In celebration of its 160th anniversary, ZENITH proudly unveils an exceptional trio of watches reimagined in monochromatic blue, the Maison’s signature colour. Three of the most emblematic ZENITH chronographs will be offered in blue ceramic specially developed for the occasion: a CHRONOMASTER Sport, a DEFY Skyline Chronograph and a PILOT Chronograph. Available in exclusive limited editions of 160 pieces each, they can be purchased individually or in a special anniversary box set.
Legend has it that the ZENITH name was inspired by a bright, night sky full of stars. This vision came to its founder, Georges Favre-Jacot, as a reference to the highest point reached by a celestial body in the sky, symbolizing the heights of excellence to which he aspired. Since then, the Maison has been driven by a relentless pursuit of perfection in every aspect of the watchmaking art. In line with this vision and reflecting the infinity of the skies, blue has become ZENITH’s signature colour.
Durable, lightweight, soft to the touch, highly scratch-resistant, and biocompatible, ceramic is an exceptional yet demanding material. It can be produced in a vast array of colours and, unlike metals that rely on surface coatings, it is integrally coloured, which contributes to its unique sheen and depth. While producing black and white ceramic is relatively straightforward, creating a new and specific shade, such as the ZENITH’s blue, is a delicate and complex endeavor requiring months of development. Shaping and finishing ceramic components is equally challenging, demanding advanced techniques. Despite these complexities, ZENITH takes pride in finishing its ceramic watches with the same meticulous attention to detail as its gold or steel timepieces.
This new blue ceramic hue is being introduced simultaneously across three of ZENITH’s most emblematic chronographs as part of the Maison’s 160th anniversary. Released in limited editions of 160 pieces each, these watches can be purchased individually or as a set in a special anniversary box—to which the G.F.J can be added.
All three watches are available exclusively through the Maison’s physical and online boutiques, as well as authorized retailers worldwide.
“Blue has always been a defining element of ZENITH’s identity, symbolizing our connection to the sky and the pioneering spirit that has driven us for 160 years. To mark this milestone, we wanted to give our signature color a new dimension through a trilogy of ceramic chronographs. More than a tribute to our heritage, these timepieces embody the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship that continue to shape the future of our Maison. We are proud to celebrate this anniversary with such a bold and meaningful creation.”
Benoît de Clerck, CEO of ZENITH WATCHES.
PILOT BIG DATE FLYBACK 160th ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Introduced in 2023, the ZENITH PILOT is the result of the Maison’s enduring fascination with aviation. Georges Favre-Jacot, the Maison’s founder, filed a trademark for the French term “Pilote” as early as 1888 and for the English term “Pilot” in 1904. ZENITH soon became a prominent manufacturer of pilot watches and dashboard instruments, with its timepieces accompanying remarkable individuals who dared to dream big and achieve the impossible, including Louis Blériot, the first person to fly across the English Channel in 1909.
As the Maison celebrates its 160th anniversary, the PILOT Big Date Flyback is unveiled in a striking monochrome blue version, featuring a matching case, dial, and strap. Crafted from micro-blasted ceramic in a new, bright blue shade, the 42.5 mm case is complemented by a titanium crown and rectangular push-pieces. The hands and large Arabic numerals on the corrugated dial are coated with luminescent material, ensuring optimal legibility under all conditions.
Powering the PILOT Big Date Flyback Edition 160th anniversary edition is the El Primero 3652 calibre—an evolution of ZENITH’s legendary high-frequency automatic chronograph. This movement integrates both a big date and a flyback function. The big date display, with two large digits, guarantees exceptional readability, while a patented compliant mechanism enables the date to change in just 0.007 seconds. True to pilot chronograph traditions, the flyback function allows pilots to reset and restart the chronograph with a single push, streamlining calculations during flight by eliminating the need for the conventional three-step start-stop-reset sequence. The movement, visible through the sapphire case back, is adorned with a customized rotor featuring a 160th-anniversary emblem.
This exclusive 160-piece limited edition is delivered with a blue Cordura-effect rubber strap and an additional white Cordura-effect strap, both secured with a steel triple-folding clasp. A user-friendly strap-change system enables quick and tool-free swapping, enhancing versatility and comfort.
