Zenith and Porter Unite for Limited Edition Pilot Collection

Swiss watchmaking meets Japanese design in two 500-piece limited khaki ceramic editions that redefine aviation timepieces.

Zenith and Porter Unite for Limited Edition Pilot Collection

In an unexpected yet harmonious collaboration, Swiss luxury watchmaker Zenith has joined forces with iconic Japanese bag brand Porter to create a unique collection centered around the theme of travel. The partnership has resulted in two reimagined Zenith Pilot models, each crafted in khaki ceramic and limited to 500 pieces: the Pilot Automatic and the Pilot Big Date Flyback chronograph.

A Shared Passion for Travel

Zenith's history with aviation dates back to 1888 when its founder, Georges-Favre Jacot, recognised the potential of flight and trademarked the term "Pilote" in French, soon followed by "Pilot." This foresight established Zenith as a pioneer in aviation timepieces, with the Pilot collection becoming the brand's longest-running line.

Porter, founded in 1962 by Japanese manufacturer Yoshida & Co., has earned a global reputation for its minimalist, functional, and meticulously crafted bags and accessories. Drawing inspiration from traditional hotel luggage porters and military designs, Porter's products are known for their high-quality materials and attention to detail.

The PILOT Automatic PORTER Edition

The first piece in this collaborative series is the PILOT Automatic PORTER Edition. Featuring a 40mm case in khaki ceramic, the watch boasts a distinct flat-top round bezel and a matte finished surface that lends it a rugged appearance. The dial, textured to resemble corrugated metal sheets used in aircraft fuselages, is adorned with oversized luminescent Arabic numerals and bright orange hands — a nod to the signature orange interior of many Porter bags.

Powering the watch is the El Primero 3620 high-frequency manufacture movement, visible through a black PVD steel case back with a specially emblazoned sapphire crystal featuring the Porter logo. The movement offers a 60-hour power reserve and features a blackened oscillating weight designed to resemble an "artificial horizon" instrument.

The PILOT Big Date Flyback PORTER Edition

The second offering is the PILOT Big Date Flyback PORTER Edition, housed in a larger 42.5mm khaki ceramic case. This model is equipped with the latest generation of the El Primero automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre, featuring two functions highly valued by aviators: a big date display and a flyback function.

The chronograph's 30-minute counter features alternating orange and white outlines for improved legibility, while the oversized date display utilizes a cutting-edge patented mechanism for rapid and stable date changes. The flyback function allows for quick resetting and restarting of the chronograph with a single button push — a feature originally designed for pilots wearing thick gloves.

Exclusive Accessories

Both watches come with two interchangeable straps: a khaki nylon strap with orange Velcro elements supplied by Porter, and a khaki cordura-effect rubber strap with a black PVD steel folding buckle.

To complement the watches, Porter has designed an exclusive messenger bag that houses the watch box. The bag features PorterR's signature khaki color on the exterior, while the interior is finished in Zenith's characteristic blue, reminiscent of the night sky.

The PILOT Automatic PORTER Edition and PILOT Big Date Flyback PORTER Edition, each limited to 500 pieces, are available exclusively through Zenith physical and online boutiques worldwide. This collaboration marks a unique intersection of Swiss watchmaking precision and Japanese design aesthetics, offering aviation enthusiasts and style-conscious individuals alike a truly distinctive timepiece.