I love Zenith.
This is a nice watch, but it feels a bit like it doesn't know what it is. I would rather a bigger size, and no date on a pilot.

 

Interesting take. I think it competes with IWC Mark series, but with a bolder style. It’s so unique.


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I like it a lot. Of course people who were hoping for some old timey looking thing like the last one were disappointed, but this is a modern watch for a modern audience. Zenith wants to compete, not just do historical pilot offerings for a small audience. People saying "it doesn't know what it is" don't get it and aren't the buyer...

I agree with you that it lands squarely in IWC territory, especially the ceramic. It also brings more heat than the IWC in technical regards and references zenith history nicely with the stratos rainbow look.

My only dig is that the integration of the not-quite bezel into the case makes it look a lot like the unimatic U4...

 

To me, I think case has a bit of a Nautilus look.

I actually like the design. Some of the IWCs can be a bit stoic/cold. This has a healthy bit of interesting design to it. Tried it on and absolutely hate the deployent. These brands that think they are offering something with an uncomfortable deployent should stick to a pin buckle. Any chance we get a bracelet from Zenith for this?


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This was a deployant that hasn’t felt uncomfortable, doesn’t dig into my wrist at all. The pain is that the one side is looser than it should be and disengages occasionally. Not enough where the whole strap opens up, but enough to be annoying.
I haven’t heard anything about a bracelet option, but I’d buy the bracelet immediately if they offered it up for sale.


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I actually like the design. Some of the IWCs can be a bit stoic/cold. This has a healthy bit of interesting design to it. Tried it on and absolutely hate the deployent. These brands that think they are offering something with an uncomfortable deployent should stick to a pin buckle. Any chance we get a bracelet from Zenith for this?


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Yes, I at first thought "So much like an IWC Mark series watch". However, there are some differences including the full numerals on the dial (no marker at 12:00) so it does present a viable alternative. Being old fashioned, I prefer the old Special Type 20 series but I can see this appealing to those who like more modern watches.

Hartmut Richter

 

Zenith offered the Special Type 20 series for so long, they probably figured if you wanted one, you would have already gotten one. I like this take a lot better than the Type 20, but then again, I'm not buying one so my opinion isn't a relative as someone looking for a pilots watch. I was looking at the 38mm Top Gun this weekend in the boutique, and while nice (and I'm glad they are actually making the smaller size) it just doesn't do anything for me. At least the Zenith has some character, IMHO.

 

Great video. Not sure what to make of that watch though. I own an IWC Mk XX and immediately felt the resemblance when I saw your video. I like my Mk XX but the accuracy isnt great. Im fairly new to Zenith but I have to say I find the quality and attention to detail on the watches ive handled have been very impressive. Got my beady eye on the Defy Skyline.

 

It's a great looking piece. I just wish that it didn't have the date on the dial. It would be so clean then

Leo Says Hi [emoji190]

 

I’m struggling. Would buy this if on a bracelet. The Mark XX has a great bracelet and nice strap options. Both are 100m WR, but the IWC has a screw down crown. Also like the 41mm IWC Chrono, but afraid it may wear too big for a daily. The Chronosport is an option but totally diff look.


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The main similarities are the Arabic numerals and case style. Mark XX is on the smaller size of 40mm, the Zenith case style is more bold. IMHO The El Primero is superior on the inside, but the Mark XX bracelet takes it on the outside.I like the straps on the Zenith, I would buy a bracelet if they offer the option.

The lume is better on the Zenith, I wish they put lume in the numbers on the Mark XX.

Aesthetically these offer great choices. Black, Blue, or Green on the Mark XX or black or stainless steel cases on the Zenith. I feel the Zenith dial edges out the Mark XX. I like the ridges, I like the floating hands, the high beat movement has the second hand look almost like a Grand Seiko Spring drive. Having owned both, you can’t lose with either.

Regarding the IWC Chrono41, I had the blue, the blue with bronze case, and have the green dial bronze Spitfire now. Very comfortable watches. 41mm is a good size. You want to try them before you buy of course, these are good money, you want to make sure your happy in the end.


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I got to try this on in an airport boutique in Geneva a little while ago. I didn’t know how I felt about it when I saw the photos in the marketing release materials, but when I tried it on in person I liked it. It’s a nicely sized well rounded sport watch. It seems fairly subdued but has interesting details when examined closely. One might see details similar to Patek or IWC, but it has many features specific to Zenith like the Pilot mention on the dial and the seconds hand similar to other Zenith Pilot watches. The like that the buckle part of the clasp tapers inward instead of outward like the previous generation of Chronomaster clasps that have been in circulation since ~2012.

If the price were half what they are asking and I was looking for a “wear it everywhere” casual watch I might go for it. For now I’m glad to just know it exists and that Zenith has released a new design.

 

Discounts can be had on these. If you live in USA, shoot me a PM, I could refer you to a couple of good AD’s.


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I'm quite fond of the steel variant. It looks refreshing for a pilot watch but is still classic enough to wear daily. And that high beat movement is a nice addition over similar priced options.

 

It could easily be a 1 watch collection piece. Would love to see them add a bracelet option.


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This is nice but overlaps too much with my AT.

 

Hey DougFNJ, great review. Watched it before I bought mine this week. I’ve owned the IWC Mark XVIII, a Stowa and currently own a IWC Mark XII and can honestly say the Zenith Pilot is way ahead. There are several subtle (and not so subtle) things that make it interesting and enjoyable to wear.

The applied indices, ridged dial, date and horizontal dash at 6, brushed bezel, beveled lugs, unique and cool crown, all add a whole new dimension to the perennially boring pilot. No need to mention how fantastic the EP movement is. It’s a completely different wearing experience, and other than the distinctive high legibility I’d really call it a sport watch. The OEM rubber is great, but I tend to lean toward really soft straps so I tried 8-9 on it and all looked great. Who knew it’d be a strap monster, but it is.

