The next generation of a Zenith aviation legend

Taking on many forms over the years in a balancing act between heritage and modernism, the Zenith Pilot is the Swiss maker's most long-standing line, and one that never ceases to beguile seasoned watch aficionados as well as avid aviation enthusiasts. This next-generation Pilot Big Date Flyback blends modernity with a traditional complicated twist: a new patented big date at 6:00. Building on the Zenith legend is a stealthy, redesigned ceramic case and dial aesthetic that is at once entirely new, but in keeping with the long traditions of the brand's Pilot collection.

Zenith's fascination with the world of aviation goes as far back as the late 19th century, when the manufacture’s founder Georges-Favre Jacot believed that mankind was on the verge of finally conquering the skies – and that Zenith should be there alongside the brave pioneers who saw a world of freedom and infinite possibilities far above the horizon. In 1888, Zenith filed a trademark for the French term “Pilote”, followed by the English version “Pilot” in 1904. In the years that followed, Zenith would become one of the preeminent makers of specialized watches and dashboard instruments for pilots.

This Pilot Big Date Flyback is built around a 42.5mm black ceramic case, adopting an achromatic, utilitarian look with luminescent white markers and hands contrasting boldly against the opaline black corrugated dial. Beyond its striking contrast and easy legibility, 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. Originally conceived for aviators who wore thick sheepskin gloves, the flyback function allows the chronograph function 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 stopping. The El Primero chronograph calibre with its “artificial horizon” rotor is visible through the display back.

Lastly, this Pilot is supplied with two newly designed Cordura-effect rubber straps in both black and khaki green, along with a new folding clasp. The straps may be easily swapped using the quick-release mechanism integrated directly into the back of the straps, requiring no tools to detach from the spring bars holding them in place.