Zenith Pilot  Watches

Zenith Pilot: An Homage to Historical Aviators 

Known for their retro designs, the Zenith Pilot can be worn for both indoor and outdoor activities because of their durability and classic vintage appearance. Although it’s a pretty old collection, this lineup has features just like other modern luxury watches. Additionally, these self-winding watches from Swiss watchmaking giant Zenith boast a hidden automatic caliber underneath each watch. This Swiss-made technology then allows Zenith Pilot timepieces to indicate time accurately. 

Prices at a Glance: The Most Popular Zenith Pilot Watches

How much is a Zenith Pilot watch?

Generally, Zenith Pilot watches approximately cost from $3,970 USD to $7,900 USD. And in this price range, there’s a huge variety of eye-catching models from various series to choose from. 

One of the most popular series in this collection is the Zenith Pilot Type 20, which was introduced in 2015. This series has a basic range that comes in two sizes: 40mm and 45mm. There are also models with more complex designs, such as the Chronograph, GMT, and Annual Calendar timepieces. 

Price and Features of the Zenith Pilot 40mm Models

The Zenith Pilot 40mm self-winding watches have a 100m water resistance and a 50 to 55-hour power reserve. Additionally, the cases are made from either stainless steel or bronze. Their dial colors include green, grey, blue, and black. So, how much is this series? A Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special, for instance, has a retail price of $4,629 USD. For the most part, these compact watches became references to other series in the Zenith Pilot collection.

Price and Features of the Zenith Pilot 45mm Models

If you prefer a larger dial, then you should go for Zenith Pilot Type 20 Adventure, which retails at around $5,229 USD. This 45mm watch also sports the same timeworn design with a bulkier look. The luxury watches under this series also share the same characteristics with their smaller counterparts. These features include a 100m water resistance, 50-hour power reserve, and steel or bronze case. 

Price and Features of the Zenith Pilot Chronographs

The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph watches have two sub-dials. One sub-dial located on the 3 o’clock position serves as a 30-minute counter. The other sub dial located on the 9 o’clock position works as a small seconds indicator. These 45mm timepieces have a 100m water resistance and 50-hour power reserve. Depending on the model, the case can be made from bronze or stainless steel while the strap can be made from leather and rubber, or leather only. These timepieces also come in various colors such as black, blue, green, and gray. A particularly noteworthy piece from this series is the vintage-style slate grey Zenith Heritage Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Ton-Up, which costs approximately $5,359 USD. 

Price and Features of the Zenith Pilot GMT 

The Zenith Pilot Type 20 GMT watch is the timepiece series for both global pilots and travelers. The watches under this series have a built-in sub dial located on the 9 o’clock position of the dial. This sub-dial allows the wearer to keep track of a second time zone, making it a perfect timepiece for pilots or tourists who travel globally. They feature massive dials of 48mm in stainless steel or titanium cases. Their dial colors are typically in subdued shades of blue, grey, and black. In 2017, though, the brand released a limited-edition watch as a tribute to Rolling Stones. Unlike Zenith’s usual antiquated designs, this $5,765 USD Zenith Pilot Type 20 GMT Rolling Stones watch sports a flashy dial rocking the logo of the iconic English rock band. 

Price and Features of the Zenith Pilot Annual Calendar Models

There’s also the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Annual Calendar timepieces for busy people who want to keep track of the time, day, and date at once. These luxury 48mm watches approximately cost between $5,500 USD and $19,170 USD,depending on the model and materials used. They feature a date window on the 6 o’clock position and current day and month indicators near 3 o’clock. Additionally, they are also equipped with a small seconds dial and a chronograph counter. Because of its amazing modifications, people who follow a strict and hectic schedule will surely appreciate this watch series.

The Latest Zenith Pilot Model

The Swiss collection’s newest model is the limited-edition Zenith Pilot Type Extra Special Silver. The first ever silver case, this 45mm watch conjures the image of a vintage aircraft with its patterned surface on the dial. Held secure by a brown nubuck leather strap, its back is carved with a Zenith flying instruments logo. It is a self-winding watch with a 50-hour power reserve. It shares some features with the older models such as 100m water resistance and 30-minute and small second indicators. This is a rare watch because of its state-of-the-art design, and there are only 250 available pieces of this model.

Zenith Pilot — Is it a good investment?

French pilots have worn Zenith Pilot watches during World War II because of their accuracy and precision. The watches were placed in the plane to keep track of time during flight due to their compact build and large dial numerals. Aside from this, the timepieces are also durable enough to withstand low air pressure in high altitudes. 

