The Zenith Doublematic is a highly functional and complex timepiece designed for travellers and aviation enthusiasts. This watch integrates a chronograph, alarm, and world time complications into its robust case thanks to the El Primero 4046 movement. It is a relatively unknown testament to Zenith’s innovation and craftsmanship in the world of luxury timepieces, especially pilot watches. With its intricate design and functionality, the Zenith Doublematic is an impressive piece in the world of horology – but not for everyone.

Design - 33 / 100
There is a lot happening on the face of a Zenith Doublematic. It features a complex but functional layout that compromises on aesthetic in order to deliver performance. Design-wise it is a complete departure from Zenith Pilot heritage and leans more into modernity rather than tradition.
Leaving the obvious aside, the case itself is pretty simple: smooth polished bezel, polished case with brushed lugs, some engraving on the caseback. The sculpted rotor can be seen through a display caseback.
You have limited choices when it comes to specification; steel case black dial, rose gold case and white dial or the ultra-rare black-coated case (also steel) and blue dial. These configurations are pre-determined so pick your favourite. For each, there are dedicated leather straps with case-matching buckles.
There is a unique separate power reserve indicator and on/off display for the alarm function as well as a red-tipped hand to show where it is set to chime. Although these indicators provide practicality and visual interest, they take up a lot of dial real estate and partially or fully block the 7 and 9 numerals.
One of the simpler details present on this watch is the overall hand design. They are elegant and precise contributing to the legibility, especially the chronograph needle hand.
The dial does feel somewhat crowded, with multiple functions vying for space – from world-timer to chronograph to big date and alarm displays, it feels more like competition rather than harmony. Moreover, the presence of numerous crowns adds to the complexity and asymmetric visual impact. Doha and Moscow are also in the same time zone so it makes little sense why they are both one of the 24 cities on the outer ring.

Utility - 44 / 100
Celebrated for its impressive multi-functionality, this world-timer watch provides more than just the time in each of the 24 time zones. It packs an array of features into one cohesive timepiece making it a one-watch army.
Starting with the 30-minute chronograph and big date complications, these already provide a lot of day-to-day utility. In addition, the mechanical alarm is a beautiful surprise which is usually not included in world-timer watches. Winding, setting and activating the alarm is done via the lower left crown and pusher. Last but not least, the 24-time zone world timer complication is the main attraction of the Zenith Doublematic. To set it, the upper left crown turns the outer ring that displays the 24 capitals. Once the desired city is matched with the correct time on the inner ring the world timer is synchronised. Since the inner ring has 24 hours, day/night cycles are separated. A utility-limiting factor is the chronograph that can only record up to 30 minutes. Considering this watch is aimed at travellers and aviation enthusiasts or pilots, 30 minutes feels like it’s not enough.
Sapphire crystals protect the watch from both front and back, while the automatic movement with a 50-hour power reserve ensures reliable performance. Additionally, the Super-LumiNova on the hands enhances readability in low light conditions. A 50-meter water resistance is modest and suitable for daily wear but not for serious water activities.
Although having good proportions, the Zenith Doublematic has considerable size of around 45 mm diameter (crowns not included) and almost 16 mm thickness so can be hard to wear on a smaller wrist.
Best for utility is the steel case variant as it is the most wearable, versatile and accessible in terms of price. Next is the rose gold, followed by the black-coated steel which is very limited and even more expensive. All versions feature a locking clasp mechanism with pin and buckle closure with leather straps.
Despite its functionality, the dial can be hard to read due to its complexity, which might be daunting for those new to the watch or those who rotate their collection regularly. Once the user gets familiar with how the mechanisms operate it actually has very user-friendly controls.

