Building on the success of its 2023 revamp, Zenith is introducing two boutique editions to its Pilot collection. When Zenith released the redesigned Pilot collection, it was well received as a modern update to a design family that had become dated in both its aesthetics and size. Instead of the massive pilot watches that justified their size in the name of historicity (or early-2000s consumer preferences), the new Pilots featured 42.5mm and 40mm cases, and a cohesive silhouette and dial design across the collection. That continues with the release of the blue-dialed Zenith Pilot Automatic Boutique Edition and Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback Boutique Edition, which bring a restrained bit of color to collection.
Rest assured, these two new boutique editions are identical to their forebears except for the blue of the dials. The cases are 40mm for the three-hand Pilot Automatic and 42.5mm for the Pilot Big Date Flyback. The case is finished with the same vertical brushing that flows through the bezel, the polished bezel, and the case chamfers. The crowns are deeply grooved, and the pushers finished to match the case. And, of course, they share the bumpy dial, inspired by the corrugated steel of aircraft — just in blue. You’ll note, too, that the base of the hands has been switched from black to blue to keep things nice and tidy. In addition to the sapphire crystal and 100m of water resistance, the watches are both offered with a matching blue “Cordura-effect” rubber strap and a brown calf leather strap with a folding clasp (both of which feature Zenith’s quick-release mechanism).
The models both feature El Primero-branded movements. I love these pilots — heck, I like most modern Zeniths — but similar to how Tudor gives everything the Black Bay label, I think Zenith can lean too heavily on the El Primero. The brand has plenty to offer without relying on the fact that it might have been the first to introduce an automatic chronograph movement. The Big Date Flyback gets the El Primero 3652, and the Automatic gets the El Primero 3620 SC, both in-house automatic calibers. They both have 60-hour power reserves at 36,600 vph, which will ensure an incredibly smooth sweep over several days.
At the end of the day, these are just blue versions of the Pilot watches. I’m not sure if it was necessary to make them boutique editions, especially since they don’t appear to be limited and will be available online (which, in my opinion, really kills the specialness of a boutique edition). In any case, the blue seems to be a great color for the Pilot collection, and I’m sure it’ll be a hit. The Zenith Pilot Automatic Boutique Edition is priced at $7,500 USD, while the Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback Boutique Edition is priced at $11,500 USD. Both models are available exclusively at Zenith’s physical and online boutiques.
In addition to the announcement of the Zenith Pilot boutique editions, the brand showed off three refurbished vintage models under an “ICONS: PILOT” capsule collection. JLC did this with its Collectibles program, and Zenith calls its the ICONS program. The brand has found and restored three pilot models: a Tipo CP-2 Cairelli, A3821, and 01.0230.415 While it appears only one of each of these models is for sale, it’s still cool to see brands use their own resources to refurbish their own vintage timepieces. No pricing is indicated, but these are 100% original, and there is only one of each, so I’m sure they’re pricey and already sold to collectors who are in the good graces of the brand. Zenith also says there’s a sustainability angle, but I’m sure anyone who reads that will scoff at the notion that refurbishing three old watches represents any meaningful impact. But hey, cool vintage watches! For more information on both the new Boutique Editions and the ICONS program, please visit the brand’s website.
