RISING STAR
A big sensation at the Watches & Wonders 2023 trade show, the manufacturer’s pilot’s watch-inspired collection has been given a new flight plan. Destination: your everyday adventures.
Bringing a classic watch back to life is a tricky business. How to give it a contemporary look without detracting from its spirit? Zenith succeeds in doing so masterfully with the new Pilot Automatic. To accomplish the mission, the 40mm diameter case, in steel or black ceramic, houses a dial embellished with an original wave pattern. The hour circle on the top is made up of large Arabic numerals, indicated by large hour and minute hands. All of these details and the sleek second hand are coated in white Super-LumiNova®. The contrast created ensures exceptional readability under all light conditions, in keeping with traditional pilot’s watches.
While a date window is located at 6 o’clock, the scenography is distinctive thanks to this airy composition. The modernized appearance is coupled with a high-performance caliber, the El Primero 3620. A worthy descendant of the manufacturer’s self-winding movements, this caliber approaches high frequency by vibrating at 5Hz. It also provides this model with 60 hours of power reserve. The sapphire back provides a view of the openworked oscillating weight decorated with a white line reminiscent of an artificial horizon such as those found on aircraft flight instruments. The Pilot Automatic includes two easily interchangeable wristbands. One is made of black rubber with a Cordura effect, the other is in khaki, ideal for switching quickly from stealth to a casual outdoor style.
