The new Zenith Pilot - Zenith tries to appeal to a more modern audience
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- Опубликовано: 25 авг 2024
- Zenith released their Pilot automatic at watches and wonders 2023. It's an updated modernised take on the classic pilots watch. Zenith is clearly trying to appeal to a younger, cooler, more hip class of watch buyer.
Will they succeed with the Zenith Pilot? These are my thoughts...
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Prices no longer reflect the watch but rather the ambition and profiling of the brand. Bad for us long-time watch nerds.
So. Very. True...... 🤦♂️
This watch really hits the spot for me. As an ex-owner of a Defy and BB58, this strikes a great one watch balance. Can’t wait to see it in person!
Run down and book a viewing at the AD. Pronto then 😊😊😂
Like I said it will appeal to quite a few people is my guess... 😊
I think I am falling in love with this Zenith. There is something in this watch: Its not that conspicuous compared to probably Oris or Longines aviators but it is there standing classy and elegant. Not boring like the IWC and man ... El Primero movement.
You're team "It's amazing". That's fabulous and I agree the Longines and especially the Oris are far more out there. And yes.... el primero "sighs"... so true .... 😀😀😀
Had my ceramic pilot a few weeks now. Beautiful and understated. Best pilot timepiece out there for me.
Have the steel three hands.
One of the best pilot ard… ❤
Thanks for covering this watch.
My pleasure! 😀
I can't help but see the Aquanaut 5167 here. Obviously there are key differences in the design including the case shape, but to me the inspiration is clear.
That's the first thing I saw as well, a "budget" Aquanaut.
I’m glad I’m not the only one. 😀😀😀
I put the comparison in the video (08:46) just to test out if anybody else noticed. Didn’t want it to be the center conversation piece of the review but when you see it you can’y really unsee it….😂
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Those big white Arabic numerals, dial texture, and even case and strap shape and materials are too darn close. Calling it the "Pilot" tries to make you think of more classic Fliegers like those from IWC, Stowa or Laco, but it's all misdirection. I used to believe that the new Piaget Polo Date with black dial and rubber strap was the big luxury Aquanaut clone, but Zenith has taken the slot. Nevertheless, if the Aquanaut is the look you're going for, the Zenith Pilot isn't too bad for less than a third of the price (and actually available at retail). I would also add that the flyback chronograph versions of the Pilot seem to have a more distinct design language compared to the Aquanaut chronographs.
i Love it, "Zenith is aimed for the hip remote worker", pretty spot on.
thanks 😂😂
In love with this watch
It is a very nice watch 😃
Had to see this one again, thisbwatch is stuck in my hed, love it and hope to gerbiler next year.
Fingees crossed 😀😀
Really love this watch compared to the IWC MkXX or the Iris. I dont feel its boring at all, its stylish. It looks at bit bulky at 12.8mm thick so would love it to be under 11mm. I'll still try one on at some point. I'd like to see one compared to a Sub as a way of basically seeing its size, you mentioned it wears bigger than its 40mm case.
Compared to a sub it's not too bad. The sub wears smaller because of a shorter lug to lug. All things considered the Zenith is relatively speaking on the larger side of things but still in the wearable space.
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I just bought IWC’s latest, Spitfire and love it, but also looking at the newest, Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback, they are very cool as well.
Good choice! The flyback is really cool 😀😀😀
I just tried it on yesterday. Really nice feel and good looking boring watch. I am among those people who like this design. Reminds me of patek phillipe watch. 👍
Love it! Boring and bland is awesome in my opinion, got the Ranger in january and love the simplicity of it, same with this one and the high beat give me goose bumps, this is gonna be my next watch in about 18 months, thanks for your amazing video!
Thanks for the feedback - really appreciate the feedback 😀😀😀
This Zenith Pilot looks like a very well-designed watch (and I like it)! But at the price-point, it seems a bit much. Plus, I own the Mark XX so the Zenith wouldn't add much to my collection in terms of diversity. At any rate, nice review of the watch!
Thx. Glad you found it worthwhile to watch 😊😊
For me, it's the ceramic models that steals the show with these releases. I own the blue IWC Mark XX and I'm planning to pick up the ceramic Pilot 40 from Zenith as a nice daily to compliment it.
