Strap Guide: Zenith Chronomaster EP Original

Strap Guide written by @timeonlywatch.id. Thank you, Pradipta!

Introduction

Following the 50th anniversary of the Zenith A386 in 2019, Zenith finally released the non-limited edition of its A386 reissue in 2021 — the Zenith Chronomaster EP Original.

The black and silver coloured dial, aside from offering a very sporty look, is particularly strap-friendly. While the 19mm lug width used to be a headache in terms of strap options, it barely registers on the radar anymore, thanks to Delugs. Here are my selections for the Chronomaster EP Original:

Light Grey Rubberised Leather (Togo) Signature

I chose this strap since I hoped to wear this watch on various occasions, for both indoor and outdoor activities (except swimming, of course). I love the soft temper of the leather and the textured appearance of this strap. I actually had a hard time believing that this strap was scratch-resistant too! After a few weeks, this strap becomes my go-to and it still look pristine, since the strap really is that tough. I don’t know why the rubberised leather (Togo) isn’t a more popular choice within Delugs’ collection, but it should be!

Matte Mahogany Alligator Signature

I know myself well enough to know that I could never pull off a red strap since I’m quite ‘vanilla’, but when I laid eyes on this strap, that all went out the window in an instant.

Not many strap makers offer decent-looking red exotic leather straps as ready stock. That’s where Delugs comes in! When the strap arrived, it looked almost black when I tried to photograph it under warm home lighting — definitely intriguing. It only showed its true colours when I started taking photographs with the natural morning light; the alligator belly pattern actually shows a lighter maroon. Regardless, the strap oozes class. No wonder it’s a best-seller!

Sand Chevre Slim

Matching a strap colour to the watch’s dial colour is practically strap pairing 101. That was the idea with this strap, but instead of matching the dial colour outright, I wanted it to complement the lume on the Chronomaster EP Original. Doing so definitely gave the watch more character!

Compared to the tan colored OEM strap (which was a bit dull), this combination really changes the Chronomaster EP Original’s vibe from a sports watch into something with slightly more luxurious connotations, while keeping the vintage vibes intact. On top of that, Delugs’ chevre slim straps are know for their softness and flexibility, so the fit right out of the box was spot-on.

Olive Green Waffle Rubber CTS

I’ve never owned a waffle-patterned rubber strap before, so when Delugs expanded their rubber CTS line up to include them, I made my move right away.
My gut told me that the waffle pattern on the rubber CTS strap would complement the busier dial layout of the Chronomaster EP Original, and I’m glad to say that it paid off. Who says that waffle rubber straps should only be paired with dive watches? Not this guy!

What I like most about Delugs’ Rubber CTS straps is their comfort factor, which can even be more comfortable than its leather counterparts at times.
This is the strap that made me view the Chonomaster EP Original as a serious contender in the GADA (Go Anywhere, Do Anything) category.