Zenith launched the new Pilot collection 2023 including a 3-hand watch and a chronograph. Prices from CHF7,500
The Zenith Pilot collection is the manufacture’s longest-standing line, having been introduced at the beginning of the 19th century. The latest chapter was revealed at the Watches and Wonders 2023 exhibition recently held in Geneva.
Rather than re-proposing a vintage look from the past, the all-new Pilot collection has been redesigned form scratch with all the essential features of durability, legibility and intuitiveness that are typical of pilot watches. These are codes that Zenith helped define over a century ago with some of the earliest recorded aviator clocks and dashboard instruments.
Crafted in a 40 mm case in either stainless steel or black ceramic, the Pilot Automatic features an entirely new case design with a distinct flat-top round bezel fixed on top of the rounded case. In the steel version, the surfaces are vertically satin-brushed with polished chamfers, while the black ceramic version is entirely microblasted for a stealthy matte finish.
The oversized crown, a defining feature of Pilot watches, sports a more modern, angular form, while remaining easy to operate.
The black opaline dial, with its horizontal grooves, offers an ideal contrast to the oversized luminescent Arabic numerals that, just like the hands, are filled with white Super-LumiNova. At 6 o’clock above the date window, the luminescent hour marker takes the form of a flat white line, recalling the artificial horizon instrument in plane. Here, it is used to help allows the wearer to instantly understand the orientation of the watch.
Visible through the sapphire display back, the Pilot Automatic is powered by the El Primero 3620 high-frequency (5 Hz or 36,000 vph) manufacture movement, which delivers a power reserve of 60 hours when fully wound. The winding mechanism’s open and blackened oscillating weight recalls the “artificial horizon” dashboard instrument, which informs the pilot of the aircraft’s orientation relative to the Earth's horizon.
The black ceramic version is delivered on a black cordura-effect rubber strap with a newly designed folding clasp developed specifically for the Pilot, as well as a more utilitarian khaki cordura-effect rubber strap. The steel model is also fitted on the same black cordura-effect rubber strap, but its second strap is crafted in brown calfskin leather.
The straps can be easily swapped with the quick-release mechanism integrated directly into the back of the straps, requiring no tools to detach from the spring bars holding them in place.
The price of the Zenith Pilot Automatic is CHF 7,500 (ref. 03.4000.3620/21.I001) or CHF 9,500 for the black ceramic version (ref. 49.4000.3620/21.I001).
For the chronograph of the collection, the Pilot Big Date Flyback, Zenith also developed a new version of its El Primero 3600 calibre, with a host of new functions that have been specifically conceived for the Pilot.
Just like for the three-hand model, the chronograph comes in two versions, both in a 42.5 mm case. The stainless steel version takes inspiration from an El Primero Flyback chronograph named “Rainbow Flyback”. The chronograph’s minutes totalizer is done in alternating colours to more easily distinguish between the five-minute marks. The central chronograph seconds as well as the chronograph minutes hands stand out for their bright orange tone.
The black ceramic version takes on an achromatic look with luminescent white markers and hands contrasting boldly against the opaline black corrugated dial.
In terms of performance, the new El Primero 3652 automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre integrates two functions to the 5Hz chronograph that are a nice fit for the Pilot: the big date and the flyback function. Beyond its easy readability, the oversized date display in the Pilot Big Date Flyback features a next-gen patented compliant mechanism that advances and stabilizes both of the big date’s wheels in less than 0.03 seconds.
Originally conceived for aviators, the flyback function allows the chronograph function to be reset to zero and restarted by a single push of a button, simplifying the pilot’s operations and offering the possibility to record consecutive times without stopping.
The Pilot Big Date Flyback in steel comes with a black cordura-effect rubber strap and a brown leather strap while the ceramic version is delivered with black and khaki cordura-effect rubber. All the straps come with an integrated quick-release mechanism for easy swapping without tools.
The price of the Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback is CHF 11,400 (ref. 03.4000.3652/21.I001) or CHF 13,400 for the black ceramic version (ref. 49.4000.3652/21.I001).
Both the Pilot Automatic model and the Pilot Big Date Flyback chronograph are water resistant to 100 metres / 330 feet. zenith-watches.com
I like this new version of a simple pilot’s watch. And with its elegant movement it makes a nice package indeed. Legible and easy on the eyes while providing a cohesive look. The only qualm I have is with the price. Are they out of their minds? It’s a $5,000 watch, at most, not $7,500.
ReplyDeleteNow releasing a 35 to max. 37 of the 40mm version and the watch is perfect for a larger group of people… for both men and women with a slightly narrower wrist. After all, not all of us have the wrist of a bear with an airplane.
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