Introducing the Zenith Pilot Automatic and Pilot Big Date Flyback Chronograph
One of the more understated yet interesting releases of Watches & Wonders 2023 has to be from Zenith. The LVMH brand released two versions of their new pilot watch, the Pilot Automatic and Pilot Big Date Flyback (both available in steel and microblasted ceramic). With these releases, Zenith has introduced a more modern pilot watch to their arsenal, as opposed to the more retro pilot watches the brand is known for.
The Basics:
Brand : Zenith
Model : Pilot Automatic and Pilot Big Date Flyback Chronograph
Case Material : Stainless Steel or Microblasted Ceramic
Case Size : 40mm (Pilot Automatic), 42.5mm (Pilot Big Date Flyback)
Water Resistance : 100m
Movement : El Primero 3620 Automatic (Pilot Automatic), El Primero 3652 Automatic (Pilot Big Date Flyback Chronograph)
Movement Specs: Automatic, 60-Hour Power Reserve (Pilot Automatic), Automatic, Flyback Chronograph, 60-Hour Power Reserve (Pilot Big Date Flyback)
Strap Options : Rubber Strap or Leather Strap
The Juice:
Zenith added four new pilot watches to their collection. Both the Pilot Automatic and Pilot Big Date Flyback are available in stainless steel or black microblasted ceramic. All four watches feature a horizontally grooved black dial, but the ceramic models have a much more stealthy vibe (they are all black with only pops of white on the hands, subdials, hour markers and date).
The Pilot Automatic is simple yet handsome, a real modern look for a Zenith Pilot. While we are used to seeing vintage inspired Zenith pilots like the Type 20 Extra Special (which we love), its great to see the brand expanding their pilot line, especially given the brand’s background and heritage in the area (though it appears that Zenith may have discontinued the their other pilot watches with this launch).
However, it is the Pilot Big Date Flyback Chronograph that we really love from this collection. And while we appreciate the ceramic variation of the watch, it’s the stainless steel model that is a true home run. The pop of red, green, yellow and blue in the 30 minute counter at 3 o’clock (and the red chronograph seconds hand) add a little bit of fun to an otherwise very subtle release.
While the Zenith Pilot Automatic and Pilot Big Date Flyback might be a more subtle addition to Zenith’s collection, we appreciate what they did there. They created a more modern pilot’s watch that will endure the test of time.
How much is the Zenith Pilot Automatic and Pilot Big Date Flyback Chronograph?
The Zenith Pilot Automatic retails for $7,500 USD in stainless steel and $9,600 USD in ceramic. The Zenith Big Pilot Date Flyback retails for $11,500 USD in stainless steel and 13,5000 USD in ceramic. You can read more about the new Zenith Pilots at the brand's website.