Agree. The ceramic version is way cooler. Also som of the non-pilot chronos in ceramic are also badass. I generally gravitate to those more daring Zenith watches.... 😊
Such an intelligent analysis. Subscribed!
thank you!!!! 😀😀
Actually, I don't know exactly why, but this watch fascinates me. It has sth other pilot watches don't have.
That's elegance to me, due to a mix of simplicity, proportions, colors, materials, bracelet.
Anything but a "Did you see me" watch. Probably my next one.
Yup. That simplicity can be very appealing 😀
Very nice analysis . I enjoyed your video.
Much appreciated! 👍👍👍
As always thank you for your great content! I found this video after purchasing the Pilot in steel (preowned) and had a good chuckle when you mentioned this piece is aimed for the “hip remote worker”. I may not self-describe myself as hip, but live in a major US city and am indeed a remote worker. The watch spoke to me as it has a killer movement, Zenith’s horological chops, and oddly enough modern Zenith/LVMH styling which isn’t beholden to vintage cues (cough cough… Tudor) or a particular watch category, making it a great GADA watch that matches my style.
Also, I totally agree with your sentiment that this watch is probably more of a compelling buy at a lower price, something I was able to achieve by getting second hand.
In short, I think there is a market for this watch (albeit not enough to dethrone the Mark XX), but would think it would stand a better chance if it were $2.5-$3K less at MSRP.
Wow this watch is growing on me. I normally gravitate towards smaller watches, but there's something about its ruggedness and utilitarian design that really speaks to me. I do think that there are enough design elements that qualify this watch as non-boring. The case shape, while seen elsewhere, is not your typical pilot shape, the horizontal tubes on the dial are quite unusual and add depth to it, the 6 o'clock bar is pretty unusual but I like how it frames the date and lastly that crown jut makes me wanna play with it. Definitely a watch I want to now try on :)
I recently saw it in person. It looks great and felt comfortable on my wrist.
I really liked this watch. I tried it on and the lugs let me down. Also, I really would have liked it with the big date look they gave the pilot chronograph. The small date at 6 with a weird line by it just didn't make me want it for the price they were asking. Maybe ill get it in a few. years when you can find it for half the price
At the half the price, I'm in 😃
Nice video. I like this watch. The horizontal dial ridges remind me of the corrugations on a Ford Tri-motor. I would never have considered a Pelagos as being in the Pilot Watch category. I also don't think "Pilot" when I look at the Oris. But that's just me. I did like the Chronometro and almost bought one (I still might try and pick one up).
Right on 😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I forgot to add that I think all of the watches in your video are really great watches! It did make me consider them with a new perspective!
Had to watch this incredible video again😂❤️ My god the Zenith Pilot is just an incredible looking piece, hope to get the budget to buy it this summer, would it fit small wrists you think?
This watch needs to be placed within the context of the complete line which includes the flyback chrono in ceramic and one that is multi-colored. Within this collection there is something for differing tastes.
That is true - Also the black version of the same watch for sure 😀😀
Great video. Really enjoy your perspective
I appreciate that! 😀
good review Sir 🙋🇩🇪
Glad you liked it
It might appear boring to some, but to me, the boring watch choices live much, much longer.
I like it very much and the PF Aquanaut came immediately to my mind when i saw it. Pricewise, i don't see it above IWC as well. Maybe gen Z is willing to pay that money.
It is a steep price for a relatively plain offering 👍😊
I've got to ask why the Longines Spirit isnt discussed. ETA 2892 based exclusive movement, real pedigree, great design, price between stowa and Tudor.
Good question - Until recently I hadn't had hands on on the spirit so I generally tend to not comment on watches (in reviews), that I have not had in hand. I cover the Longines GMT in a video I recently released.
Having seen it now, the spirit is a really compelling option for sure and a far sight cheaper than the IWC or the Zenith😀😀😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch thanks for the reply! your videos are great quality and relaxing and informative !
Have you put a timegrapher on your mark xx? What time is it keeping please?
Never done so no. It keeps time perfectly within what I find acceptable but the actual deviations - I have no clue.
Sorry 😊👍
The 40mm, steel version of the older version of the Zenith Pilot is pretty, if you ask me. The new one is not bad, either, but not a big fan of the decorated dial. It's too un-utilitarian. Good review!
