Introducing Zenith Partners with Porter to Introduce Two Limited Edition Pilot Watches

ZENITH’s connection to aviation watches dates back to 1888, when its founder, Georges-Favre Jacot, foresaw the potential of aviation and trademarked "Pilote" in French, followed by the English term "Pilot." This visionary move laid the foundation for the ZENITH PILOT collection, the brand’s longest-running series, which has played a key role in shaping the world of aviation watches.

PORTER, a brand founded by Japanese manufacturer Yoshida & Co. in 1962, has earned global recognition for its minimalistic, functional, and meticulously crafted bags and accessories. Named after traditional luggage porters, the brand is celebrated for its use of high-quality materials and attention to detail, with designs heavily influenced by military aesthetics. The collaboration between ZENITH and PORTER, united by a shared passion for travel and craftsmanship, feels like a natural union.

Relaunched in 2023 as a completely reimagined line, the ZENITH PILOT collection draws inspiration from aviation's rich history, spanning from its early days to the present. Now, in two limited-edition models, the distinct influence of PORTER has been seamlessly integrated into these modern classics.

Pilot Central Automatic Porter Edition

The first in this exclusive collaboration is the Pilot Central Automatic Porter Edition, featuring a 40mm khaki ceramic case with a flat-top round bezel. The olive-toned case is a nod to one of PORTER’s signature bag colors and has a rugged, matte finish. A black PVD steel oversized crown, a hallmark of ZENITH PILOT watches, complements the case’s utilitarian design.

The khaki dial, textured with horizontal grooves reminiscent of the corrugated metal fuselage of vintage aircraft, is signed by both ZENITH and PORTER. For this special edition, the hands are rendered in a bold orange hue, adding a striking contrast and enhancing legibility while evoking the orange interiors of PORTER bags—an inspiration drawn from the inside of aviation jackets designed for rescue visibility. The oversized luminescent Arabic numerals are sleekly styled, applied as metal markers filled with white Super-LumiNova. The luminescent hour marker at 6 o’clock, just above the date window, is a simple white line recalling the artificial horizon instrument found in aircraft cockpits. As a testament to ZENITH's legacy, the dial proudly displays the "Pilot" name, with ZENITH being the only brand authorized to do so.

Visible through the black PVD steel case back, the sapphire crystal is emblazoned with the PORTER logo. Inside is the El Primero 3620 high-frequency movement, offering a 60-hour power reserve. The oscillating weight, finished in black, resembles an artificial horizon instrument, reinforcing the watch’s aviation heritage.

 Technical Specifications: Pilot Central Automatic Porter

• Reference: 49.4001.3620/63.I001
• Case: khaki ceramic case, brushed finish, domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides, sapphire crystal Case-back
• Diameter: 40 mm
• Thickness: 12.9 mm
• Water resistance: 100 meters
• Dial: khaki with horizontal grooves, applied Arabic numerals in SuperLuminova C1, black and orange Hands with SuperLuminova C1, date window at 6 o'clock
• Movement: El Primero 3620, automatic high-frequency movement,  black oscillating weight, silicone escape wheel 
• Power reserve: 60 hours
• Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
• Functions: hours, minutes, central seconds, date 
• Bracelet/Strap: khaki “Cordura” effect rubber strap with black PVD steel folding buckle, khaki nylon fabric by PORTER
• Availability: Limited edition of 500 pieces
• Price: 10,900 CHF  / 44,700 AED 

Pilot Big Date Flyback Porter Edition

The second model in this collaborative series is the Pilot Big Date Flyback Porter Edition, featuring a 42.5mm matte khaki ceramic case with black PVD steel pushers and crown. 

The textured khaki dial features orange hands for both timekeeping and chronograph functions. The 30-minute chronograph counter uses alternating orange and white outlines, making it easier to distinguish 5-minute intervals. The oversized date display, with white numerals on khaki disks, is powered by a patented compliant mechanism that advances and stabilizes the date wheels in under 0.03 seconds.

Originally designed for aviators wearing thick gloves, the flyback function allows the chronograph to be reset and restarted with a single push, enabling pilots to measure consecutive times effortlessly.

Equipped with the latest generation of the El Primero 3652 automatic high-frequency chronograph caliber, this model is tailor-made for aviation, offering both a big date and Flyback function. The movement, complete with the signature “artificial horizon” rotor, can be admired through the display back, which is engraved with the rectangular PORTER logo on the underside of the sapphire crystal.

Like the three-hand version, the Pilot Big Date Flyback Porter Edition comes with two strap options: a khaki nylon Velcro strap by PORTER and a khaki Cordura-effect rubber strap with a black PVD steel folding buckle, both equipped with a quick-release mechanism. Both editions are limited to 500 pieces each and are presented in a specially designed PORTER messenger bag.

For prices, Pilot Central Automatic Porter: 10,900 CHF which is equivalent to 44,700 AED, Pilot Big Date Flyback Porter: 14,900 CHF which is equivalent 63,250 AED.

Technical Specifications: Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback Porter

• Reference: 49.4001.3652/63.I001
• Case: khaki ceramic case, brushed finish, black PVD pushers and crown, domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides, sapphire crystal Case-back
• Diameter: 42.5 mm
• Thickness: 14.3 mm
• Water resistance: 100 meters
• Dial: khaki with horizontal grooves, applied Arabic numerals in SuperLuminova C1, black and orange Hands with SuperLuminova C1, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, big date window at 6 o'clock, small seconds at 9 o'clock
• Movement: El Primero 3652, automatic high-frequency movement, black oscillating weight, silicone escape wheel, Column wheel
• Power reserve: 60 hours
• Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz)
• Functions: Flyback Chronograph, hours, minutes, central seconds, big date 
• Bracelet/Strap: khaki “Cordura” effect rubber strap with black PVD steel folding buckle, khaki nylon fabric by PORTER
• Availability: Limited edition of 500 pieces
• Price: 14,900 CHF  / 63,250 AED 

For more information, visit Zenith official website.