Zenith Blue Ceramic Chronograph 160th Anniversary

To mark a significant milestone, its 160th anniversary, the Swiss watch manufacturer Zenith has introduced a striking collection unified by a distinct color and material. Three of the brand's most recognizable chronograph models have been reimagined using a specially developed blue ceramic, creating a monochromatic trilogy that celebrates Zenith’s heritage and technical prowess. The CHRONOMASTER Sport, the DEFY Skyline Chronograph, and the PILOT Big Date Flyback Chronograph are each being offered in this new vibrant blue hue, produced in limited runs of 160 pieces per model.



The very name "Zenith" carries celestial connotations. According to company lore, founder Georges Favre-Jacot was inspired by the night sky, choosing a name that represents the highest point a celestial body reaches. This concept reflected his aspiration for the pinnacle of watchmaking excellence, a goal the brand has pursued since its inception in 1865. This connection to the expansive sky has made blue a core element of Zenith's identity, symbolizing infinity and the brand's ambitious spirit.



Achieving this specific shade of blue in ceramic was a considerable technical undertaking. Ceramic itself is a material prized in modern watchmaking for its hardness, resulting in high scratch resistance. It's also lightweight compared to many metals and boasts biocompatibility, making it comfortable against the skin. However, creating ceramic in consistent, specific colors beyond basic black or white is complex. Unlike PVD coatings or other surface treatments on metals, the color in ceramic is integral to the material itself, achieved by mixing pigments before the sintering process. Perfecting the exact Zenith blue required months of dedicated research and development to ensure color uniformity and stability.



Furthermore, working with ceramic presents challenges in shaping and finishing. The material's hardness makes machining and achieving intricate details, like the sharp facets on the DEFY Skyline case or the alternating brushed and polished surfaces on the Chronomaster Sport, a demanding process requiring specialized tools and techniques. Zenith emphasizes that despite these difficulties, its ceramic timepieces receive the same level of meticulous hand-finishing applied to its precious metal and steel watches, ensuring a premium tactile and visual experience.



This anniversary celebration centers around this newly developed blue ceramic, deployed across three distinct chronograph families within the Zenith catalogue. Each model represents a different facet of Zenith's chronograph mastery and design language, now unified by this bold, monochromatic aesthetic. The limited production of 160 units for each reference underscores the exclusivity of this anniversary release. Collectors have the option to acquire these watches individually or as a complete trilogy presented in a special anniversary box set.



Benoît de Clerck, CEO of ZENITH WATCHES, commented on the release, stating, "Blue has always been a defining element of ZENITH’s identity, symbolizing our connection to the sky and the pioneering spirit that has driven us for 160 years. To mark this milestone, we wanted to give our signature color a new dimension through a trilogy of ceramic chronographs. More than a tribute to our heritage, these timepieces embody the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship that continue to shape the future of our Maison. We are proud to celebrate this anniversary with such a bold and meaningful creation."



The first piece in the trilogy is the PILOT Big Date Flyback 160th Anniversary Edition. Zenith has a long and documented history intertwined with aviation, dating back almost to the company's founding. Georges Favre-Jacot foresightedly trademarked the term "Pilote" (French) in 1888 and "Pilot" (English) in 1904. The brand became a key supplier of onboard instruments and watches for early aviators, including Louis Blériot, who famously wore a Zenith for his 1909 flight across the English Channel. The modern PILOT collection, reintroduced in 2023, draws directly from this rich heritage.



This anniversary edition presents the PILOT Big Date Flyback in a striking, fully blue execution. The 42.5 mm case is crafted from micro-blasted blue ceramic, giving it a matte, utilitarian finish that contrasts slightly with the polished elements found on the other two anniversary models. Complementing the case are a titanium oversized crown and rectangular chronograph pushers, materials often favored in aviation for their lightness and strength. The dial is also blue, featuring distinctive horizontal grooves reminiscent of vintage aircraft fuselages. Legibility, crucial for a pilot's watch, is ensured by large, applied Arabic numerals and hands generously filled with SuperLuminova SLN C1 luminous material.



