Zenith’s Pilot Big Date Flyback is one of the watches we like best in an era dominated largely by chronographs. This watch was on display at Watches and Wonders Geneva and we spent time talking about it with WOW Thailand Editor Ruckdee for our Conversation article in this issue. Flyback is a new chronograph that has many things to recommend it. The double date window and smoothness of chronograph pushers are the main attractions. Chronographs are not our favorite. We prefer date watches. This is not the case with the Pilot Big Date Flyback Chronograph.
Before we get into the details, let’s make a few points, especially for those who are more familiar with Chronomaster and Defy. Zenith is actually one of the pioneering aviation timekeeping brands, and the brand’s old aviation watches are out. This Big Date Flyback’s Pilot name, for instance, harks back to an early term registered as a trademark by Le Locle. The word Pilote, which means navigator in French, is also used by the maritime world. Zenith registered the English term as well, which could have serious consequences.
Zenith was among the first to claim the skies when, in 1909 aviator Louis Bleriot crossed the Channel successfully with a Zenith on his wrist. The only brand to use the word Pilot in a dial is Zenith. If we remember correctly, the brand did not focus on this story when it launched the Type 20 models in 2012. Zenith was a brand that made an impression in 2012 with the Type 20 models. Now, these watches mark a specific phase of Zenith’s story. The new Pilot collection marks the beginning of a new story.
This year, the Pilot Big Date Flyback will be part of several stories. So this is just an introduction. We are unable to cover the time-only version due to space limitations. We will not go into detail about the new El Primero calibre, which is the engine of the Big Date Flyback. We will just say that this date is so cool that you might not even notice it. Our notes say it moves in 7/1000ths, but we have seen this in action. The crown can be quickly adjusted without worrying about desynchronising date. All of this adds up to a stunning watch and we still haven’t even discussed the specs. We will return to this watch later.
Movement: El Primero El Primero 3650 automatic, with large date and flyback Chronograph; 60-hour Power Reserve
Case: 42.5mm in steel and ceramic; water-resistant to 100m
Strap: Black rubber and brown leather
Price: USD 17,000.
This article was first seen on WOW’s Summer #69 Issue.
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