Zenith ICONS: Pilot – Act 1: Historic Pilot References in New Capsule Collection

Zenith is expanding the ICONS programme with a new capsule collection composed of three historic pilot’s watches. As part of Zenith’s HORIZ-ON CSR initiative, dedicated to building a circular economy for the manufacture’s historic watches, the ICONS programme offers original references that have been examined, certified and restored by the heritage department, respecting the original materials and components. The Zenith ICONS: PILOT capsule collection consists of three timepieces from the late 1960s and 70s.

The TIPO CP-2 CAIRELLI

The Zenith produced the TIPO CP-2 CAIRELLI for the Italian military between 1968 and 1972. The Roman dealer A. Cairelli was then responsible for distribution. A particularly remarkable example of this series, recognisable by the engraved military A.M.I serial number, bears witness to its direct connection with the Italian Air Corps. Inside is the calibre 146 DP, a hand-wound movement produced by the Martel Watch Company. This manufacturer also produced other chronographs for the Italian army before Zenith bought it up.

The A3821

The A3821 or Ref. 01.0180.415 combines the readability of a pilot’s watch with the characteristics of a diver’s watch, including a water resistance up to 300 metres. The reference A3821 features a dark, deeply recessed dial with luminous indices and a voluminous case. This watch, one of the first Zenith Pilot models to be powered by the legendary El Primero movement, was part of the very first production line in 1972 and also comes with an integrated “lobster” bracelet from Gay Frères.

The Ref. 01.0230.415

At first glance, the reference 01.0230.415 resembles the A3821. However, this is the first El Primero chronograph with a see-through back. The hybrid of pilot and diver has a typical space-age design and also features a rotating bezel with minute scale. Inside, meanwhile, is the automatic El Primero 3019 PHC that also includes a date function. The matt black dial of this model is part of a limited edition of just 50 pieces. It comes with an integrated “lobster” bracelet from Gay Frères.

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