Zenith pays tribute to its aviation heritage with two new Pilot watches

In the leadup to LVMH Watch Week 2024, which flags off in Miami from January 29, Zenith has introduced two new Pilot watches in its signature colour blue, as tribute to its aviation heritage, and are both Boutique Editions which will be available exclusively in the brand’s physical and online boutiques across the globe. Along with the latest Pilot Automatic (Ref. 03.4000.3620/51.I003) and Pilot Big Date Flyback (Ref. 03.4000.3652/51.I003), the brand also presents its first-ever thematic ‘ICONS: PILOT’ capsule collection, which includes three vintage Pilot watches from the second half of the 20th century that have been restored and certified by the Manufacturer's Heritage Department.

Crafted in stainless steel, both the reincarnated models feature the same dial with the brand's signature blue colour enhanced with horizontal grooves, Super-LumiNova SLN C1 applied Arabic hour markers and blue & white hands. The timepieces are water resistant up to 100 metres and are complemented with two different straps, a blue ‘Cordura’ effect rubber and a brown calfskin leather with folding clasp.

Pilot Automatic Boutique Edition

Pilot Automatic Boutique Edition with brown calfskin strap

Pilot Automatic Boutique Edition with blue ‘Cordura’ effect rubber strap

This 40mm model has a fixed flat-top round bezel and an oversized crown at 3 o’clock; a date window is located at 6 o’clock. A ‘Pilot’ signage rests above the date window - Zenith is the first and only brand that has the rights to mark the dials with the term. Powering this watch is the automatic calibre El Primero 3620 SC, beating at a frequency of 36,000, and providing an autonomy of about 60 hours.

The timepiece is priced at Rs. 7,28,000 (approx.)

Also Read: The redesigned Pilot line flies high in the Zenith Big Date Flyback

Pilot Big Date Flyback Boutique Edition

Measuring 42.5mm, this is the larger and more featured reference introduced in the Pilot collection. The timepiece is incorporated with crown pushers and has a dial with the two functions aviators appreciate the most - a big date, positioned above the 6 o’clock, and flyback chronograph function. There is a small seconds counter at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. The automatic El Primero 3652 movement drives the watch; the movement beats at the same frequency and provides the same power reserve as mentioned in the aforementioned model. On turning the watches one can observe a special "Pilot artificial horizon" black oscillating weight.

The timepiece is priced at Rs. 11,07,000 (approx.)

Also Read: 10 watch certifications you should know about

ZENITH ICONS: PILOT – ACT I

Zenith ICONS programme brings forward certified, well-curated, and restored vintage pieces that watch connoisseurs can enjoy. The brand has been doing it for a few years and this year it has restored three timepieces in its longstanding Pilot collection. The vintage references are -

The TIPO CP-2 CAIRELLI

An inspiration to the modern ZENITH Pilot watches, this model was designed according to military specs, for the Italian army corps between 1968 and 1972; it was engraved with A.M.I military serial number, which shows it was first delivered to the Italian Flying Corps. It is powered by Zenith’s 146 DP manual-winding chronograph calibre.

A3821

Also referred to as 01.0180.415, this model was introduced in 1972. This watch features a legible design, rotating bezel, and dark deep sunken dial with a tachymeter scale on the flange. It was one of the Zenith Pilot models to be powered with an El Primero calibre. It is fitted with a “lobster” bracelet made by Gay Frères and is water resistant up to 300 metres.

01.0230.415

Revealed in 1975, the model is limited to 50 pieces only. The reference is incorporated with modernised bezel displaying minutes, and is the first ZENITH El Primero chronograph, which can be visible from the see-through caseback.

Images: Courtesy Brand

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