The new generation of the Zenith Pilot Collection: Pilot Big Date Flyback

This year Zenith has completely redesigned their iconic Pilot collection from the ground up. All the details below.

The all-new Pilot collection foregoes the vintage aesthetic for something that draws inspiration from the entire span of aviation – past and present. It is imbued with all the essential features of durability, legibility and intuitiveness, respecting the codes of Pilot watches that ZENITH largely defined over a century ago with some of the earliest recorded aviator clocks and dashboard instruments, now revisited in a more contemporary context with some added ZENITH flair and understated nods to the world of aviation.

The new Pilot collection includes the Pilot Automatic, available in a 40mm stainless steel or black ceramic case, as well as the Pilot Big Date Flyback, which is in focus today. When I think of Zenith, my mind immediately goes to the iconic El Primero chronograph. And for this latest iteration, Zenith has gone a step further by developing a new version of its El Primero 3600 calibre, with a host of new functions that have been specifically conceived for the Pilot.

The Pilot Big Date Flyback comes in two distinct versions, both in a 42.5mm case. The stainless steel version takes a page from one of the most distinguished El Primero Flyback chronographs, the aptly named “Rainbow Flyback”. The chronograph’s minutes totalizer is done in alternating colours to more easily distinguish between the five- minute marks. The central chronograph seconds as well as the chronograph minutes hands are done in a bright orange tone, another nod to the iconic El Primero Rainbow from 1997. The black ceramic version takes on an achromatic, utilitarian look with luminescent white markers and hands contrasting boldly against the opaline black corrugated dial.

The new El Primero 3652 automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre integrates two functions to the 5Hz chronograph that are a perfect fit for the Pilot: the big date and the flyback function. Beyond its easy readability, the oversized date display in the Pilot Big Date Flyback features a next-gen patented compliant mechanism that advances and stabilizes both of the big date’s wheels in less than 0.03 seconds.

The Pilot Big Date Flyback in ceramic is delivered with black and khaki cordura-effect rubber, while the steel version comes with a black cordura-effect rubber strap and a brown leather strap. All the straps come with an integrated quick-release mechanism for easy swapping without tools.

The Pilot Big Date Flyback in ceramic is priced at €14,500, while the steel version is available for €12,300.

I like Zenith’s take on the new generation of the Pilot collection. In my opinion, this fresh design will appeal to a wider audience due to its modern and versatile style, compare to the original Pilot watches. I’m particularly fond of the date window on this watch. So often, date windows are just ugly and awkwardly placed, but when I first saw this one, I was immediately taken by its original look.

More details about Zenith watches on www.zenith-watches.com