Granted, I’m still on honeymoon with it but it’s clearly one of the more enjoyable watches I own. The fact it flies (pun!) under the radar is a bonus.

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You nailed it Franco!! Honeymoon phase doesn’t shake off easily in this piece. What’s that green canvas strap? is that leather backed? I like that!
Also just ordered some Everest straps for it. I also like soft straps. I’ll post photos when it arrives.


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Hey all,

Surprised this watch went so under the radar from Watches and Wonders. Just uploaded my review of the 2023 Zenith Pilot Automatic. Please let me know what you think! Enjoy.

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Great video! I liked and subscribed!

Beautiful watch!

Many thanks for your contribution!

 

Thank you!! This has been a regular in the rotation. Appreciate it every time I look at it during the day.


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I got to try on both the steel and the ceramic version the other day. At this price point, I'd say it is probably the nicest finished pilot watch one could buy. Compared to my Iwc mark xx, the applied indices, movement finishing and case elevates the Zenith by quite a margin.

One thing I didn't like though was that the design felt somewhat derivative of an Aquanaut, most notably the brushed large bezel and the dial texture.

While the previous pilot collection leaned too heavily into the vintage space, this almost seems to steer away from it completely. There really isn't much here reminiscent of Zenith's old pilot watches (other than maybe the typeface used for the indices). I think maybe Zenith could have drawn a bit more from their rich history, while it still feeling like a modern piece.

 

While the previous pilot collection leaned too heavily into the vintage space, this almost seems to steer away from it completely. There really isn't much here reminiscent of Zenith's old pilot watches (other than maybe the typeface used for the indices). I think maybe Zenith could have drawn a bit more from their rich history, while it still feeling like a modern piece.

Well, you can't just stay put and never come up with anything new (unless you're Rolex! ). I think that the pressing question is whether people like it. Those who like and own the "Type 20 Special" Pilots are unlikely to buy another one of those as their next watch but may well buy this to complement the old ones. I could certainly go for it.

Hartmut Richter

 

I love it. If I had the coin I'd get it!

(after I get a couple of watches I've been eyeing off for a long time first)

 

This reference is flying on my radar. I find it stunning as a wrist watch.

 

It's beautiful!

 

Speculative question: Anyone think that Zenith will also do a midsize version of the three-hander? It's been the MO with the Elite line, as well as the Defy series (Chronomaster, too, if you count the fact that different models use different diameters).

Haven't tried it on, but looks really big, especially w/what appears to be a true 40mm diameter and the lengthy lugs.

I'd be all over a 36/37mm version, even if it forewent the EP for an Elite movement (so long as other specs the same - i.e. WR and subdued colors and no bright dials/diamonds).

 

I dunno, I get the feeling that 40 mm is as small as they’ll go with this design. I think the smallest the Type 20 pilot was 40 mm.

 

I dunno, I get the feeling that 40 mm is as small as they’ll go with this design. I think the smallest the Type 20 pilot was 40 mm.

But weren't most Type XX pilots chronographs? I'd expect a chronograph to be bigger. FWIW, Mathey Tissot did a Type XX non-chrono in 38mm, and the original IWC MK XI was something very small, like 33.

 

Seems to me that most of the Zenith Type 20 models were not chronographs. The line was kicked off with the caliber 5011k, which is a giant pocket watch/marine chronometer movement. From there I’d say that the number of three hand (and GMT) Type 20 models were equally if not more numerous than the chrono versions (like the Ton Up or Annual Calendar).

Concerning size, I agree that sub 40 mm is nice, even if it’s for a pilot watch. I just don’t get the feeling that Zenith would consider going lower.

IWC has that 36 mm pilot, as has been pointed out. I just checked what Oris’ Big Crown 1917 was sized at and it’s 40 mm. That’s as vintage a design as you can get for pilot watches and it doesn’t go into the 30 mm range.

 

It’s a pilot’s watch. It’s supposed to be 40mm+. Why do people keep clamoring for lady’s size watches? Let the watch be what it’s supposed to be (in this case - a large watch themed for aviators).

 

Well, as Zenith's CEO has essentially stated: they aren't making watches for actual pilots or divers, rather those who appreciate those styles for everyday wear. So making a watch in a variety of sizes makes a lot of sense.

Second, and I think this bears repeating: simply being sub-40mm does not a "lady's size" make. Some guys prefer smaller, more classically proportioned watches. What makes most 34-37mm watches "ladies" has nothing to do with the size per se and everything to do with the overall aesthetic, such as dial color, gem setting, and (sometimes) names. For example, the 36mm Defy watches. The Midnight series was always extremely feminine, due to its dial colors and ubiquitous use of diamonds. The Skyline is a mix, with the pink dial, diamond bezel also at the "very feminine" end, while the dark (and even ice) blue, non-diamond versions are about as "unisex" as a watch can get this side of a Rolex OP/DJ 36.

 

Didn't care for these when I saw the photos. Was a big fan of the last gen pilots. Saw one in person this week and it is SO much nicer in the metal. Its on my list now.

 

Picked mine up today. In the metal the watch screams quality, one chain of UK ADs was offering 20% off all Zeniths and that was enough to put me over the edge.

Very nice watch, very happy with it but I will say that I think it is more of a Sports watch than a Pilot's watch!

There's a noticeable step up in finishing compared to an IWC Mark XX

 

Big fan of these. Zenith did well here. This is a nice refresh. The steel and ceramic are both top notch pilot sport watches. I own the steel but I'm leaning towards getting the sleek ceramic version.

 

I have talked myself into getting the ceramic version. Will be ordering in the next week or so!

 

I did the same! Thoughts on the ceramic now that you own?