ZENITH’s unparalleled aviation legacy takes a thrilling turn as it introduces the inaugural Boutique Editions of the Pilot Automatic and Pilot Big Date Flyback, both adorned with captivating blue dials. In a groundbreaking move, ZENITH also unveils the thematic “ICONS: PILOT” capsule collection, featuring three vintage Pilot watches meticulously restored and certified by the Manufacture’s Heritage Department.
Relaunched in 2023, the ZENITH Pilot collection undergoes a total transformation, drawing inspiration from the entire spectrum of aviation history. Pioneering specialized watches since 1904, ZENITH upholds the essential codes of durability, legibility, and intuitiveness in the modern reincarnation of the Pilot collection. Departing from a mere recreation of the past, ZENITH embraces a contemporary design direction, subtly acknowledging the world of flying. The inaugural Boutique Edition pays homage to the sky with a deep shade of blue, reminiscent of the night sky.
Blue, a longstanding signature color for ZENITH, symbolizes the night sky and the radiant star that inspired Georges-Favre Jacot to name the manufacture and brand after it in 1865. The Pilot collection’s blue hues take on a unique significance, evoking the bravery and adventure of early pilots pursuing their dreams above the horizon.
The purest expression of ZENITH’s Pilot watch, the Pilot Automatic Boutique Edition, boasts a 40mm stainless steel case with a flat-top round bezel and an edgy angular oversized crown for easy operation, even with gloves. The textured dial pays homage to the corrugated metal sheets of vintage aircraft fuselages, adorned with oversized luminescent Arabic numerals. The date window features a white on blue date wheel, and the luminescent hour marker at 6 o’clock mimics an artificial horizon instrument. The dial proudly bears the signature “Pilot,” as ZENITH remains the sole brand with the rights to mark its dials with this term.
Powered by the El Primero 3620 high-frequency manufacture movement, the Pilot Automatic offers a 60-hour power reserve. The display back showcases a blackened oscillating weight resembling an “artificial horizon” dashboard instrument. The watch comes with interchangeable blue cordura-effect rubber and brown calfskin straps with a quick-release system.
The larger Pilot Big Date Flyback Boutique Edition, housed in a 42.5mm stainless steel case, features the latest El Primero automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre. Boasting a big date and flyback function, this model caters to aviators’ preferences. The oversized date display includes a patented mechanism for rapid adjustments, and the wheels match the blue dial tone. The flyback function simplifies chronograph operations, allowing resets with a single push.
The El Primero 3652 chronograph calibre with its “artificial horizon” rotor is visible through the display back. The Pilot Big Date Flyback comes with a blue cordura-effect rubber strap and a provided brown calfskin strap, both equipped with an integrated quick-release mechanism.
Both the Pilot Automatic Boutique Edition and Pilot Big Date Flyback Boutique Edition are exclusively available at ZENITH physical and online boutiques globally.
In a broader context, ZENITH brings its rich tradition of aviator watches full circle by introducing the first-ever “ICONS: PILOT” collection. This highly collectible vintage capsule collection showcases ZENITH Pilot chronographs from the second half of the 20th century.
ZENITH ICONS: PILOT – ACT I
As part of ZENITH’s HORIZ-ON CSR initiative for a more sustainable future, the ICONS program offers rare vintage pieces curated, restored, and certified by the Manufacture. This program contributes to a circular economy for ZENITH’s most emblematic historical references, ensuring their perpetual existence. The ICONS program provides watch collectors with 100% original examples, examined and certified by the ZENITH Manufacture’s Heritage Department, respecting the watches’ original materials and components.
While previous ICONS capsule collections focused on early El Primero models, ZENITH now shines a spotlight on its Pilot collection, uniting three references from the late 1960s and 1970s. The first ZENITH ICONS: PILOT capsule collection explores both the professional and consumer sides of ZENITH Pilot watches from that era, ranging from utilitarian to imaginative and forward-thinking.
TIPO CP-2 CAIRELLI
Produced for the Italian army corps between 1968 and 1972, the Tipo CP-2 chronograph was designed with enhanced legibility according to military specs. Notable for its rotating bezel and luminescent Arabic hour numerals and hands, this reference inspired modern ZENITH Pilot creations.
A3821
Launched in 1972, the ref. A3821 stands out for its space-age design, featuring a sunken dial with luminescent markers and hands, tachymeter on the flange ring, and a voluminous case with rotating bezel. Equipped with an El Primero calibre, it combines the legibility of a pilot’s watch with the water resistance of a diver’s watch.
01.0230.415
The ref. 01.0230.415 stands out as the first ZENITH El Primero chronograph with a display back, revealing the revolutionary calibre. Featuring a space-age design with a suspension system for the movement and an integrated “lobster” bracelet, this reference is exceedingly rare and modernized with a see-through caseback and bezel indication displaying minutes.
In presenting these iconic Pilot creations, ZENITH continues its tradition of excellence, offering enthusiasts and collectors a glimpse into the brand’s storied aviation heritage.
For more information, please visit Zenith-Watches.com.