Meanwhile, the newer models have kept the collection’s old-fashioned design. The Swiss brand also added some modern features for a completely different aesthetic. Overall, the collection’s rich heritage, along with its durability and modifications, makes Zenith Pilot a great investment.

Zenith Pilot's Reliable Movements 

Behind Zenith Pilot’s precise timekeeping is a variety of internal calibers such as the Zenith Elite, Zenith El Primero, and many more. Each caliber is exclusively designed for a specific series.

For example, the Zenith El Primero caliber powers the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph series. This caliber manages to keep track 1/10ths of a second due to its high balance frequency. Aside from its precision, it’s also the first caliber designed for chronograph movement. This makes it both historical and extremely accurate in terms of timekeeping.

Another caliber example by the Swiss brand is the Zenith 146 DP which powered the Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback models in the past. This caliber is based on the Caliber 749, a creation made by Martel, Zenith’s manufacturing partner since the 1960s. In general, these calibers are one of the main foundations of Zenith’s accurate timekeeping.

Up Close with the Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback Watch

After its introduction in 2018, the Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback easily became one of the Swiss brand’s most famous limited-edition models. The series was inspired by A. Cairelli of Roma which was a military timepiece during the 1960s. Due to its vintage dial combined with other modern details, it’s not surprising that the Cronometro became one of Zenith’s most popular products.

This limited-edition series of the Zenith Pilot 20 Chronograph also shares some features with the original Zenith Chronograph watches. These modifications include a 100m water resistance, 50-hour power reserve, and stainless steel or bronze case. It also has two sub-dials located on the 3 and 9 o’clock positions. But what makes this series different from the other models is its caseback, which is transparent. This allows the wearer to see the intricate Zenith Calibre El Primero which powers the watch. Overall, the amazing combination of rustic design and contemporary style made Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback watches unique and different.

The watches under this collection are available in colors such as grey and champagne. And as for its cost, a brand new Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback has a retail price of $5,379 USD.

History Behind the Zenith Pilot Watch

Swiss manufacturer Zenith was founded in 1865, making it one of the oldest watch brands in the world. And it’s not really surprising that the Zenith Pilot became an important timepiece collection in history. 

French aviator Louis Blériot was wearing a Zenith watch when he became the first person to fly across the English Channel. This led to the Swiss brand being a notable timepiece in France. Then when World War II started in 1939, France enlisted the help of Zenith to produce watches for their air force units. This allowed Zenith to make their first Pilot model: The Type 20 Montre d’Aéronef. Due to its large and easy-to-read numerals, this vintage Zenith pilot model was fitted by French aviators to their planes’ cockpit instrument panel.

And after many years since the end of the war, Zenith kept on manufacturing models for this collection. They kept the aged appearance of the watch as an ode to their rich history. Aside from the dial design, these watches also have huge onion-shaped crowns, luminescent Arabic numerals made of SuperLuminova, and “cathedral hands” for an even more old-school appeal. This old-fashioned look attracts both outdoor adventurers and watch collectors while showcasing the brand’s rich heritage.

Five reasons to Buy a Zenith Pilot Watch

1. Vintage Appearance

As Zenith’s trademark, the retro appearance is an eye-catching feature of the collection. Not only does the look gather attention, but it also lets people have a short glimpse into the past.

2. Rich History

Zenith Pilot watches are worn in historical events such as the first successful flight across the English Channel and World War II. Because of this, both watch enthusiasts and history buffs will appreciate the collection’s vibrant heritage. 

3. High Durability

With cases made of stainless steel, bronze, titanium, or silver plus a 100m water resistance, Zenith Pilot watches are not just all looks. As seen throughout the years, these timepieces also have amazing longevity and resilience.

4. Sophisticated Design

Aside from the antiqued aesthetic, Zenith Pilot watches also have state-of-the-art designs. The newer models in particular, are perfect examples of old-fashioned appearances fused with contemporary modifications.

5. Accurate and Reliable

Due to their carefully crafted and intricate calibers, Zenith Pilot watches are precise when it comes to timekeeping. Their accuracy even became an asset to French pilots during World War II. And if professional aviators can rely on the Swiss timepieces’ precision, then so can you.

Zenith Pilot: The Perfect Fusion of Vintage and Modern

The Zenith Pilot’s old-school appearance fused with contemporary innovation makes it a wonderful choice for luxury watch collectors and enthusiasts. And due to its rich heritage, even history buffs may also be fond of this collection. Overall, the Zenith Pilot allows the new generations to have a small and quick look at its colorful past.