Boutique Elegance Unveiled: A New Chapter in ZENITH’s Pilot Collection
ZENITH introduces a captivating fusion of modern elegance and historical charm with the revelation of two exclusive Boutique Editions within its revered Pilot collection. The excitement escalates as ZENITH accompanies these Boutique Editions with the debut of the groundbreaking “ICONS: PILOT” capsule collection—a set of vintage ZENITH chronographs steeped in heritage and meticulously restored.
A Complete Circle: ZENITH’s Legacy and Innovation in Harmony
ZENITH’s unparalleled aviation heritage comes full circle as the first-ever Boutique Editions of the Pilot Automatic and Pilot Big Date Flyback grace the stage, adorned with captivating blue dials. Simultaneously, the brand introduces the thematic “ICONS: PILOT” capsule collection, featuring three vintage Pilot watches that bear the distinguished mark of restoration and certification from the Manufacture’s Heritage Department.
Pinnacle of Aviation Heritage: The Revamped ZENITH Pilot Collection
Revamped in 2023 as a comprehensive line, the ZENITH Pilot collection draws inspiration from the entire spectrum of aviation, seamlessly blending past and present. As pioneers in the aviation watch category since 1904, ZENITH upholds the essential codes of durability, legibility, and intuitiveness in the modern reinterpretation of the Pilot collection. Departing from a mere replication of history, ZENITH embarks on a contemporary design journey, subtly nodding to the adventurous world of flying. The inaugural Boutique Edition of the line looks skyward, featuring a deep shade of blue reminiscent of the night sky.
The significance of blue in ZENITH’s palette harks back to its signature color, symbolizing the night sky and the radiant star that inspired Georges-Favre Jacot to name the manufacture after it. The Pilot collection, however, assigns a new meaning to this hue, evoking the bravery and adventurous spirit of early pilots who dared to soar beyond the horizon.
The epitome of ZENITH’s Pilot watch, the Pilot Automatic Boutique Edition, emerges in a 40mm stainless steel case. Notable features include a distinct flat-top round bezel fixed atop the rounded case, a textured, grooved dial reminiscent of aircraft fuselages, and oversized luminescent Arabic numerals. The luminescent hour marker at 6 o’clock, above the date window with a white-on-blue date wheel, pays homage to the artificial horizon instrument in planes. This boutique-exclusive edition is signed “Pilot,” underscoring ZENITH’s exclusive rights to mark its dials with the term.
Innovative Movements: Powering the Pilot Automatic and Big Date Flyback
Powered by the El Primero 3620 high-frequency manufacture movement, the Pilot Automatic boasts a 60-hour power reserve. The blackened oscillating weight mirrors an “artificial horizon” dashboard instrument. The watch is accompanied by interchangeable blue cordura-effect rubber and brown calfskin straps, accessible through the strap’s quick-release system.
The larger and more feature-packed Pilot Big Date Flyback Boutique Edition, housed in a 42.5mm stainless steel case, showcases the latest El Primero automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre. A nod to aviators, it incorporates coveted functions—a big date and a flyback mechanism. The oversized date display features a patented compliant mechanism for swift advancement, with wheels coloured in the same blue tone as the dial. The flyback function, designed for aviators wearing thick gloves, enables seamless resetting of the chronograph with a single button push.
The El Primero 3652 chronograph calibre with its distinctive “artificial horizon” rotor is visible through the display back. The Pilot Big Date Flyback comes with interchangeable blue cordura-effect rubber and brown calfskin straps, both featuring an integrated quick-release mechanism.
Exclusive to ZENITH physical and online boutiques globally, the Pilot Automatic Boutique Edition and Pilot Big Date Flyback Boutique Edition epitomize the brand’s commitment to innovation and tradition.
Icons of the Sky: ZENITH’s First-Ever ICONS: PILOT Collection
To provide a comprehensive perspective on these latest Pilot creations and to bring ZENITH’s extensive tradition of aviator watches full circle, the brand introduces the groundbreaking “ICONS: PILOT” collection. This collection delves into the vintage realm, presenting highly collectible ZENITH Pilot chronographs from the latter half of the 20th century.
Named ZENITH ICONS: PILOT – ACT I, this capsule collection aligns with the brand’s HORIZ-ON CSR initiative, contributing to a sustainable future by building a circular economy for its emblematic historical references. The ICONS programme ensures the perpetual existence of these historical pieces by curating, restoring, and certifying them through the Manufacture’s Heritage Department. With a focus on authenticity, watch collectors gain unmatched peace of mind, knowing they acquire 100% original examples.
While previous ZENITH ICONS collections centred on earlier El Primero models shaping the contemporary Chronomaster line, the spotlight now shifts to the enduring Pilot collection. The inaugural set comprises three references from the late 1960s and 1970s, exploring both the professional and consumer sides of ZENITH Pilot watches from that era. From utilitarian designs to imaginative and forward-thinking concepts, these three Pilot chronograph references serve as a captivating testament to the brand’s enduring legacy.
TIPO CP-2 CAIRELLI: A Military Marvel of the Late ’60s and ’70s
The first reference, TIPO CP-2 CAIRELLI, produced for the Italian Army Corps between 1968 and 1972, stands out for its military specifications, including enhanced legibility, a rotating bezel, and luminescent Arabic hour numerals and hands. The set includes an example engraved with an A.M.I military serial number, powered by Zenith’s 146 DP manual-winding chronograph calibre.
A3821: Space-Age Design and Diver’s Watch Fusion
The A3821, launched in 1972, exudes a space-age design with a dark, deep sunken dial, luminescent markers and hands, and a tachymeter on the flange ring. Part of the first ZENITH Pilot models equipped with an El Primero calibre, this hybrid watch combines the legibility and luminescence of a pilot’s watch with the water-resistance of a diver’s watch. The set features an example from the very first production lot in 1972.
01.0230.415: The Pioneering Display Back Chronograph
The third reference, ref. 01.0230.415 distinguishes itself as the first ZENITH El Primero chronograph with a display back in mineral glass. Alongside its fellow Pilot-Diver models, it showcases a space-age design with a movement mounted on a suspension system and an integrated “lobster” bracelet made by Gay Frères. The set’s exceedingly rare example features a matte black dial, produced in only 50 units in 1975, and stands out for its see-through caseback and modernized bezel indication displaying minutes instead of hours.
Preserving Legacy: ZENITH’s Commitment to Sustainability
Each vintage piece in the ICONS collection has been meticulously examined and certified, contributing to ZENITH’s legacy of excellence.
As ZENITH continues to soar, these Boutique Editions and ICONS encapsulate the brand’s dedication to timeless design and the spirit of aviation.