Craft - 55 / 100
At the heart of the Zenith Pilot Doublematic beats the El Primero 4046. As with all modern El Primero calibres, it operates at the high frequency of 36,000 beats per hour (5 Hz) and boasts a scary but impressive 439 parts and 41 jewels. Made to satisfy or surpass Chronometer standards of precision. Two main spring barrels power the movement and mechanical alarm individually and have to be wound separately via their dedicated crowns. Hence the name “Doublematic”. An increased complexity may lead to more frequent, more complex servicing procedures and potential reliability issues. Despite these concerns, the Zenith Doublematic stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design.
All configurations feature polished and brushed cases in steel or rose gold. Titanium would have been a welcomed addition. There is engraving on the rotor and caseback. A dedicated black alligator leather strap with case-matching buckle completes the package (dark blue for the black case) and adds a touch of elegance, complementing the overall aesthetic.
For Zenith Doublematic there are 3 relevant references specific to each configuration:
- Ref 03.2400.4046/21.C721 – stainless steel case, black dial
- Ref 18.2400.4046/01.C721 – rose gold case, white dial limited edition (250 units)
- Ref 75.2402.4046/57.C749 – black-coated steel case, blue dial limited edition (20 units)
Steel case with a black dial configuration is somewhat basic and the inclusion of a titanium case would have been a welcome addition.
The rose gold case with a white dial enhances readability and exudes sophistication, while the black case with a blue dial offers a strikingly epic stealthy appearance.
As far as Zenith El Primero pilot watches are concerned, here is one of the rare variants with a world-timer complication. Although not a continuation of the classic “Pilot” collection, the Doublematic carries the torch of its Pilot heritage in its own way. It offers a combination of complications and fuctions that caters to modern pilots and travellers.


Value - 48 / 100
The Zenith Pilot Doublematic holds a unique position in the market, thanks to its heritage-rich El Primero movement and rare combination of world-timer and mechanical alarm complications. Among pilot watches, it stands in a category of its own, offering exceptional precision and a distinctive character.
Given its servicing complexity, buyers should prioritise full-kit purchases with complete paperwork, as official Zenith service is essential. While the watch is undoubtedly expensive, the steel configuration has the best price-to-performance ratio, balancing functionality, historical significance, and relative affordability. It provides access to the watch’s myriad features without the premium associated with more luxurious variants. This reference can be found for around €6,000 which would be a fair entry point.
Rarity also plays a role in its value. Even in steel and black-dial variants, the Doublematic is uncommon. For collectors, the limited edition black case with a blue dial could be a sound investment if found for sale, though it is likely to come with a hefty price tag. The same can be said of the rose gold variant which is also limited. These might both show up for sale once in a while but almost always hover around €20,000. Second-hand availability can be challenging, but steel models surface more frequently, while gold and black versions require patience and luck. Price trends remain relatively stable despite occasional fluctuations, reflecting its niche status. However, it is no longer available new or with a warranty, meaning prospective buyers must navigate auctions and private sales.
Compared to other world timers, the Zenith Doublematic occupies a unique niche with its combination of chronograph, alarm, and world time functions, making it a love-it-or-hate-it watch for enthusiasts. Alternatives like the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Extreme World Chronograph or Montblanc 1858 Geosphere exist but lack the alarm function and the El Primero pedigree. While the Zenith Multicity Traveller is similarly priced, it omits the mechanical alarm, making the Doublematic a singular offering for collectors seeking a high-complication pilot’s watch with genuine historical ties.
Despite the unique features of this watch, other world timers can be found at a lower price point, which might appeal to those prioritising cost over specific functionalities. With a huge range of prices between the different configurations, it is hard to pinpoint where this watch falls in terms of value.
Collector Score - 45 / 100
The Zenith Pilot Doublematic is a rare fusion of complexity and heritage, offering a distinctive blend of a world-timer, chronograph, and mechanical alarm. While its oversized case and busy dial may be polarising, it stands apart as one of the few aviation-inspired watches with such an extensive feature set. The El Primero 4046 movement ensures high precision, but its intricate mechanics demand careful attention.
Its niche status keeps resale prices stable, but its rarity means patience is required to find the right piece. Despite its high price and somewhat polarising design, the Zenith Doublematic is an ideal choice for those who appreciate functional complexity over minimalism. For seasoned collectors and world travellers alike, it remains a one-of-a-kind pilot’s companion.