Hands-On with Zenith’s Trio of Blue Ceramic Chronographs for their 160th Anniversary
To celebrate its 160th anniversary, Zenith did what few heritage brands are bold enough to try: it took three of its cornerstone chronographs and reimagined them in full blue ceramic. Not steel with blue accents. Not just new dials. Full cases and bracelets in custom-formulated, deep blue ceramic, each limited to 160 pieces.
Zenith doesn’t need to prove its chronograph credentials. The El Primero movement, introduced in 1969, was one of the first automatic chronographs ever made and remains one of the most technically impressive to this day. It runs at 36,000 vph, allowing it to measure down to 1/10th of a second, and has been the backbone of the brand's modern resurgence. The Pilot Big Date Flyback, the DEFY Skyline Chronograph, and the Chronomaster Sport each represent a different facet of what Zenith does well: aviation heritage, futuristic design, and daily-wear chronograph performance.
This trio could have easily come off as a color-matched gimmick. But in person, the watches feel thoughtfully differentiated, each bringing something unique to the table. I spent time with all three, and here’s how they stack up.
Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback – $15,500
Let’s start with the Pilot. Zenith’s pilot watches have always leaned more utilitarian than flashy, and this one follows that blueprint with a modern twist. The 41mm microblasted blue ceramic case has a soft matte finish that tones down the bold color, and the horizontal-grooved dial keeps things clean and legible.
The star of the show is the El Primero 3652 movement. It’s a flyback chronograph, meaning you can reset and restart the timer with a single push. The big date complication is worth mentioning too. It jumps in seven milliseconds, which is cool in a "you’ll never actually notice it" kind of way. But the functionality is all there, and it’s executed well.
At $15,500, it’s the most approachable of the three in terms of price. It wears like a purpose-built tool watch, but the color and case material give it just enough edge to feel different from every other pilot chrono out there.
Zenith DEFY Skyline Chronograph – $23,800
If the Pilot is understated utility, the DEFY Skyline Chronograph is the complete opposite. This one makes a statement from across the room. The 42mm case is angular, bold, and unapologetically modern. The blue ceramic has a slight sheen to it that makes the watch pop, especially in contrast with the star-patterned sunray dial.
Inside is the El Primero 3600, which powers all the high-frequency timing. The central chronograph hand makes a full rotation every 10 seconds, giving you a 1/10th-of-a-second readout. It’s one of those things that doesn’t seem necessary until you see it in action. Then it just makes sense.
The ceramic bracelet is done well—lightweight, sharp, and integrated seamlessly into the case. There’s also a rubber strap included, and thanks to the quick-release system, swapping between the two is easy.
At $23,800, it’s the priciest of the three, but that also fits the DEFY’s positioning. It’s the most avant-garde and probably the most polarizing, but if you’re into modern case design and tech-forward movements, this one delivers.
Zenith Chronomaster Sport – $22,700
The Chronomaster Sport is the middle child here, both in price and style. If you’ve seen the steel version, you know what to expect, but the full blue ceramic changes the feel entirely. It’s cleaner, more uniform, and has a slightly more dressed-up look compared to the more aggressive DEFY.
You still get the tricolor subdials, the 3-6-9 layout, and the same El Primero 3600 movement as the DEFY. The difference is mostly in how the watch presents. The polished ceramic bezel has engraved markings instead of an insert, and the sunray blue dial ties everything together without feeling overdesigned.
The ceramic bracelet is solid, comfortable, and surprisingly wearable for something this sleek. Like the other two, it comes with a blue rubber strap as well.
At $22,700, you’re paying for the upgraded material and limited run, but the Chronomaster Sport might be the most versatile of the bunch. It’s sporty without being bulky, bold without trying too hard.
Final Thoughts
Zenith didn’t just release three versions of the same watch in blue. These are three very different chronographs built on the same foundational ideas: El Primero precision, ceramic cases, and limited production. But each has its own personality.
The Pilot is for someone who wants something practical with a twist. The DEFY is for the person who likes their watches loud and technical. The Chronomaster Sport strikes a balance between the two and might be the safest bet if you’re looking for one watch to cover a lot of ground.
They're not cheap, but none of them feel overpriced for what they are. If you're looking for something limited, well-executed, and genuinely different from the usual suspects, this 160th anniversary lineup makes a strong case. Find out more on Zenith’s website.
