Zenith Unveils Three Anniversary Editions of Its Top-Selling Timepieces in a Blue Hue for Its 160th Anniversary Celebration
Zenith Unveils Blue Ceramic Watches for 160th Anniversary
Zenith, the Swiss luxury watchmaker, has released a trio of blue ceramic watches to celebrate its 160th anniversary. The collection includes the Defy Skyline Chronograph 160th Anniversary Edition, the G.F.J. 160th Anniversary Edition, and the Pilot Big Date Flyback watch.
The Defy Skyline Chronograph, a modern take on a 1969 model, features a 42mm blue ceramic case and a matching blue ceramic bracelet. It houses Zenith's iconic El Primero movement and boasts a tricompax layout with a 1/10th of a second chronograph reading and a 60-hour power reserve. The watch is limited to 160 units, as are all the watches in the collection.
The G.F.J. 160th Anniversary Edition, with reference number 40.1865.0135/51.C200, is a high-luxury watch crafted from platinum 950. It showcases a blue outer ring with a guilloché texture and a lapis lazuli center, along with a mother-of-pearl small seconds subdial. The watch comes with three strap options – blue alligator, black calfskin, and blue Saffiano calfskin – and an optional platinum bracelet.
The Pilot Big Date Flyback watch, on the other hand, comes with a pair of fabric-looking rubber straps in either blue or white instead of a ceramic bracelet. It features the El Primero 3652 automatic movement with a 5-Hz beat rate and a 60-hour power reserve. The watch's case is made of titanium for the pushers and crown, and it has a subtly grooved dial with a running seconds counter on the left and a recessed 30-minute chronograph counter on the right.
Each watch in the collection is limited to 160 units, and they are available as a three-piece set. The pricing for the collection ranges from $15,500 for the Pilot Big Date Flyback to $23,800 for the Defy Skyline Chronograph, with the price for the collectible box set available upon request.
The anniversary blue signifies both Zenith’s heritage and its innovative craftsmanship, combining high-tech materials like ceramic with refined watchmaking traditions including precious metals and complex movements. The blue ceramic models are especially notable, as Zenith released other blue-themed watches in stainless steel and other materials earlier in the year as part of broader 160th anniversary offerings.
The El Primero movement, first debuted in 1969, is still utilized in Zenith's catalog today. The Chronomaster and Defy Skyline Chronograph are powered by the El Primero 3600, a high-frequency automatic movement with 1/10th of a second chronograph readings and 60 hours of power reserve. The Pilot Big Date Flyback, however, uses the El Primero 3652 movement.
All three watches have exhibition casebacks, showing the movements, with the special 160th anniversary logo on the rotors. They all feature a version of Zenith's iconic El Primero movement, making them a worthy addition to any watch collector's collection.
The Defy Skyline Chronograph 160th Anniversary Edition, with its 42mm blue ceramic case and matching blue ceramic bracelet, showcases a modern style combined with modern technology, embodying Zenith's innovative craftsmanship.
With its El Primero 3652 movement, the Pilot Big Date Flyback watch combines tremendous technology with a unique style, making it an appealing addition to any watch collector's collection.