Inside the PILOT Big Date Flyback beats the El Primero 3652 automatic calibre. This movement is a specific evolution of Zenith's famed high-frequency chronograph lineage, operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz). It incorporates two key complications particularly relevant to the PILOT theme: a big date and a flyback chronograph. The big date display at 6 o'clock uses two large discs for enhanced readability. A patented mechanism allows the date change to occur almost instantaneously, completing its jump in a mere 0.007 seconds. The flyback function allows the chronograph to be reset and restarted with a single push of the reset button, eliminating the need to stop, reset, and restart separately – a useful feature for pilots performing timed navigational calculations.



The El Primero 3652 movement offers a power reserve of approximately 60 hours and includes hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock, the big date at 6 o'clock, a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o'clock, and the central flyback chronograph seconds hand. Visible through a sapphire crystal case back, the movement features a special oscillating weight customized for the anniversary, bearing a "160th Anniversary" emblem and finished with satin brushing.



Versatility is enhanced by an included interchangeable strap system. The watch (Reference: 49.4002.3652/51.I009) comes delivered with two straps: one blue Cordura-effect rubber strap matching the case and dial, and an additional white Cordura-effect rubber strap providing a high-contrast alternative. Both straps utilize a steel triple-folding clasp. The user-friendly system allows for quick strap changes without needing tools. The case measures 42.5mm in diameter, 14.25mm in thickness, and has a lug-to-lug distance of 52mm, offering a substantial presence on the wrist. Water resistance is rated at 10 ATM (100 meters).



The second model is the DEFY Skyline Chronograph 160th Anniversary Edition. The DEFY collection represents Zenith's forward-looking design philosophy, tracing its conceptual roots back to the robust and angular DEFY models of 1969. The modern Skyline iteration, introduced more recently, features an architectural case design with a multi-faceted bezel. While previously available in steel, this 160th-anniversary edition marks the debut of the DEFY Skyline Chronograph constructed entirely from ceramic.



The 42mm case and the integrated bracelet are both crafted from the Deep Blue ceramic developed for the anniversary. The faceted geometry of the case and bezel creates an interplay of light and shadow across the blue surfaces. This deep blue extends to the dial, which features Zenith's signature starry sky pattern – an engraved geometric motif of four-pointed stars, adding texture and visual interest. Rhodium-plated, faceted hour markers and hands, coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1, stand out against the blue background for clear time reading.



Powering this watch is the El Primero 3600 automatic calibre, another modern iteration of Zenith's high-frequency chronograph movement. Operating at 36,000 VpH (5 Hz), its standout feature is the 1/10th of a second chronograph display. The central chronograph hand completes a rotation of the dial every 10 seconds, six times faster than a standard chronograph hand. This allows for precise readings of elapsed time down to 1/10th of a second, directly corresponding to the markings on the dial's chapter ring or flange. The movement includes a silicon escape wheel and lever for improved efficiency and resistance to magnetism. A stop-seconds mechanism allows for precise time setting.



Like the PILOT model, the DEFY Skyline Chronograph features a sapphire display back, offering a view of the El Primero 3600 movement. The oscillating weight is satin-brushed and carries a specific "160th Anniversary" inscription. The movement provides hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock, the 1/10th of a second central chronograph hand, a 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock, a 60-second counter at 3 o'clock, and a date indication subtly placed at the 4:30 position. It maintains a power reserve of approximately 60 hours.



Practicality is addressed with a quick strap-change mechanism integrated directly into the case design. The watch (Reference: 49.9502.3600/51.I001) is supplied with both the three-link blue ceramic bracelet, secured by a double folding clasp, and a supplementary blue rubber strap featuring the star pattern motif and equipped with a steel folding clasp. This allows the wearer to easily switch between the full ceramic look and a sportier rubber strap option. The case measures 42mm in diameter, 12.7mm thick, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 47.4mm, making it slightly slimmer than the PILOT model. Water resistance is also rated at 10 ATM.



