Zenith Collaborates With Porter On The Pilot Automatic And Big Date Flyback Porter Limited Editions
Zenith often hits the sweet spot when it comes to creating exciting, standout variations of its watches. With the new Zenith Pilot Automatic and Big Date Flyback Porter limited editions, we are treated to two great new versions of the existing Pilot models. Not only do we get a great color variation of the two watches, but the Japanese bag company Porter also plays a significant part in making these new limited editions absolutely wonderful. Let’s check them out!
It’s no secret that I am a big Zenith fan. Besides a great collection with some of my favorite watch models currently out there, the brand also has one of the best creative teams in the industry right now. Zenith has proven this repeatedly with its different limited-edition releases. I can easily drum up a list of 5–10 that I adore. The first ones that come to mind are the A3818 “Cover Girl” reissues in titanium and steel, the trilogy of A384 Lupin The Third editions, the Chronomaster Revival “Poker Chip,” and the salmon-dial Chronomaster Original created for Hodinkee. They are all perfect proof of the great creativity that made the Zenith classics work in creative new ways.
The story of the Zenith Pilot Automatic and Big Date Flyback Porter limited editions
With the new collaborative efforts that Zenith created with Porter, we have more proof. For those unfamiliar with Porter, it is a Japanese bag brand by Yoshida & Company. Porter is known worldwide for its high-quality bags. The great thing about these new limited editions is that it’s not simply a matter of Porter signing up for a co-branded watch. The Japanese brand supplied the straps for the two new watches. Additionally, buyers of one of these limited editions will get a specially developed bag in Porter’s signature khaki-green color. The inside of the bag is in Zenith’s signature blue, and it nicely holds the watch box. The bag is signed by both brands as a reminder of this special collaboration.
The two new watches are special versions of the Zenith Pilot Automatic and Pilot Big Date Flyback. Both have a green ceramic case and a matching green dial with orange accents. Finishing the look is a khaki-green two-piece nylon Porter strap with an orange Velcro closure. The result is a duo that stands out immediately. If you ask me, the classic combination of green and orange looks great! It is famously used for bomber jackets worn by pilots. So not only does the combination of colors make these the best-looking Pilot models until now, but it also fits the aviation theme perfectly.
The Zenith Pilot Automatic Porter
Let’s go over some details, starting with the Pilot Automatic model. This watch features a 40mm green ceramic case with a 12.9mm thickness, a 49.6mm lug-to-lug, and a 100m water resistance rating. On the right side of the case, you will find a large black crown with deep notches to ensure easy grip. Zenith has combined the matte case with a matching khaki-green dial featuring horizontal grooves, applied Arabic numerals, and a date window at 6 o’clock.
On the upper half of the dial, you will find the logos of both brands. The lower half holds the “Pilot” designation. Nicely contrasting the dial is a bright orange handset filled with white Super-LumNova, just like the applied numeral hour markers. Finishing the look is the aforementioned khaki-green nylon strap courtesy of Porter. Additionally, buyers will get a green Cordura-effect rubber strap with a black PVD-treated steel buckle.
The in-house Zenith El Primero 3620 caliber
Zenith equips this watch with its in-house El Primero 3620 movement. The 27-jewel automatic caliber has a 5Hz frequency and offers 60 hours of power reserve. As Brandon explained in last year’s article about the redesigned Pilot models, the finishing is pretty straightforward, with straight graining and a black open-worked rotor. This chronograph-less El Primero caliber also powers the Defy Skyline. It is a great high-beat movement that reminds the wearer of the brilliant series of calibers that Zenith introduced in 1969.
The new Pilot Automatic Porter edition finds the perfect balance between the watch’s utilitarian nature and its stylish presence. I would pick the nylon strap with its orange Velcro elements and the stitched Porter logo patch. Not only does it look cool, but it also gives the watch that little extra to remind you of the special collaboration. The new Zenith Pilot Automatic Porter edition has a price of €11,800 and is a limited edition of 500 pieces.
The Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback Porter
The second model is the Zenith Big Date Flyback Porter edition. This watch is slightly bigger, with a 42.5mm green ceramic case that is 51.4mm long, and 14.3mm thick. It features a similar-style khaki-green dial with the same groove pattern. But since this is a chronograph, the dial features an oversized 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and running seconds at 9. Both sub-dials contain small orange hands to match the three orange central hands.
Within the 30-minute counter, we find extra orange accents for every other five-minute portion, adding even more color. The lower half of the dial features a big date window with the Pilot designation right below it. Just like on the Pilot Automatic model, the upper half bears the logos of the two brands. Despite the rich use of orange, the watch feels vibrant but not too colorful. The dial and its sub-dials are easy to read and make for a stylish piece in combination with the case and the strap.
The in-house Zenith El Primero 3652 movement
Powering the Pilot Big Date Flyback is the brand’s in-house El Primero 3652 movement. The caliber is visible through the sapphire part of the black case back. This sapphire window also features the Porter logo in white. The high-beat movement runs at 36,000 beats per hour, has 35 jewels, and offers 60 hours of power reserve. The 30-minute chronograph is equipped with a column wheel and a lateral clutch. Plus, as it has a flyback function, the caliber allows you to time back-to-back events without stopping, resetting, and restarting the chronograph. A simple click of the pusher at 4 o’clock will have the central chronograph hand jump back to zero and start again.
The movement is a joy to witness in action and features the same black open-worked rotor as the Pilot Automatic model. However, it must be said that the Porter logo is fairly prominent and takes center stage when you turn the watch around. But that does not spoil the fun for me at all. The Zenith Big Date Flyback Porter edition will also be produced in a limited run of 500 pieces. It will cost €16,200 and, just like the Automatic model, will come with two straps and the specially designed Porter bag.
Final thoughts on the Zenith Pilot Automatic and Big Date Flyback Porter limited editions
Zenith’s Pilot watches are not my favorite series in the brand’s collection. There are simply too many other great options that I hold dear to my heart. The Chronomaster line contains some of my favorites, especially the Chronomaster A384, Chronomaster Original, and Chronomaster Sport. Having said that, I love these two new Porter editions because they show a new, thoroughly enjoyable side to the Pilot watches. The colors and materials make for a great duo of limited editions.
It surely helps that I love the Porter brand as well. While it would not pull me over the line to buy these two watches, it does help me appreciate the collaborative efforts. The fact that Porter had a significant part in bringing these versions to life proves that it was a collaboration done right. Add the great creative efforts of the Zenith design team in devising the beautiful green and orange Porter editions, and I can have nothing but respect for these latest Pilot Automatic and Pilot Big Date Flyback models. This release further solidifies the feeling that Zenith is probably my favorite watch brand out there right now.
But what are your thoughts on these new Zenith Pilot Porter limited editions? As always, feel free to let us know in the comments section.
