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Zenith and Porter-Yoshida Pilot Watches in Green Ceramic

  • John Smith
  • Oct 25, 2024
  • 2 min read

Swiss horology converges with Japanese aesthetics in two limited editions of 500 pieces each, crafted from khaki ceramic, that revolutionize aviation watches.



In an unforeseen yet harmonic partnership, Swiss luxury wristwatch Zenith has collaborated with the renowned Japanese bag brand Porter to produce a distinctive collection focused on the idea of travel. The collaboration has produced two redesigned Zenith Pilot models, both made of khaki ceramic and restricted to 500 units: the Pilot Automatic and the Pilot Big Date Flyback chronograph.


A Collective Enthusiasm For Travel


Zenith's involvement in aviation commenced in 1888 when its creator, Georges-Favre Jacot, saw the promise of flight and registered the term "Pilote" in French, subsequently followed by "Pilot." This vision positioned Zenith as a trailblazer in aviation timepieces, with the Pilot collection emerging as the brand's most enduring line.


Established in 1962 by the Japanese company Yoshida & Co., Porter has garnered an international reputation for its minimalist, utilitarian, and expertly manufactured bags and accessories. Porter's products, inspired by classic hotel luggage porters and military designs, are distinguished by their superior materials and meticulous craftsmanship.




The Pilot Automatic Porter Edition


The inaugural installment in this collaboration series is the PILOT Automatic PORTER Edition. The watch showcases a 40mm khaki ceramic case, characterized by a unique flat-top circular bezel and a matte finish that imparts a robust aesthetic. The dial, designed to mimic corrugated metal sheets found in aircraft fuselages, features big luminous Arabic numbers and vibrant orange hands, reflecting the distinctive orange interior of numerous Porter bags.



The watch is powered by the El Primero 3620 high-frequency manufacturing movement, which is visible through a black PVD steel case back adorned with a sapphire crystal inscribed with the Porter logo. The movement provides a 60-hour power reserve and incorporates a darkened oscillating weight that mimics a "artificial horizon" device.


The Pilot Big Date Flyback Porter Edition


The second product is the PILOT Big Date Flyback PORTER Edition, encased in a 42.5mm khaki ceramic casing. This model incorporates the latest generation of the El Primero automatic high-frequency chronograph caliber, which includes two features esteemed by aviators: a large date display and a flyback function.


The chronograph's 30-minute counter incorporates alternating orange and white outlines for enhanced readability, while the enlarged date display employs an innovative proprietary technology for swift and stable date transitions. The flyback function enables rapid resetting and restarting of the chronograph with a single button press, a feature initially developed for pilots using thick gloves.


Unique Accessories


Each watch is equipped with two interchangeable straps: a khaki nylon strap featuring orange Velcro accents provided by Porter, and a khaki cordura-effect rubber strap with a black PVD steel folding buckle.


Porter has created a distinctive messenger bag that accommodates the watch box, complementing the watches. The bag showcases PorterR's distinctive khaki hue on the exterior, while the interior is adorned with Zenith's iconic blue, evocative of the night sky.



The PILOT Automatic PORTER Edition and the PILOT Big Date Flyback PORTER Edition, both limited to 500 units, are only available at Zenith's physical and online boutiques globally. This cooperation represents a singular convergence of Swiss horological precision with Japanese design aesthetics, providing aviation aficionados and style-conscious individuals with a genuinely unique timepiece.

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