DEFY SKYLINE CHRONOGRAPH 160th ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Effortlessly bridging heritage and modernity, the DEFY Skyline Chronograph is a contemporary successor to the 1969 DEFY—a robust and daring model distinguished by its architectural case and multi-faceted bezel. Since its introduction in 2024, the collection has been offered in various steel versions. Now, in celebration of the brand’s 160th anniversary, it is reimagined with an even bolder aesthetic. For the first time, it is crafted entirely in ceramic, featuring ZENITH’s signature blue in a shade specifically developed by the brand. The deep hue of the faceted 42 mm case and bracelet is echoed on the dial, adorned with an engraved geometric motif inspired by the brand’s four-pointed star.
At its heart lies the El Primero 3600 calibre, a modern evolution of ZENITH’s legendary high-frequency chronograph, originally introduced in 2019. This movement uniquely displays 1/10th of a second with remarkable clarity, with the chronograph seconds hand completing a full revolution every 10 seconds—six times faster than the standard chronograph. Operating at a frequency of 5 Hz, it ensures precise 1/10th-of-a-second measurements aligned with the chapter ring’s graduations. A stop-seconds mechanism allows for accurate time setting, while the movement, visible through the sapphire case back, features a satin-brushed oscillating weight engraved with a “160th Anniversary” inscription.
Designed for ultimate versatility, the DEFY Skyline Chronograph Edition 160th anniversary edition incorporates a user-friendly quick strap-change system seamlessly integrated into the case. With a simple push of a button, the three-link ceramic bracelet can be effortlessly swapped for the accompanying star-patterned blue rubber strap, secured with a steel folding clasp.
CHRONOMASTER SPORT 160th ANNIVERSARY EDITION
The culmination of a unique legacy of chronographs, the CHRONOMASTER Sport showcases the brand’s mastery of high-frequency timekeeping in a sporty design that is contemporary yet unmistakably ZENITH. For the 160th anniversary of the Maison, the quintessential ZENITH sporty-chic chronograph is made available for the first time in blue ceramic. The lines of the sleek 41 mm case, with pump-style pushers and faceted lugs, are accented by alternating brushed and polished surfaces. Its striking blue hue extends to the sunray-finished dial, which features the brand’s signature 3-6-9 tricolour overlapping counters. The faceted markers, along with the hour, minute, and second hands, are coated with luminescent material, while the chronograph hands are highlighted with a red tip.
The CHRONOMASTER Sport is powered by the El Primero 3600, the result of 56 years of refining ZENITH’s celebrated high-frequency chronograph. Operating at 36,000 vph, it delivers 1/10th of a second chronograph readings on its bezel as the central chronograph seconds hand completes one full rotation around the dial in just 10 seconds. Its intricate architecture is visible through the sapphire display case back, revealing the column wheel, horizontal clutch, and a special “160th Anniversary” openworked oscillating weight.
The CHRONOMASTER Sport 160th anniversary edition comes with two straps: a blue ceramic bracelet with a ceramic folding clasp and a blue rubber strap with a steel folding clasp.
ZENITH: THE HEART OF WATCHMAKING
Founded in 1865 in Le Locle, Switzerland, ZENITH has been at the forefront of Swiss watchmaking for over 160 years, driven by a pioneering spirit and a relentless pursuit of precision. As the first vertically integrated Swiss watch manufacture, ZENITH has continuously revolutionized horology by developing and manufacturing in-house movement, most notably the El Primero, the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre launched in 1969, renowned for its unparalleled precision and high-frequency performance.
ZENITH’s timepieces celebrate its dedication to innovation and exceptional craftsmanship. The CHRONOMASTER collection highlights the brand’s mastery of high-precision chronographs, the DEFY showcases technical innovation and bold design, while the PILOT collection celebrates ZENITH’s storied aviation legacy with distinctive, adventure-ready timepieces. This unwavering commitment to precision has been recognized with an unparalleled 2,333 chronometry prizes, underscoring ZENITH’s enduring legacy of excellence.