What are you talking about? I have that type 20 in black DLC and it is one of my fav watches in my 15 piece collection that contains Zeniths, Ulysses, JLC, GP, Bvlgavi and a plethora of other watches
Like I said "some may say". I dig the DLC soooo much.... 😀😀😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch it's one of the 3 black DLC watches I have (bvlgari and GP, being the other 2) and I'm also quite happy. But my latest acquisition - Laco Venedig (with luminous dial) has a sandblasted finish and it is sooo good! MAD Gallery is waiting at home. I can't wait till I get there. It arrived a week ago and I'm so anxious to put my hands on it!
Just wondering where would you put bell & ross BR03-92 in the matrix? The design itself is nowhere like any other rounded aviation watch
B&R are very much their own thing.... It's not middle of the road, mainstream or any definition in that range at all.... Their inspiration is definitely classic because of the origin of the case designs but "future forward" and "provocative". What do you think?😀😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch yea provocative. Agree sir!
Im going to be a bit of a odd ball and suggest that the old pilot watch have had there time as a GMT is the new pilot watch. Eg Rolex pepsi, Longines spirit zulu time.
You are spot on sir. Longines even released a 39mm GMT just today. GMT is all the rage for sure. 👍👍👍👍
I agree with you completely. Zenith wants to move into luxury territory and have priced their pieces accordingly... Zenith have not made anything that I can truthfully say I would prefer over their competitors. There is nothing that stands out about them, except the El Primero movement. The pilot reminds me of the Hamilton Khaki for some reason and although I don't dislike it I don't like it either. Perhaps this is one of those pieces that only speaks to you when you hold it. 😅 Anyway, hope you have a great weekend!
I agree with your comments regarding Zenith.
It will speak to some but it is a bit bland TBH and I'd never buy it at MSRP... 👍😊
It’s a looker.
it is .😊😊
On the grey market they are much cheaper though
Exactly 👍👍😀😀
ALL pilot watches should have a GMT hand. This version is no more useful to me at work than a Timex.
Boring and bland. I have had the type 20 from zenith for 6 or 7 years and many a time over this period I have gone back to look if I could buy another variation of it in either bronze or aged steel and actually placed an order for a dark red dial version (40 mm diameter) but the Japanese AD screwed me over on the price and the deal fell through. What I am truing to say here is that I absolutely loved that gen. pilot's watches. they were made like a luxury item and a piece of history you were wearing on your wrist. This current one, even though it sports a higher end movement in the Zenith catalog, I would never consider buying. Then again, I consider IWC Mark series a definition of boring. Mind you, I own a Laco Flieger and don't think it is boring at all...
Personnaly I dig the Lacos and don’t see them as boring at all, but there’s bound to be 1 or 2 in a world of 7.3billion that disagree 🤣🤣🤣
Cheers and as always thanks for sharing 😀😀😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I am having an internal debate about whether to buy Laco Kiel 2 or IWC Pilot chronograph. Basically the same movement (even in the IWCs upgraded in-house version), Laco plus on the water resistance and IWCplus on the movement decor. Although the version I would probably go for with IWC, would be a closed back because the 2nd to last gen is substantially cheaper and looks identical to the new release, whereas technically there isn't so much innovation. People say there is no reason in that compare to opt for the Laco but the price difference is huge for essentially the same watch
IMHO the term Pilot Watch is vastly over used and abused. I guess I’m more of a purist when it comes to that particular genre, and on the classical/conservative graph, I’d be at 0,0. If the watch doesn’t have an A or B dial like on Laco or Stowa, and it has a date, then it simply isn’t a pilot’s watch. But…that’s just me.
Agreed. Then is is "pilot styled" or inspired but not a true pilots watch.
I, too, prefer the classic flieger style pilot watches, and agree the "pilot" watch terms is vague and overused, encompassing too wide a variety of designs. In fact, to most non-watch enthusiasts, I would guess a "pilot watch" is more likely to evoke images of a Rolex GMT or Breitling Navitimer than the old WWII designs.
@@steveshap1 Well said Steven.
Fair point and I totally get it. The Oris Propilot is also about as far from a flieger you can get and they still call it a pilots watch. I made a case for it just being a titanium steel / sports watch. Same goes for this Zenith Pilot - They can'¨t just call it the "Zenith lifestyle watch for cool people that drink lattés and eat avocado toast", so it gets packaged as a pilots watch for the street cred...
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