I don't really get the "Pilot" watch thing. I guess it's just a name that has fallen into common use to describe a style, the fact that pilots did not get issued or use them is obviously irrelevant. Navigators maybe (B-Uhr and some JLC, IWC etc.) but not pilots. Also the chronograph versions (such as those made by IWC, Sinn etc) are a modern rewrite of history - I think IWC first made them in the '80s. Even the Omega Speedmaster was designed for motor sport. If you want a watch that was popular amongst actual pilots during the mechanical golden era then have a look at the Rolex GMT models.
That said I love the look of some of the new Zenith watches. The horrible designs of the last few years must have done some serious damage to the brands reputation so it is good to see they are making some good looking pieces again and in a few years people might have forgotten how dreadful they became. Zenith is one of the brands that, like JLC, a watch enthusiast should like or at least respect. I find it quite hard with JLC as the designs do nothing for me and I think most current IWC models are horrible - too big for starters. However, with the IWC vs Zenith in the style you like, I think I do actually prefer the IWC style but the Zenith movement - so difficult to say. I'm not really a chronograph person so would really choose non-chrono but definitely not the IWC big pilot which i think looks ridiculous, keeps bad time and has no historical relevance or authenticity - it's just fashion.