Watches and Wonders 2025: Zenith’s 160-year legacy captured in blue ceramic trio
Apr 10, 2025
Marking its 160th anniversary, Zenith reveals a collection of three chronographs each redesigned in a bold monochromatic blue, forged in ceramic
Since its inception in 1865, the house has relentlessly pursued precision, with its signature blue evoking the boundless celestial expanse, which is said to be inspiration for the brand’s name. To mark this milestone moment, Zenith presents three of its iconic references in ceramic featuring this signature hue. The Chronomaster Sport, Defy Skyline Chronograph and Pilot Chronograph are presented in a hallmark shade deeply tied to the brand’s celestial heritage expressed in ceramic.
Resilient, featherlight weight, and resistance to scratches, ceramic is integrally coloured and provides unparalleled saturation of hues, which is what lends this trio its tremendous vividness.
Each of the three pieces from this anniversary edition is limited to 160 pieces; they can be purchased individually or as a set, which comes in a special box.
One of the newest members of the Zenith family is the Pilot. Launched in 2023, the watch draws inspiration from the Maison’s continuous fascination with aviation. The Pilot Big Date Flyback anniversary edition remains true to the identity of the tool watch, featuring large bold indices and a striking dial layout. Two titanium chronograph pushers and the crown contrast the blue ceramic case and dial.
The El Primero 3652 high-frequency movement powers the flyback chronograph's two-digit date and time functions, enabling date change in just 0.007 seconds. Measuring 42.5 mm, the blue ceramic piece is paired with a blue Cordura-effect rubber strap and a white option, both complete with a triple-fold stainless steel clasp.
The Defy Skyline, a modern interpretation of the Defy reference, was first introduced in 2024. Its faceted bezel and architectural case were previously presented in steel. In this anniversary reference, the piece undergoes a complete transformation, as seen in its case and bracelet crafted in ceramic. Like the other two models in this anniversary collection, a quick change mechanism is integrated into the 42 mm case, enabling a seamless swap between the bracelet and the rubber strap.
At the heart of the timepiece is the earl Primero 3600 calibre, a movement that propels the time-telling and timekeeping functions at a frequency of 5 Hz; the stop-second mechanism allows for precise time setting.
The Chronomaster Sport 160th Anniversary Edition is also presented for the first time in this electrifying hue. Measuring 41 mm, the piece, including its pushers and crown, is completed entirely in blue. Across the lacquered blue dial are Zenith’s signature tricolour overlapping chronograph counters in silver, grey and blue at the three, six and nine o’clock positions. A red tip on the chronograph hands adds a pop of contrast to the design. The El Primero 3600 calibre, with 60 hours of power reserve, is also at the heart of this timepiece.
