material: Black carbon
- Dial: Black carbon/With Eastern Arabic numerals (Model 2)
- Movement: Automatic El Primero 400 with chronograph and 5Hz (36,000VpH) beat rate
- Power Reserve: 50h
- Water Resistance: 50m (5bar)
- Strap: Black ‘carbon effect’ velcro strap or ‘ladder effect’ leather strap (Models 1/2)/Black carbon ladder bracelet and clasp (Model 3)
