Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback Porter

Quick specs Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback Porter
Price: $ 15,500 | € 16.200 | £ 13,900 | CHF 14’900
Size: 42.5 mm
Reference: 49.4001.3652/63.I001

This Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback Porter is the second pilot model from the Swiss brand in partnership with Japan’s Porter brand. Zenith releases their new pilots in pairs, and so far we have had blue/steel, black/steel, and black/ceramic. And you can add green/ceramic to that list from now on. Also for the simpler Zenith Pilot Automatic Porter.

With the Porter collab, a military-inspired design touch is added to this 42.5-millimeter matt khaki ceramic model. It has black PVD-coated pushers and a large crown, contributing to its functionality, and allowing easy operation.

Flyback chronograph on a khaki dial

The textured dial is also executed in matt khaki to complement the case, while black and orange hands with white super-luminova provide green high-contrast light in the dark. The central seconds hand from the flyback chronograph is also orange, with a luminova tip. And even the hand from the 30-minute counter at the 3 o’clock position has super-luminova.

At the 9 o’clock position are the small seconds, indicated by an orange hand. Furthermore, this model includes an oversized big date display at 6 o’clock. The grey-ish Arabic numerals have super-luminova too, and the flange of the dial shows a clear minute/second track.

This Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback Porter has a power reserve of 60 hours

Inside, Zenith equips the Big Date Flyback Porter with its automatic Zenith caliber El Primero 3652. This movement operates at high frequency and includes a patented mechanism for the big date display. The chronograph’s flyback function—originally designed for pilots needing to reset and start the chronograph with one touch—enhances usability.

It has a 60-hour power reserve and a black oscillating weight, styled as an “artificial horizon,” paying homage to traditional cockpit instruments. This is visible through the sapphire crystal case back.

The Porter touch

Porter’s touch is apparent in the strap options, which are both khaki-colored and easy to change with Zenith’s interchangeable system. One strap uses durable nylon fabric by Porter, while the other provides a Cordura-effect rubber. Both straps close with a secure black PVD folding buckle and suit the watch’s rugged design.

Retailing at 14 to 16k, the Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback Porter positions itself in a competitive chronograph market. Its price aligns with comparable chronographs from brands like Omega and IWC. If you want to stick to Zenith, and like the model, also check this stainless steel Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback Blue. And these black Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback models are in either steel or ceramic.