Zenith Pilot Doublematic World Timer Automatic (Ref. 03.2400.4046/21.C721)
It looks like the year 2012 will be remembered by many as the year of “world timers”. Right after the gorgeous Breitling Transocean Chronograph Unitime, somewhat ascetic IWC Pilot’s Watch Worldtimer, and the special edition Bremont World Timer ALT1 Automatic UTC, the Swiss watchmaker offers its new Zenith Pilot Doublematic family of watches that are available both in stainless steel (Ref. 03.2400.4046/21.C721, which is reviewed here) and more expensive 18-carat rose gold bodies. Of course, it was revealed a couple weeks ago during the Baselworld 2012 event.
As usual, Zenith’s main selling point is the mechanism that makes working all its numerous features.
Called Zenith caliber El Primero 4046, the automatic mechanism beats at the signature frequency of 36,000 semi-oscillations per hour and is literally stuffed with functions like a particularly expensive Swiss army knife.
According to official info, the list includes so called “worldtimer” function that allows you to instantly check time in any of the 24 main time zones, as well as a 30-minute chronograph, big date and even an alarm. Of course, the list of functions is not as impressive as we are used to see when it comes to Japanese quartz watches, however, for an automatic timekeeper it is more than remarkable.
It is worth noting that, comprising 439 parts and measuring 30 millimeters in diameter and striking 9 millimeters in height, the movement is equipped with a pair of spring barrels: one for the alarm function and the other for the, um, other functions of the watch.
There is even a power reserve sub-dial that makes sure that the alarm module will not run out of juice at the worst possible moment, as well as an “on/off” indicator that allows you to instantly check the status of the alarm.
Since the movement is not particularly compact, the body of the watch is also quite impressive in its massive presence.
Being whole 45 millimeters in diameter, it is also quite thick. However, thanks to its highly technocratic appearance, it doesn’t look ridiculously huge: it takes just a single glance to understand that its impressive size is a derivative of its not least impressive list of useful complications.
Despite a torrent of data that the watch brings to your eyes, the dial seems finely structured and is highly legible thanks to its high-contrast color scheme, discrete use of Superluminova on the hands and Arabic numerals and skillful positioning of its numerous sub-dials.
I especially like the big date window, which is as visually attractive as the famous “Panorama Date” display on the German Glashutte Original watches.
Well, I am pretty sure that the price of the new Zenith Pilot Doublematic (Ref. 03.2400.4046/21.C721) will be as impressive as the watch itself. On the other hand, a price is not an issue for a person going through his midlife crisis, is it?
Photos: Zenith
Zenith Pilot Doublematic World Timer (Ref. 03.2400.4046/21.C721) watch specification
Price: TBD
Movement: Automatic, Caliber El Primero 4046, 30.00 mm x 9.05 mm, 439 parts, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 41
Movement frequency: 36,000
Movement decoration: Decorated by hand
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, alarm, 24 time zones (world timer, GMT), chronograph, big date, power reserve
Power reserve: 50 hours
Case material: Stainless steel (also a version in rose gold)
Bezel material: Matches case
Crown material: Matches case
Case shape: Round
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 45.00 mm
Case height: N/A
Lug width: N/A
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic, luminous (Superluminova)
Hour markers: Red
Hands: Luminous (Superluminova)
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Alligator leather with hand-sewn topstitching, pin buckle (matching case) or folding clasp
Crystal: Sapphire
Case back: Sapphire
Evgueni Matoussevitch in Swiss WatchesTags: 03.2400.4046/21.C721, 45 mm, 50 m, alarm, Automatic, Baselworld 2012, Big Date, Chronograph, Doublematic, GMT, Pilot, pilot's watch, world timer, Zenith, Zenith caliber El Primero 4046
