Zenith’s connection to aviation is almost as old as the aeronautic industry itself. In the late 19th century, the Maison’s founder Georges-Favre Jacot became fascinated by the idea that humankind was on the brink of conquering the skies. He wanted to be part of the action by supplying these adventurers with specialized watches and dashboard instruments for their pioneering exploits. In 1888, he filed a trademark for the French term “Pilote”, followed by its English equivalent “Pilot” in 1904. This visionary act means that today, only Zenith can put the word on the dial of its watches.
This genuine legitimacy in the field of aviation has led Zenith’s Pilot to be the one collection that has been a constant favourite throughout the history of the brand. Over the years, various editions have been unveiled, all of which have been heavily inspired by those first aviation instruments. This year, Zenith has decided to turn more towards the future than the past with a brand-new Pilot model, available in two versions, that doesn’t scream neo-vintage, but offers something far more contemporary.
Entirely redesigned from scratch, the essence of what a pilot’s watch needs to be – legible, durable, intuitive, and easy to manipulate – remains, with an all-new design that takes this century-old model firmly into the future.
Pilot Automatic
Debuting with a Pilot Automatic, this new timepiece is housed in a surprisingly more reasonable 40 mm-sized case (previous versions were 45mm) and comes in a choice of stainless steel or a new-look black ceramic. The case has been completely redesigned with a distinctive flip-top round bezel fixed on top of a rounded case. Different finishes also accentuate each look with vertical satin-brushed finishing and polishing on the stainless-steel version and microblasting on the black ceramic version for a high-tech matt finish.
One change that Zenith lovers will immediately notice is the famous large onion-style crown, which has been dramatically reduced and redefined in this new version. But don’t fear, the functionality is still there thanks to prominent angular grooves that enable pilots to manipulate the watch even with their gloves on. These grooves continue across the black opaline dial that was inspired by aircraft fuselage and creates a striking texture on the dial.
In terms of legibility, If there was a GPHG prize for the most readable watch, this new Zenith Pilot would win the category hands down. Large, luminescent-filled Arabic numerals and matching hands give the time in a micro glance, so if you are doing a loop-the-loop, or flying at excessive G-forces, you are still going to be able to read the time.
Powering the timepiece is Zenith’s El Primero 3620 movement that beats at a high frequency of 5Hz and delivers a power reserve of 60 hours. For the straps ¬– now interchangeable, of course – there is a black Cordura-effect rubber strap with each model and an additional green strap for the black ceramic version and a vintage brown calfskin leather for the stainless steel version.
The brand is also unveiling a Pilot Big Date Flyback version with the same design codes which we will be covering shortly, so stay tuned for more during Watches and Wonders.