The third watch completing the anniversary trilogy is the CHRONOMASTER Sport 160th Anniversary Edition. The Chronomaster Sport line is arguably Zenith's flagship contemporary chronograph, directly embodying the legacy of the El Primero movement in a design that balances sporty aesthetics with everyday wearability. This anniversary edition introduces the Chronomaster Sport in blue ceramic for the first time.



The 41mm case features the familiar sleek lines of the Chronomaster Sport, including pump-style chronograph pushers and faceted lugs. The blue ceramic material is treated with both brushed and polished finishes, creating contrasting textures that highlight the case architecture. A key feature is the blue ceramic bezel, engraved with the 1/10th of a second scale, crucial for reading the high-frequency chronograph accurately. The blue theme continues onto the sunray-finished dial. This dial retains Zenith's signature overlapping tri-color sub-dials: a grey 60-second counter at 3 o'clock, a darker blue 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock, and a silver small seconds counter at 9 o'clock. Faceted rhodium-plated markers and hands are filled with SuperLuminova, and the chronograph hands feature distinct red tips for easy differentiation.



Mechanically, the Chronomaster Sport uses the same El Primero 3600 automatic calibre found in the DEFY Skyline Chronograph. Its 36,000 VpH frequency enables the 1/10th of a second chronograph measurement, read via the central seconds hand completing a 10-second sweep and the corresponding bezel scale. The movement architecture, including the column wheel and horizontal clutch engagement system, is visible through the sapphire case back. This version also features a special openworked oscillating weight engraved with the "160th Anniversary" mark. Functions include hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock, the 1/10th second chronograph (central hand, 60-minute counter at 6, 60-second counter at 3), and a date window at 4:30. The power reserve is approximately 60 hours.



The Chronomaster Sport 160th Anniversary Edition (Reference: 49.3102.3600/51.M3100) is offered with two strap options. It comes fitted with a blue ceramic bracelet that matches the case, complete with a ceramic folding clasp for a seamless look. An additional blue rubber strap, secured with a steel folding clasp, is also included, offering a more casual alternative. Unlike the Pilot and Defy models, the description doesn't explicitly mention a quick-change system for the straps on this model. The case dimensions are 41mm in diameter, 13.6mm thick, and 47mm lug-to-lug. Water resistance is rated at 10 ATM.



Zenith's position in watchmaking history is significant. Established in 1865 in Le Locle, Switzerland, it quickly became one of the first fully integrated watch manufacturers, meaning it developed and produced its components and movements entirely in-house. This capability culminated in the 1969 launch of the El Primero, arguably the world's first integrated automatic chronograph calibre, celebrated for its high frequency (36,000 VpH) which allowed for greater precision and the measurement of 1/10th of a second. This commitment to precision has earned Zenith over 2,333 chronometry prizes throughout its history.



Beyond the technical achievements, Zenith has cultivated an image associated with pioneering spirit and adventure. The brand often highlights its historical connections to aviation and exploration, as well as modern feats like Felix Baumgartner's record-breaking stratospheric free-fall, during which he wore a Zenith Stratos Flyback Striking 10th. This narrative underpins the brand's collections: Chronomaster for high-precision chronographs, Defy for technical innovation and bold design, and Pilot for aviation heritage. The tagline "ZENITH: THE HEART OF WATCHMAKING" encapsulates its focus on in-house movement manufacturing and its long, influential history.



These exclusive 160th Anniversary blue ceramic editions are available for purchase through Zenith's physical boutiques and its online e-commerce platform, as well as selected authorized retail partners globally. The PILOT Big Date Flyback 160th Anniversary Edition is priced at $15,500 USD. The CHRONOMASTER Sport 160th Anniversary Edition is priced at $22,700 USD. The DEFY Skyline Chronograph 160th Anniversary Edition is priced at $23,800 USD. Given the limited production run of only 160 pieces for each reference, these models represent a unique offering for collectors and enthusiasts celebrating a significant milestone for the Le Locle manufacture.



