Celebrating 160 years of Zenith, in blue ceramic.

ZENITH | The Trilogy 160th Anniversary Edition

To commemorate its 160th anniversary, Zenith has unveiled three special models reinterpreted in the maison's signature monochrome blue. The Chronomaster Sport, the Defy Skyline Chronograph, and the Pilot Big Date Flyback, all emblematic of Zenith chronographs, are presented encased in specially developed blue ceramic. Each of the three timepieces is limited to 160 pieces, with a special anniversary box set capable of holding multiple watches also available.

Text by Kosaku Waseda

Zenith was founded in 1865 in Le Locle, Switzerland. Throughout its 160-year history, the maison has been involved in numerous innovations. As Switzerland's first integrated watch manufacture, it developed and produced movements in-house, and in 1969, announced the El Primero, the world's first automatic chronograph movement. Its high precision and high-frequency performance have earned it global recognition.

As high-performance watches, they are also trusted by adventurers. From Louis Blériot, who successfully completed a historic cross-Channel flight, to Felix Baumgartner, who achieved a record-breaking freefall from the stratosphere, the fact that these timepieces are favored by those who pursue greatness and achieve extraordinary feats is also a factor that enhances the maison's appeal.

The name "Zenith" is said to be inspired by the night sky filled with stars. Founder Georges Favre-Jacot, while gazing at the stars, equated the zenith—the highest point celestial bodies reach in the sky—with the pinnacle of excellence he pursued. Under this philosophy, blue has become Zenith's signature color, representing the boundless expanse of the sky.

To celebrate the maison's 160th anniversary, the Pilot, Defy, and Chronomaster models have been released, all clad in this signature blue. Each represents a popular model from Zenith's lineup. The material used is ceramic, offering a unique luster and depth. While black and white ceramics are relatively easy to produce, specific new colors, such as "Zenith Blue," can take months to develop and require meticulous, complex processes. The use of blue ceramic signifies Zenith's precision and cutting-edge technology.

ZENITH | The Trilogy 160th Anniversary Edition

The Pilot Big Date Flyback 160th Edition is based on the Pilot series, symbolizing Zenith's deep connection with aviation. The 42.5mm case, finished with micro-blasting, features a wavy dial and large Arabic numerals coated with luminescent material for excellent legibility. It is powered by the El Primero 3652 movement, equipped with a Big Date function that allows for instantaneous date changes in 0.007 seconds using patented technology, and a flyback function specialized for aviation chronometry. The 160th-anniversary rotor can be admired through the case back.

The Defy Skyline Chronograph 160th Edition is based on the Defy collection, embodying Zenith's avant-garde spirit and architectural beauty. Specially formulated deep blue ceramic is used for the case and bracelet, while the dial features a geometric arrangement of Zenith's star motif. The El Primero 3600 movement powers this watch, with a unique display where the chronograph seconds hand completes a rotation in 10 seconds, enabling measurement to the nearest 1/10th of a second. The strap is easily interchangeable with the included blue rubber strap via a quick-change system.

The Chronomaster Sport 160th Edition is based on the popular Chronomaster Sport, known for its sporty aesthetic and intricate mechanics. The 41mm case features alternating brushed and polished finishes, creating a sophisticated look that complements the dial with its three-color counters. At its heart is the El Primero 3600 movement, capable of measuring to the nearest 1/10th of a second, characterized by the dynamic display where the chronograph hand completes a revolution in 10 seconds. The case back reveals a rotor with a commemorative engraving.

Zenith CEO Benoit de Clerck states, "Blue has always defined an element of Zenith's identity, symbolizing our connection to the sky and the pioneering spirit that has driven us for 160 years. For this milestone anniversary, I wanted to add a new dimension to our signature color through a triptych of ceramic chronographs. These timepieces, far from being a mere tribute to the maison's heritage, embody the spirit of craftsmanship and innovation that continues to shape its future. I am proud to celebrate this anniversary with bold and meaningful creations."

Zenith watches have accompanied those who seek adventure and innovation. These special models, befitting the 160th anniversary, strongly convey Zenith's determination to continue striving for the pinnacle of watchmaking.

Pilot Big Date Flyback 160th Edition
Features | Special edition in blue ceramic celebrating Zenith's 160th anniversary. Automatic column-wheel El Primero chronograph with flyback function. Patented Big Date at 6 o'clock. Instantaneous Big Date jump in 0.007 seconds (0.02 seconds for disc jump and stabilization). Seconds-stop mechanism. Interchangeable strap system.
Material: Micro-blasted blue ceramic
Water resistance: 10 bar
Case: 42.5mm / Thickness: 14.25mm / Lug-to-lug: 52mm
Dial: Blue dial with horizontal grooves
Hour markers: Applied Arabic numerals, coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1
Hands: Blue & white, coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1
Movement: El Primero 3652 Automatic
Power reserve: Approx. 60 hours
Functions: Central hours and minutes. Small seconds at 9 o'clock. Instantaneous Big Date at 6 o'clock. Flyback chronograph. 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock.
Finishing: Satin-finished rotor with special "160th Anniversary" engraving
Strap & Buckle: Two straps included: blue Cordura-effect rubber strap, white Cordura-effect strap. Steel triple-folding buckle.
Price: ¥2,178,000 (incl. tax)

Defy Skyline Chronograph 160th Edition
Features | Special edition in blue ceramic celebrating Zenith's 160th anniversary. Automatic column-wheel El Primero chronograph capable of measuring and displaying 1/10th of a second. Date display. Silicon escapement wheel and lever. Screwed crown. Interchangeable strap system. Seconds-stop mechanism.
Material: Blue ceramic
Water resistance: 10 bar
Case: 42mm / Thickness: 12.7mm / Lug-to-lug: 47.4 mm
Dial: Blue-tone dial with a sunray pattern depicting a starry sky
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted, coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted, coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1
Movement: El Primero 3600 Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz)
Power reserve: Approx. 60 hours
Functions: 1/10th second chronograph. Central hours and minutes. Small seconds at 9 o'clock. Chronograph hand completes a rotation in 10 seconds, 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock, 60-second counter at 3 o'clock. Date display at 4:30.
Finishing: Satin-finished rotor with special "160th Anniversary" engraving
Strap & Buckle: Two straps included: blue ceramic bracelet with a folding buckle, blue rubber strap with a steel folding buckle.
Price: ¥3,245,000 (incl. tax)

Chronomaster Sport 160th Edition
Features | Special edition in blue ceramic celebrating Zenith's 160th anniversary. Automatic column-wheel El Primero chronograph capable of measuring and displaying 1/10th of a second. 60-hour power reserve. Date display at 4:30. Seconds-stop mechanism.
Material: Blue ceramic
Water resistance: 10 bar
Case: 41mm / Thickness: 13.6mm / Lug-to-lug: 47mm
Dial: Blue-tone dial with sunray pattern, three-color counters
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted, coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1
Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted, coated with Super-LumiNova SLN C1
Movement: El Primero 3600 Automatic
Power reserve: Approx. 60 hours
Functions: 1/10th second chronograph. Central hours and minutes. Small seconds at 9 o'clock. Chronograph hand completes a rotation in 10 seconds, 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock, 60-second counter at 3 o'clock. Date display at 4:30.
Finishing: Satin-finished rotor with special "160th Anniversary" engraving
Strap & Buckle: Two straps included: blue ceramic bracelet with a folding buckle, blue rubber strap with a steel folding buckle.
Price: ¥3,102,000 (incl. tax)

Inquiries

LVMH Watch & Jewelry Japan Zenith
Tel. 03-3575-5861
https://www.zenith-watches.com/ja_jp