Pilot Extra Special, the Zenith chronograph with the adventurous spirit of the idols of the air 2026

Michael Goldman
Pilot Extra Special, the Zenith chronograph with the adventurous spirit of the idols of the air - grandgoldman.com
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ZenithFor 2017, it gives us a chronograph version of the famous pilot's watches from the early days of aeronautics, thePilot Extra Special, which exalts the legacy of those intrepid heroes from above.

It is a natural heir model of the flight instruments thatZenithdeveloped in the early years of aeronautics, characterized by its excellent readability, precision and solidity.



Bronze Fuselage

It features a large luminescent dial, which guarantees good readability, and a large bronze case with a diameter of 45 mm. The large screw-down crown and serrated pushers can be easily manipulated, even when wearing gloves. The bronze is made of a highly resistant antimagnetic alloy that acquires a natural patina, giving it a unique vintage touch.


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Aire vintage del Pilot Extra Special con fuselaje de bronce y correa caqui
Pilot Extra Special vintage look with bronze fuselage and khaki strap

The new sandblasted black dial is protected with sapphire crystal and features oversized Arabic numerals that evoke the original typography. Faceted, luminescent hands rotate on the distinctive watch face, featuring two counters and a railway-style minute track.

The inscriptions “Montre d’Aéronef” and “Pilot” can be seen on the watch, a reminder that theZenith Manufacturingwas one of the first producers of cockpit clocks and altimeters at the dawn of civil and military aviation.

Dizzying mechanism

In its case, water-resistant to 100 m, one discovers an “engine” known for its legendary precision: the El Primero caliber 4069, descendant of the most precise mass-produced chronograph in the world, designed byZenithand presented in 1969. It beats at a rate of 5 Hz, with a precision of one tenth of a second, and drives the central hands that mark the hours and minutes, the small seconds hand, and the chronograph functions, while guaranteeing a power reserve of 50 hours.

Pilot Extra Special, inspirado en los orígenes de la aviación
Pilot Extra Special, inspired by the origins of aviation

vintage design

Its design, inspired by the origins of aviation, presents on the back of the titanium case the drawing of the legendary Louis Blériot, the pilot who crossed the English Channel, with aZenithon your wrist, next to the flight instruments logoZenith, accompanied by a motif inspired by the fuselage of the French aviator's legendary monoplane. The design of its dial and its khaki green nubuck strap present a neo-retro look, which conveys an unmistakable spirit of adventure.


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Built to explore new horizons, thePilot Extra SpecialIt transports us to those times when the first idols of the air crossed the skies.

Features of the Zenith Pilot Extra Special watch

Chronograph: El Primero automatic with column wheel
screw down crown
Case back engraved with the Zenith Flying Instruments logo
Arabic numerals with SuperLuminova

MOTION
Movement: El Primero 4069, automatic
Caliber 13¼«` (diameter: 30 mm)
Movement height 6.6 mm
Components 254
Rubies 35
Frequency 36,000 beats/h (5 Hz)
Minimum power reserve 50 hours
Finishes Oscillating mass with “Côtes de Genève” motif

FUNCTIONS
Central hours and minutes display
Small seconds at 9 o'clock
Chronograph:
– Central chronograph hand
– 30 minute counter at 3 o'clock


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CASE, DIAL AND NEEDLES
Diameter 45mm
Opening diameter 37.8 mm
Height 14.25mm
Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Titanium case back engraved with the Zenith Flying Instruments logo
Material: Bronze
Watertightness 10 ATM
Dial: Black
Indices: Arabic numerals with SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Gold plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1

STRAP AND BUCKLE
Belt reference: 27.00.2321.800
Green oiled nubuck strap covered with rubber protection
Abbreviation: CS
Buckle 27.95.0021.001
Titanium pin buckle

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Michael Goldman

Author

Michael Goldman

Michael is an award-winning online reporter and content writer with over a decade of experience covering technology, business, and digital culture. His investigative features have been published in leading outlets such as Wired, The Verge, and Forbes, earning him recognition for accuracy and depth.


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