ZENITH is celebrating its 160th anniversary with the release of a limited-edition trilogy of its most iconic chronographs, each presented in a newly developed monochromatic blue ceramic.
The Pilot Big Date Flyback
The collection includes the CHRONOMASTER Sport, DEFY Skyline Chronograph, and PILOT Big Date Flyback, all offered in editions of 160 pieces. Each watch is available individually or as part of a special anniversary box set.
The brand’s signature blue pays homage to the sky, long associated with ZENITH since its founding by Georges Favre-Jacot in 1865. Ceramic, chosen for its durability and biocompatibility, is notoriously difficult to produce in specific colours. Creating ZENITH’s custom blue ceramic required months of development, followed by precise finishing techniques to match the standard set by the brand’s gold and steel models.
The PILOT Big Date Flyback 160th Anniversary Edition draws from ZENITH’s aviation legacy, including early pilot watches and instruments. The 42.5 mm model features a blue micro-blasted ceramic case, luminescent numerals and hands, and a corrugated dial. Powered by the El Primero 3652 calibre, the chronograph includes a patented big date that jumps in 0.007 seconds and a flyback function enabling a single-push reset and restart. The case back reveals an anniversary-emblazoned rotor. Priced at 15,400 CHF, it includes blue and white Cordura-effect rubber straps with an interchangeable system.
DEFY Skyline Chronograph
The DEFY Skyline Chronograph 160th Anniversary Edition reimagines the 1969 DEFY with an all-ceramic construction. The 42 mm watch features a faceted case and bracelet, a star-patterned dial, and is powered by the El Primero 3600 calibre. This high-frequency movement tracks 1/10th of a second, with the central hand making a full rotation in 10 seconds. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back, bearing a 160th anniversary engraving. The watch comes with a blue rubber strap and is priced at 22,900 CHF.
Chronomaster Sport
The CHRONOMASTER Sport 160th Anniversary Edition showcases ZENITH’s chronograph innovation in a 41 mm blue ceramic case. The sunray-finished dial includes the brand’s tricolour subdials. Driven by the El Primero 3600, it also measures 1/10th of a second and includes a stop-second mechanism. It is delivered with both a ceramic bracelet and rubber strap and is priced at 21,900 CHF.
All three models are available exclusively through ZENITH boutiques and authorised retailers.
