Zenith Pilot Cal. 48.5 Eta 2671 Ref. 01.0010.487

Zenith Pilot 1971 — First impression - 01.0010.487

This compact Zenith Pilot reference 01.0010.487 embodies early-1970s Swiss watchmaking in a discreet women’s format. The tonneau stainless-steel case flows seamlessly into the integrated bracelet, framing a vertically brushed silver dial with applied baton indexes and date at three o’clock. A petite 25 mm diameter and 30 mm lug-to-lug length make this an elegant choice for smaller wrists, while the automatic ETA 2671 movement inside ensures effortless day-to-day timekeeping. Patinated luminous plots and hands add subtle character without compromising legibility, and the original signed crown confirms the watch’s authenticity. Overall, this is a quietly sophisticated dress timepiece that blends pilot-inspired clarity with urban refinement.

Vertical Brushed Silver Dial

The dial shows a fine vertical brushing that catches the light in a restrained, almost architectural way. Applied rectangular hour markers are framed in metal with aged luminous accents at their tips, creating depth without unnecessary decoration. A discreet minute track around the periphery allows precise reading of the time. The inscriptions “Zenith Automatic,” “Pilot,” and “Swiss Made” are crisp and correctly proportioned, reflecting the brand’s period typography. Age-related tone in the luminous material provides a gentle warmth that contrasts nicely with the cool steel of the case and bracelet, reinforcing the watch’s status as a mature vintage timepiece rather than a modern reissue.

Hands

The hour and minute hands are straight batons with luminous centers, echoing the geometry of the hour markers and maintaining the functional character associated with the Pilot name. Their length is well judged: the minute hand reaches the minute track for accurate reading, while the hour hand falls neatly on the indexes. The central seconds hand is slim and dark, with a small colored accent near its tip that adds a touch of visual interest without distracting from clarity. The proportional harmony of the handset contributes significantly to the watch’s balanced appearance on the wrist.

Signed Zenith Crown

The crown is a correct Zenith-signed component with fine, even knurling, providing secure grip for winding and setting. Its size is deliberately modest to preserve the smooth contour of the tonneau case, yet practical enough for everyday operation. The presence of the original signed crown is important for collectors, as it confirms that key external components remain faithful to the factory specification. It also reinforces the perception of quality, since Zenith chose not to compromise with generic parts even on smaller women’s references of this era.

Zenith Pilot Stainless Steel Case Architecture

The 25 mm stainless-steel case is shaped in a soft tonneau form that feels quintessentially early 1970s yet remains contemporary on the wrist. Brushed surfaces across the upper planes emphasize the clean lines, while polished bevels and case flanks add subtle contrast. At just 30 mm from lug to lug, the watch wears compact and comfortable, ideal for slender wrists or collectors who appreciate historically correct proportions. The acrylic crystal offers pleasant distortions at the dial edge and is sympathetic to the period. The integrated three-link bracelet continues the case geometry, giving the impression of a continuous flow of metal around the wrist and enhancing the watch’s jewelry-like elegance.

Zenith Pilot Stainless Steel Bracelet

The integrated steel bracelet is composed of solid-feeling links with a brushed upper surface and polished edges, matching the finishing philosophy of the case. Its taper towards the clasp contributes to wearing comfort and visual lightness, preventing the watch from feeling heavy despite its all-metal construction. The design suits the dress-pilot aesthetic perfectly, offering the practicality of a bracelet while preserving a refined presence suitable for formal settings. For collectors exploring similar compact Swiss pieces, it is worth comparing this execution with other models on our curated Zenith vintage watches featuring distinctive 1970s case designs and calibers like 2671.

Zenith Automatic Cal. 48.5 or ETA 2671 Movement

Inside the case beats the Swiss automatic caliber 2671, a compact member of the ETA family widely respected for reliability in smaller watches. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), it offers smooth sweep of the seconds hand and stable rate keeping when properly maintained. The movement is equipped with central seconds, quick date indication via the crown, and a power reserve of approximately 38 hours, making it fully capable as a daily companion. This example has been fully serviced, including complete disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, regulation and testing, ensuring that amplitude and timing fall within the expectations of a well-preserved vintage mechanical watch.

Heritage of a Compact 1970s Zenith Dress Watch

The Pilot name at Zenith has deep roots, extending back to early aviation and instrument-style wristwatches. By the early 1970s, the brand applied this lineage to smaller, more urbane references such as this women’s model, combining cockpit legibility with the softer lines of contemporary jewelry design. The cushion-shaped case, integrated bracelet and vertical dial brushing are hallmarks of the era, when Swiss manufacturers experimented with new silhouettes to complement changing fashion. This reference 01.0010.487 demonstrates how Zenith translated its tool-watch DNA into a refined, city-friendly format, offering collectors an authentic glimpse into post-1960s design language and the evolution of women’s mechanical wristwatches within Swiss watchmaking heritage.

Condition, 12-Month Warranty & Shipping Worldwide

This Zenith Pilot is offered in carefully preserved vintage condition, with honest light wear consistent with more than five decades of life and no disruptive damage to the case or bracelet. The dial retains its original printing and luminous material, while the hands, case, bracelet and signed crown are all period-correct components. The watch has undergone a recent full service and is running accurately, with all calendar and timekeeping functions operating as intended. It is backed by a 12-month warranty from our workshop, providing additional confidence to collectors. We ship worldwide with secure packaging, and you can also browse other small-format dress vintage watches with similarly elegant proportions in our curated selection to complement this reference.