Zenith Honours Its Legacy with Exquisite Anniversary Timepieces

One does not simply stay at the pinnacle of luxury for as long as Zenith has without delivering noteworthy creations. From gorgeous designs to groundbreaking movements, the revered Swiss watchmaker has come a long way since founder Georges Favre-Jacot set up shop on Rue des Billodes in 1865. That was, by calculation, exactly 160 years ago. To commemorate this milestone, Zenith has unveiled four novelties that simultaneously pay homage to its heritage and preview what lies beyond the horizon. Both the Zenith Blue Ceramic Chronograph Trilogy – 160th Anniversary Edition and the G.F.J. watch encapsulate the forward-thinking philosophy of the brand. These watches are all anchored by the signature sky blue colour that symbolises the heights of excellence to which Favre-Jacot aspired.

THE PILOT BIG DATE FLYBACK

It is no secret that Zenith has always had a soft spot for the world of aviation. The creation of pilot watches and dashboard instruments, as well as the association with names like Louis Blériot, led to the introduction of the Zenith Pilot line in 2023. Celebrating this part of its history, Zenith has come up with the new Pilot Big Date Flyback. The highlight here is, of course, the 42.5mm ceramic case. It’s durable, lightweight, and biocompatible.

Matching the case with other components of the watch, the Pilot Big Date Flyback boasts a blue dial with horizontal grooves and a blue Cordura-effect rubber strap. The latter also comes in white to ensure versatility. More than just a looker, the watch is equipped with a patented big date display at 6 o’clock and a stop-second mechanism. Under all of these striking specs is the El Primero 3652 calibre, offering a power reserve of 60 hours.

THE DEFY SKYLINE CHRONOGRAPH

The spirit of reinvention is all over the Defy Skyline Chronograph line. Modelled after the 1969 Defy, whose design was defined by its architectural case and multi-faceted bezel, the collection had many feeling both nostalgic and ecstatic when it debuted last year. This time around, it pushes the boundary further with another reboot, particularly for trading its steel frame for a ceramic one. The result is striking: a faceted 42mm case in blue.

Powered by the El Primero 3600 calibre, which promises a 60-hour power reserve, this anniversary edition is able to measure and display 1/10th of a second with great clarity. The watch does not skimp on visuals either. The dial, for instance, commands attention with its geometric motif engraving inspired by the brand’s four-pointed star. The three-link ceramic bracelet and the star-patterned rubber strap elevate the piece to another level.

THE CHRONOMASTER SPORT

Those who seek something on the more rugged side may find the Chronomaster Sport especially interesting. Rehousing the brand’s mastery of high-frequency timekeeping into a sporty design, the final puzzle piece in the Zenith Blue Ceramic Chronograph Trilogy – 160th Anniversary Edition shines the storied watchmaker in a modern light. The sleek 41mm ceramic case and bracelet demonstrate this with the alternating brushed and polished appearances.

Inside, the luminescent watch hands and the date indication at 4:30 hover over the sunray-finished dial. The chronograph hands, additionally, are highlighted with a red tip. Guaranteeing a top-notch performance is the El Primero 3600 automatic movement with a stunning 60-hour power reserve. Just like its two counterparts in the trilogy, the watch can measure and display 1/10th of a second and comes with a stop-second mechanism.

THE G.F.J. WATCH

Before the iconic El Primero, Zenith had taken the world of watchmaking by storm with the calibre 135. It was the frontrunner of the observatory competitions, especially the calibre 135-O variant, which raked in over 200 chronometry awards. This year, Zenith breathes new life into this legendary movement. It retains the integral parts like the dimensions and architecture, and enhances others, like increasing the power reserve from 40 hours to 72.

Named after the initials of the founder, the G.F.J. watch also features a design that blends the old and the new. The dial, for starters, captures the aura of the 1950s. Enclosed by a 39mm platinum round case, it stuns with an outer ring highlighted by a “brick” guilloché pattern and a central part evoking the starry sky with a juxtaposition of gold-coloured pyrite flecks and lapis lazuli. Like the other celebratory watches, the G.F.J. is released in limited editions of 160 pieces.