Zenith Presents “Pilot” Legacy: An Immersive Exhibit At Watches Of Switzerland

In a grand celebration of its historic Pilot Heritage, Zenith unveiled its new “Pilot” collection at the Watches and Wonders watch fair in Geneva earlier this year. The collection was a testament to the brand’s commitment to elevating the rich history, art, and legacy of its chronograph movements in the watchmaking industry. Now, Zenith is taking this exceptional experience to new heights with an immersive exhibit at Watches of Switzerland’s Hudson Yards location in New York City.

The Zenith “Pilot” Legacy exhibit at Watches of Switzerland Hudson Yards promises an extraordinary journey through time, celebrating the evolution of the iconic Pilot line. The pop-up exhibit will be open to the public from August 8 until September 10, 2023, offering watch enthusiasts and history aficionados alike an exclusive opportunity to delve into the brand’s pioneering spirit and timeless elegance.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Zenith

Visitors to the exhibit will have the privilege of witnessing six Zenith Pilot heritage pieces alongside the new Pilot collection, featuring stainless steel and ceramic 3-hand automatics and flyback chronographs with new El Primero movements. The selection of historic Pilot pieces on display includes the Dashboard Altimeter from the 1910s, the Pilot Wristwatch from the 1928-1930s, the Chronograph Tipo CP2 from 1968-72, the El Primero Pilot-Diver from 1972, the El Primero Rainbow Fly-Back from 1997, and the El Primero Pilot Big Date Special from 2010.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Zenith

The exhibit showcases Zenith’s long-standing commitment to aviation and its historical significance in the world of watchmaking. Before the advent of air travel, Zenith had officially registered the trademark “Pilote” in 1888, later followed by the English version “Pilot” in 1904. These early milestones solidified Zenith’s position as a leading producer of specialized timepieces and dashboard instruments catering to aviators, with notable patrons such as Louis Blériot, the first aviator to fly across the English Channel in 1909. Today, Zenith continues to uphold this legacy and propel it into the future through its latest iteration of the Pilot collection, honoring its unparalleled heritage while pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Zenith

The Zenith “Pilot” Legacy exhibit at Watches of Switzerland Hudson Yards is not just a display of watches; it is an immersive experience that blends history and modernity, craftsmanship, and precision. The collection of rare heritage pieces, accompanied by the stories of the watchmakers who shaped the Maison’s future, offers visitors an unforgettable journey through time.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Zenith

In recent years, Zenith has experienced remarkable growth in the North American market, driven by a highly strategic approach to watchmaking and the introduction of iconic chronograph pieces like the Pilot, Defy, and Chronomaster Sport collections. As a growing sector of the niche watchmaking market, New York serves as the ideal launchpad for the international tour of this exhibit.

For watch connoisseurs and history buffs, the Zenith “Pilot” Legacy exhibit is a pilgrimage that offers an up-close encounter with the essence of timekeeping mastery. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a watch aficionado, or simply curious about the intersection of art and history, this immersive experience is not to be missed. So mark your calendars and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the remarkable world of Zenith at the Watches of Switzerland Hudson Yards from August 8 to September 10, 2023.