Echoing a historic Zenith chronograph watch from the 1960-80s, the Pilot Big Date Special has functionality as its guiding principle. Its steel case is a moderate 42 mm in diameter, with classically styled alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes.
The matt black dial, sandblasted five times, sets off the time displays, which visually are in perfect balance. The small seconds counter is at 9 o’clock, exactly opposite the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. Both feature a snailed decoration.
A pair of hands treated with black ruthenium and highlighted with Superluminova mark the hours and minutes in a decisively masculine and modern style. Their sporty, dynamic shape matches the refined graphic style of the Arabic numerals that pay simple and solemn tribute to those of the 1960 chronograph.
Behind the scenes, the El Primero 4010 calibre ticks away with an exceptionally consistent beat. Its finishes can be seen through the sapphire caseback. The winding rotor is decorated with thin Côtes de Genève in the purest watchmaking tradition.
Inspired by the classic watches, it has a hand-topstitched leather strap. The Pilot Big date special, 2012 is also available in a version with a steel Milanese mesh bracelet lends it a timeless elegance that will last through the ages without regard to the passing of time.
Technical details
Model: Zenith Pilot Big Date Special
References
Pilot Big Date Special with leather strap: 03.2410.4010/21.C722
Pilot Big Date Special with Milanese mesh bracelet: 03.2410.4010/21.M2410
Movement
El Primero Calibre 4010, self-winding
Total diameter: 30 mm
Thickness: 7.65 mm
306 parts
31 jewels
Cadence of the balance 36,000 vph
50-hour power reserve
Functions
Central hours and minutes
Small seconds at 9 o’clock
30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock
Sweep seconds hand
Large date at 6 o’clock
Case
Polished and satin-brushed steel
Diameter: 42 mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Sapphire crystal caseback
Dial
Matt black with Superluminova-enhanced hands and numerals
Strap/Bracelet
Calfskin strap with hand-sewn topstitching, pin buckle
Milanese mesh steel bracelet, triple folding clasp
