Zenith unveils boutique editions of its existing Pilot Automatic and Pilot Big Date Flyback watches, both of which feature the brilliant blue dials we’ve seen on previous Zenith boutique-only launches.
These latest models give a new look to two of Zenith’s top 2023 debuts. Each highlights the watchmaker’s signature sky blue hue as rendered on textured, grooved dials meant to recall the corrugated metal sheets of vintage aircraft. Both watches also sport the word Pilot on the dial, which Zenith notes is an especially significant detail. That’s because only Zenith holds the rights to mark its dials with the term.
Zenith makes one of the two new watches, the Pilot Automatic Boutique Edition, with a 40mm stainless steel case that features a distinctive flat-top round bezel, which complements the watch’s satin-brushed, rounded case.
Above the date window you’ll see a luminescent hour marker in the form of a flat white line. This detail is meant to recall the artificial horizon instrument in plane’s cockpit.
As the second of the new boutique-only watches, the new 42.5mm Pilot Big Date Flyback Boutique Edition offers a monotone sky-blue big date wheels to match the dial. More complicated with its flyback function, the watch’s namesake display that, combined with its large crown, was originally made for pilots who wore thick sheepskin gloves. 
The flyback function allows the chronograph to be reset to zero and restarted by a single push of a button, simplifying the pilot’s operations and offering the possibility to record consecutive times without having to stop and restart.
From the back of the Pilot Big Date Flyback the wearer can eye an El Primero 3652 chronograph caliber with its “artificial horizon” rotor visible. (See below for all technical specifications).
Zenith fits the watch on a blue rubber strap and also provides a brown calfskin strap. All the straps come with an integrated quick-release mechanism for easy swapping without tools.
Prices: $7,500 (Pilot Automatic) and $11,500 (Pilot Big Date Flyback), both available in Zenith physical and online boutiques.
Specifications:
Zenith Pilot Automatic, Boutique Edition
(Reference: 03.4000.3620/51.I003)
Key points: El Primero 3-hands watch. High-frequency movement (5Hz). Full interchangeable strap system. Boutiques Edition.
Movement: El Primero 3620 SC, automatic
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power reserve: Approx. 60 hours
Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre. Central seconds hand. Date indication at 6 o’clock.
Finishes: Special “Pilot artificial horizon” black oscillating weight
Material: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Case: 40mm
Dial: Blue with horizontal grooves
Hour markers: Applied Arabic numerals in SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Blue & white with SLN C1
Bracelet & Buckle: Comes with 2 straps: Blue “Cordura” effect rubber and a brown calfskin leather with folding clasp.
Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback, Boutique Edition
(Reference: 03.4000.3652/51.I003)
Key points: Automatic El Primero column-wheel chronograph with flyback function. Patented Big Date at 6 o’clock. Instantaneous Big Date jump in 0.007 sec (0.02 for discs jump & stabilization). Full Interchangeable strap system. Boutiques Edition.
Movement: El Primero 3652, automatic
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power reserve: approx. 60 hours
Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre. Small seconds at 9 o’clock. Instantaneous Big Date at 6 o’clock. Flyback Chronograph. 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock.
Finishes: Special “Pilot artificial horizon” black oscillating weight
Material: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Case: 42.5mm
Dial: Blue with horizontal grooves
Hour markers: Applied arabic numerals in SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Blue & white with SLN C1
Bracelet & Buckle: Comes with 2 straps: Blue “Cordura” effect rubber and a brown calfskin leather with folding clasp.
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