Throughout its history, ZENITH timepieces have accompanied pioneers who dared to dream big and achieve the extraordinary: from Louis Blériot’s historic flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking stratospheric free-fall jump. This daring spirit continues to drive the Maison as it redefines the future of Swiss watchmaking.
Celebrating over a century and a half of excellence, innovation, and purpose, ZENITH remains at the forefront of Swiss horology, empowering those who challenge conventions and strive for greatness.
From Le Locle to the world, from 1865 to now, ZENITH is the heart of watchmaking.
PILOT BIG DATE FLYBACK 160th ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Reference: 49.4002.3652/51.I009
Key points: Exclusive blue ceramic edition for the 160th Anniversary of the Brand.
Automatic El Primero column-wheel chronograph with flyback function.
Patented Big Date at 6 o’clock.
Instantaneous Big Date jump in 0.007 sec (0.02 for discs jump & stabilization).
Stop-second mechanism.
Interchangeable strap system.
Movement: El Primero 3652 automatic
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power reserve: 60 hours
Functions: Hours and minutes in the center. Small seconds at 9 o’clock
Instantaneous Big Date at 6 o’clock. Flyback Chronograph. 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock.
Finishes: Special “160th Anniversary” oscillating weight with satined finishings.
Price: 15’400 CHF / 16’500 Euros / 15’500 USD
Material: Blue microblasted ceramic.
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Case: 41mm / Thickness: 14.25 mm / Lug to lug: 52 mm
Dial: Blue dial with horizontal grooves.
Hour markers: Applied arabic numerals in SuperLuminova SLN C1.
Hands: Blue & white with SLN C1.
Bracelet & Buckle: Comes with 2 straps: Blue cordura effect rubber strap and a white cordura effect strap. Steel triple folding clasp.
DEFY SKYLINE CHRONOGRAPH 160th ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Reference: 49.9502.3600/51.I001
Key points: Exclusive blue ceramic edition for the 160th Anniversary of the Brand.
Automatic El Primero column-wheel chronograph able to measure and display 1/10th of a second.
Date indication. Silicon escape-wheel and lever. Screwed-in crown.
Full Interchangeable strap system. Stop-second mechanism.
Movement: El Primero 3600 automatic
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power reserve: 60 hours
Functions: 1/10th of a second chronograph functions. Hours and minutes in the center.
Small seconds at 9 o’clock.
Central chronograph hand that makes one turn in 10 seconds, 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock,
60-second counter at 3 o’clock. Date indication at 4:30 o’clock.
Finishes: Special “160th Anniversary” oscillating weight with satined finishings
Price: 22’900 CHF / 24’800 Euros / 23’800 USD
Material: Blue Ceramic
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Case: 42mm / Thickness: 12.7 mm / Lug to lug: 47.4 mm
Dial: Blue-toned sunray starry sky pattern
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Bracelet & Buckle: Comes with 2 straps: Blue ceramic bracelet with a double folding clasp and blue rubber strap with steel folding clasp.
CHRONOMASTER SPORT 160th ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Reference: 49.3102.3600/51.M3100
Key points: Exclusive blue ceramic edition for the 160th Anniversary of the Brand.
Automatic El Primero column-wheel chronograph able to measure and display 1/10th of a second.
Power reserve of 60 hours. Date indication at 4:30.
Stop-second mechanism.
Movement: El Primero 3600 automatic
Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
Power reserve: 60 hours
Functions: 1/10th of a second chronograph functions. Hours and minutes in the center.
Small seconds at 9 o’clock.
Central chronograph hand that makes one turn in 10 seconds,
60-minute counter at 6 o’clock, 60-second counter at 3 o’clock.
Date indication at 4:30 o’clock
Finishes: Special “160th Anniversary” oscillating weight with satined finishings
Price: 21’900 CHF / 23’700 Euros / 22’700 USD
Material: Blue ceramic
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Case: 41mm / Thickness: 13.6 mm / Lug to lug: 47 mm
Dial: Blue-tones sunray with three different-coloured counters
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Bracelet & Buckle: Comes with 2 straps: Blue ceramic bracelet with ceramic folding clasp and blue rubber strap with steel folding clasp.