Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special automatic 45 mm

The story

The Zenith Pilot collection is a series of aviator's watches, created over a hundred years ago. The Manufacture's watchmaking heritage is unrivalled in the world of aviation, as it is the only watchmaking House authorized to inscribe "PILOT" on these dials, a term it patented in 1904. The archetypal aviator's watch was created by La Manufacture du Locle siècle at the dawn of the first air 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 the air. With its daring and technical prowess, the Manufacture became an indispensable partner to the adventurers of the skies who reached for what seemed at the time to be unattainable stars. This is how Louis Blériot crossed the English Channel in 1909, his Zenith firmly strapped to his wrist, following in the footsteps of Léon Morane, who a year later became the first pilot in history to exceed 100 km/h.

The concept of the "Aeronef Type 20 watch"

"Aircraft watch" is a meaningful appellation. These on-board instruments were specially developed for aviation, a field where conditions of use remained considerably more demanding, putting the mechanics to a severe test. They had to withstand sudden variations in temperature, magnetic fields emitted by engines and other flight instruments, sometimes violent vibrations, humidity and changes in atmospheric pressure. Legibility, too, had to be beyond reproach: a large matt black dial offered the best possible contrast to the luminescent white hands and hour-markers. The latter, with their characteristic Arabic numerals, also featured an oversized font. As for the wristwatches, to make them easier to handle, they were equipped with a very special crown, allowing the pilot to wind and set the time without taking off his gloves.

All these requirements were laid down in a set of specifications developed in the mid-1930s and evolved over time, keeping 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 delivered 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 Manufactures, feature in the Pantheon of flight instruments.

The model

The model we present today in this 10h10 episode, the Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20 features a 45 mm-diameter steel case, a great classic for aviators' watches! We particularly appreciate its onion-shaped crown, perfect for gripping now.

Highlighted by a domed sapphire crystal, its functions are displayed on a large matte black dial framed by a railway track, while imposing Arabic numerals executed in blocks of white Superluminova and luminescent faceted hands enhance its legibility.

A 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 Zenith automatic caliber offering a 42-hour power reserve. The latter is concealed by a closed caseback, stamped with the effigy of Louis Blériot's plane and adorned with the Zenith flight instrument logo, recalling its mythical origins.

Package

The package

This Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20 is in very good condition, but please note that the leather is marked! This 2010s model will be delivered with its case and user manual. This model has been authenticated and as such benefits from the Lepage Vintage 1-year warranty.