In 2007, Zenith’s famous aviator watch arrives in a completely new chronograph version. This bold, masculine timepiece, which proudly flaunts the DNA of a line of airborne conquerors, now features a striking bronze case, a highly legible sandblasted black dial, and a khaki green oily nubuck strap. Its neo-retro design evokes the rich heritage of high-flying heroes, the aviation pioneers that Zenith accompanied ever since the early days of flight.
The sizeable 45 mm-diameter case, featuring a distinctive large screwed-in crown and ratcheted pushpieces assisting adjustment with gloved hands, is now made of bronze. This is one of the rare materials used in watchmaking able to give a unique vintage touch to the timepiece. Bronze, a highly resistant, anti-magnetic alloy, forms a natural patina over time, which differs from piece to piece, hence making each watch unique.
The vintage-styled case frames the black dial bearing green-emission SLN Arabic numerals. The typography of these numerals, made from single blocks of luminous material, evokes the look of historical pilot’s watches. The distinctive watch face is enlivened by two counters and a railway-type minutes track, and topped by a domed sapphire crystal. It also reveals two inscriptions - “Montre d’Aéronef” and “Pilot” – as a reminder that Zenith was once one of the first producers of altimeters and cockpit watches.
The legendary El Primero Calibre 4069 powers the new Zenith Pilot Extra Special Chronograph. This is a high-frequency, column-wheel chronograph movement, a descendant of the world’s most accurate series-made chronograph, which Zenith developed in 1969. The movement beats at a frequency of 36 000 vibrations per hour, and it promises at least 50 hours of power reserve. The movement is assembled from 254 components, 35 jewels, and sealed against water ingress to 100 meters of depth. The movement is decorated with "Côtes de Genève" motif, but this is not visible due to the solid titanium case-back engraved with Zenith flying instruments logo.
The Zenith Pilot Extra Special Chronograph, reference 27.00.2321.800, is priced at $7,100.
Photos courtesy of Zenith Watches.
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