Zenith launches Pilot Automatic and Pilot Big Date Flyback Boutique Editions

Zenith has released the first-ever Boutique Editions of the Pilot Automatic and Pilot Big Date Flyback models with blue dials. Prices from CHF 7,500

Following the launch of the latest generation of its Pilot Collection in 2023 (you can read our presentation article here), Zenith has released the first-ever Boutique Editions of the Pilot Automatic and Pilot Big Date Flyback models in a deep shade of blue recalling the night sky.

These Pilot timepieces are characterised by flat-top round bezels fixed on top of the rounded cases, with vertically satin-brushed with polished chamfers. 

Their oversized crowns takes on an angular and edgy form, while remaining easy to operate – even with gloves on.

The textured, grooved dials are inspired to the corrugated metal sheets that made up the fuselage of many older aircrafts. 

The oversized luminescent Arabic numerals are applied as metal markers filled with white Super-LumiNova. At 6 o’clock above the date window with a white on blue date wheel, the luminescent hour marker takes the form of a flat white line, recalling the artificial horizon instrument in plane. 

The Pilot Automatic is powered by the El Primero 3620 high-frequency manufacture movement, visible through the display back. 

Operating at 36,600 vibrations per hour, this movement offers a power reserve of 60 hours which is provided by a blackened oscillating weight that resembles an “artificial horizon” dashboard instrument, used to inform the pilot of the aircraft’s orientation relative to the Earth's horizon. 

The 40 mm case crafted from stainless steel is paired with a blue cordura-effect rubber strap. The price of the Zenith Pilot Automatic Boutique Edition, identified by reference 03.4000.3620/51.I003, is CHF 7,500 / Euro 8,100 / US$ 7,500.

The larger - the diameter is 42.5 mm - and more feature-packed of the two Pilot references, the Pilot Big Date Flyback Boutique Edition, houses the El Primero 3652 high-frequency chronograph calibre integrating two functions 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. 

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 having to stop and restart.

The Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback Boutique Edition, ref. 03.4000.3652/51.I003, retails at the price of CHF 11,400 / Euro 12,300 / US$ 11,500.

Both models are water resistant to 10 bar (approximately 100 metres / 330 feet) and delivered with additional brown calfskin straps that can be easily interchanged using their quick-release system, requiring no tools. They are exclusively available from Zenith's physical and online boutiques. zenithwatches.com