Here is the third — and my favorite — of three new Pilot’s watches that Zenith is introducing for 2012.  The Zenith Pilot “Big Date Special” is very nicely proportioned with a 42mm steel case (note the polished and satin-brushed finishes), a matte black dial, and perfectly balanced chrono registers and big date window.   The hands are treated with black ruthenium and Superluminova mark the hours and minutes in a decisively masculine and modern style.  Behind the dial, the automatic mechanical El Primero 4010 calibre ticks away — actually it can be seen through the sapphire caseback.   Available on mesh steel bracelet or top-stitched calfskin strap.  You can check out Zenith’s other two Pilot’s watches for 2012 here:  57.5mm Zenith Montre d’Aeronef Type 20 Pilot’s Watch  and Zenith Pilot Doublematic WorldTime Watch.

Zenith Pilot Big Date Special

42mm case, automatic mechanical Zenith El Primero 4010 caliber (36,000 vph)

Central hours and minutes; Small seconds at 9 o’clock; 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock; Sweep seconds hand; big date at 6 o’clock

Inspiration:  Zenith 1960