Zenith Pilot Type 20 automatic 40 mm Full Set 2013

The story

The Zenith Pilot collection is a series of pilot's watches created over a hundred years ago. The Manufacture's watchmaking heritage is unrivaled in the world of aviation, as it is the only watchmaker authorized to inscribe "PILOT" on these dials, a term it patented in 1904. The archetypal pilot's watch was created by the Manufacture du Locle siècle at the dawn of the first flights. In fact, at the beginning of the 20th century, Zenith was one of the first companies to produce flight instruments for the planes and airships of the pioneers of aviation. With its daring and technical prowess, the Manufacture became an indispensable partner to the adventurers of the skies who were reaching for the stars, which at the time seemed unattainable. In 1909, for example, Louis Blériot crossed the Channel with a Zenith watch strapped to his wrist, following in the footsteps of Léon Morane, who a year later became the first pilot in history to break the 100 km/h barrier.

The concept of the "Aeronef Type 20 Watch"

"Aircraft watch" is a fitting name. These airborne instruments were specially designed for aviation, a field in which the conditions of use were much more demanding and the mechanics were put to the test. They had to withstand sudden temperature changes, magnetic fields emitted by engines and other flight instruments, sometimes violent vibrations, humidity and changes in atmospheric pressure. Legibility also had to be beyond reproach: a large matte black dial contrasted with luminous white hands and hour markers. The latter, with their characteristic Arabic numerals, also featured an oversized font. As for the wristwatches, they were equipped with a special crown to make them easier to use, allowing the pilot to wind and set the time without removing his gloves.

All these requirements were laid down in a set of specifications drawn up in the mid-1930s, which evolved over time to keep pace with aeronautical technology. As early as 1938, these specifications took on the name "Type 20". These professional watches, a survival tool, were regularly serviced and maintained. In France, for example, they were supplied to the Air Force, the Aéronavale and the Flight Test Center. Even today, Type 20 approved instruments, produced at the time by only a handful of drastically selected manufacturers, are part of the pantheon of flight instruments.

The Model

Most "aviator" watches have, for historical reasons, cases whose diameter very often exceeds 45 mm. The model we present today in this 10h10 episode, the Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20 (reference 03.1930.681/21.C723), goes against this trend with a 40mm steel case. The sobriety of its dimensions makes this watch attractive to the widest possible audience. This watch combines the magic of a timepiece steeped in history with a vintage size. It's a unisex model that uses all the codes of the pilot's watch that we have seen within the "Aéronef" specification.

Funny detail: the case reveals on the side the mention HB, typical of Swiss aviation registrations, followed by a number referring to the piece's serial number.

Finally, beneath this 100-meter water-resistant composition, beats the Manufacture Elite 681 automatic caliber with a small second at 9 o'clock.

The package

This Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20 is in excellent condition! It has just left our workshops for an inspection and polishing. This 2013 model will be delivered to you full set and dressed with a brand new leather strap. This model has been authenticated and as such benefits from the Lepage Vintage 1 year warranty.