Zenith Wins @ "The Petite Aiguille" Prize

The Geneva watchmaking Grand Prix aims to salute excellence in the field of watchmaking. Eleven prizes reward the finest creations and the most important operators in the watchmaking sector.70 models were competing in the various categories, and a model from the Manufacture Zenith was honoured by the Grand Prix jury for “the Petite Aiguille” category at the prize-giving ceremony held in Geneva’s Grand Théâtre this Thursday.

 Through the stellar PILOT collection, Zenith is reasserting its legitimacy and its expertise in the field of aviation. The brand has indeed been accompanying aviation history from its beginnings by producing time measurement instruments used to help pilots in flying aircraft, notably including onboard counters. Since 1865, Zenith is THE benchmark in terms of precision and reliability –twin qualities that are indispensable in the aeronautical field. Echoing the historic chronograph watch from the 1960-80s, the new Pilot Big Date Special has functionality as its guiding principle. Its steel case is a moderate 42 mm in diameter, with classically styled alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes.

The matt black dial, sandblasted five times, sets off the time displays, which visually are in perfect balance. The small seconds counter is at 9 o’clock, exactly opposite the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. Both feature a snailed decoration. A pair of hands treated with black ruthenium and highlighted with Superluminova mark the hours and minutes in a decisively masculine and modern style. Their sporty, dynamic shape matches the refined graphic style of the Arabic numerals that pay simple and solemn tribute to those of the 1960 chronograph. Behind the scenes, the El Primero 4010 calibre ticks away with an exceptionally consistent beat. Its finishes can be seen through the sapphire caseback. The winding rotor is decorated with thin Côtes de Genève in the purest watchmaking tradition.