Side by side

Maen Skymaster 38 MKIIIvsZenith Pilot Big Date Flyback

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

Skymaster 38 MKIII
MaenSkymaster 38 MKIII
MSRP $1,679
Pilot Big Date Flyback
ZenithPilot Big Date Flyback
MSRP $12,800
What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Maen Skymaster 38 MKIII

The Maen Skymaster 38 MKIII is praised for its refined case, impressive fit and finish, and compact 38mm size, which offers a premium feel with a sharp, legible dial and well-executed applied markers. Reviewers note the sweet winding action and the vintage-inspired brown sunburst dial with dauphine hands and lollipop register pointers. The watch is powered by a manual-wind Sellita SW510Mb movement with a 63-hour power reserve. Accuracy figures vary, with one reviewer reporting +7 seconds per day and another stating a tolerance of +/-15 seconds per day. On balance, owners and reviewers appreciate the Maen Skymaster 38 MKIII for its refined vintage-inspired design and compact dimensions at its price point.

From video reviewers

The 38mm case size is a key strength for the Maen Skymaster 38 MKIII. Reviewers noted the excellent quality-price ratio for a Swiss-made chronograph.

Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback

The Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback commands broad praise for its column-wheel chronograph and flyback functionality—reviewers consistently highlight the buttery-smooth button action and satisfying light-touch activation, while owners single out the 0.007-second big date snap-jump as among the best in watches. The 42.5mm case, measuring 14.3mm thick, wears notably slimmer than its proportions suggest, and the ribbed dial texture referencing aircraft fuselage combined with lume-filled numerals and an artificial-horizon bar create a visually striking pilot aesthetic; the El Primero 3652 movement delivers 60-hour power reserve. Some owners feel the hands could sit wider and lower to match the bold dial, and the case runs large even on bigger wrists; pricing sits higher than IWC competition, though reviewers credit the El Primero's technical sophistication as justification.

At a glance

17 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Skymaster 38 MKIII38mm
Pilot Big Date Flyback42.5mm
Power Reserve
Skymaster 38 MKIII40h
Pilot Big Date Flyback60h
Water Resistance
Skymaster 38 MKIII100m
Pilot Big Date Flyback100m
MSRP
Skymaster 38 MKIII$1,679
Pilot Big Date Flyback$12,800

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Diameter
38mm
42.5mm
Thickness
13.4mm
Material
316L Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Finish
Brushed and polished
Stainless steel
Caseback
Solid

Crystal & Dial

5 specs
Crystal
Domed Sapphire
Crystal Shape
Flat
AR Coating
Inner
Dial Color
M6.1.1
Black
Indices
Applied

Movement

6 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW510mb
Type
Automatic
Beat Rate
28,800 vph
36,000 vph
Power Reserve
40h
60h
Jewels
25
0
Complications
None
Flyback Chronograph, Big Date, Date

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,679
$12,800
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