Zenith has just introduced three new aviation-inspired watches to its Pilot collection. The watches joining the collection are the commemorative Pilot Type 20 dedicated to French pilot Louis Blériot’s, the Skeleton version of the same model, and the Extra Special rendition of the Pilot Type 20, which is housed in a bronze case. Today, we'll take a closer look at the Extra Special or Extra Spécial bronze version, a watch that beautifully exemplifies vintage spirit of the famous “Type 20” watches.
Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special is one of the watches whose creation is inspired by the on-board instruments that Zenith produced in the early days of aeronautics. Each of these timepieces, as Zenith explains, symbolizes discovery, exploration, and a taste for adventure and challenges. The famous Zenith Type 20 found its place on the instrument panels of numerous aircrafts from 1939 on. Being specifically developed for aviation, the Zenith Type 20 had to withstand extreme conditions and deliver flawless legibility.
The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special replicates the characteristic attributes of these legendary watches: oversized luminescent Arabic numerals, as well as a large ratcheted screwed-in crown enabling adjustment with gloved hands. The new bronze case is unique in the collection of Zenith aviator watches. The material, which is an alloy of copper and tin, creates a natural patina as it oxidizes. The patina forms random patterns, making each of the cases unique, while highlighting the vintage appeal of the model. The functions are displayed on a matte black dial embraced by a minute track. The large Arabic numerals are made from blocks of white Super-LumiNova, and paired with luminescent hands.
The case, which measures 45 mm in diameter, accommodates the automatic Zenith Elite Calibre 679. This accurate and reliable automatic movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, driving hours, minutes and seconds hands. The mechanism has a 50-hour power reserve, and it is protected against the ingress of water to up to 100 meters. The solid titanium case-back bears an engraving of Louis Blériot’s plane, and it is decorated with the Zenith Flying Instruments logo. The watch is mounted on a rubber-lined Nubuck strap fitted with a titanium buckle.
The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special, reference number 29.2430.679/21.C753, retails at 6,900 Swiss Francs.
Author: Marina Milojevic Pinterest
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