PILOT BIG DATE FLYBACK 160th ANNIVERSARY EDITION



Case: Blue microblasted ceramic material. 41mm diameter, 14.25mm thickness, 52mm lug-to-lug. Water resistance 10 ATM. Sapphire crystal case back. Titanium crown and push-pieces.

Movement: El Primero 3652 automatic. Frequency 36,000 VpH (5 Hz). Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock, instantaneous Big Date at 6 o'clock, flyback chronograph, 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock. Stop-second mechanism. Special “160th Anniversary” oscillating weight.

Dial: Blue with horizontal grooves. Applied Arabic numerals coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1. Blue & white hands coated with SLN C1.

Strap: Includes blue Cordura effect rubber strap and white Cordura effect strap. Steel triple folding clasp. Interchangeable strap system.

Price: $15,500 USD / 16,500 Euros / 15,400 CHF.

Reference Number: 49.4002.3652/51.I009

Notes: Exclusive 160th Anniversary blue ceramic edition, limited to 160 pieces. Features patented instantaneous Big Date (0.007 sec jump) and flyback chronograph function.





DEFY SKYLINE CHRONOGRAPH 160th ANNIVERSARY EDITION



Case: Blue Ceramic material. 42mm diameter, 12.7mm thickness, 47.4mm lug-to-lug. Water resistance 10 ATM. Screwed-in crown. Sapphire crystal case back. Faceted case design.

Movement: El Primero 3600 automatic. Frequency 36,000 VpH (5 Hz). Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock, 1/10th of a second central chronograph hand (one turn in 10 seconds), 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock, 60-second counter at 3 o'clock, date indication at 4:30. Silicon escape-wheel and lever. Stop-second mechanism. Special “160th Anniversary” oscillating weight.

Dial: Blue-toned sunray finish with starry sky pattern engraving. Rhodium-plated, faceted hour markers and hands coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1.

Strap: Includes blue ceramic bracelet with double folding clasp and blue rubber strap with star pattern and steel folding clasp. Full interchangeable strap system.

Price: $23,800 USD / 24,800 Euros / 22,900 CHF.

Reference Number: 49.9502.3600/51.I001

Notes: Exclusive 160th Anniversary blue ceramic edition, limited to 160 pieces. Displays 1/10th of a second via central chronograph hand. First DEFY Skyline Chronograph in full ceramic.





CHRONOMASTER SPORT 160th ANNIVERSARY EDITION



Case: Blue ceramic material with alternating brushed and polished surfaces. 41mm diameter, 13.6mm thickness, 47mm lug-to-lug. Water resistance 10 ATM. Blue ceramic bezel with engraved 1/10th of a second scale. Pump-style pushers. Sapphire crystal case back.

Movement: El Primero 3600 automatic. Frequency 36,000 VpH (5 Hz). Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock, 1/10th of a second central chronograph hand (one turn in 10 seconds), 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock, 60-second counter at 3 o'clock, date indication at 4:30. Stop-second mechanism. Special “160th Anniversary” openworked oscillating weight.

Dial: Blue-toned sunray finish with three different-coloured counters (grey, dark blue, silver). Rhodium-plated, faceted hour markers and hands coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1. Red tips on chronograph hands.

Strap: Includes blue ceramic bracelet with ceramic folding clasp and blue rubber strap with steel folding clasp.

Price: $22,700 USD / 23,700 Euros / 21,900 CHF.

Reference Number: 49.3102.3600/51.M3100

Notes: Exclusive 160th Anniversary blue ceramic edition, limited to 160 pieces. First Chronomaster Sport in blue ceramic. Measures and displays 1/10th of a second using central hand and bezel scale.