To round of Zenith’s LVMH releases for 2021 is the Pilot Type 20 Silver Chronograph. Zenith’s Pilot collection pays homage to the extraordinarily pioneering spirit of pilots when aviation was just beginning. This latest timepiece recalls Zenith’s extraordinary pedigree in the world of aviation timepieces, which spans over a century.
The famous French Aviator, Louis Bleriot was the first man to fly across the English Channel, which was only six years after the first manned flight. Louis Bleriot on his mission across the English Channel wore a simple Zenith timepiece, resembling that of the brand’s modern Pilot watches.
For the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Silver timepiece, Zenith has revisited the iconic and historical Pilot aesthetic, while using vintage aircraft design as an inspiration source for the dial design. For the very first time, Zenith has decided to create the detailed aviation-themed chronograph in precious sterling silver.
The 45mm case is made entirely from genuine 925 sterling silver, to represent the appearance of aircraft hulls. For the dial design, Zenith has looked to fuselages on aircraft as the design source. The dial features riveted details that resemble metal panels, with Zenith using an erratic satin-brushed surface on the dial so that the raw beauty of the metal can be highlighted more. The Pilot Type 20 Silver Chronograph has retained all the elements from previous Pilot Type 20 timepieces, including the double sub-counters, the oversized crown, the oversized Arabic hour-markers, and “cathedral” hands.
The movement used is Zenith’s own in-house El Primero 4069 automatic movement, which powers the hours, minutes, chronograph seconds hand, small seconds sub counter at 9 o’clock, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and lastly the date indication. The El Primero 4069 automatic movement gives out a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. The watch comes with a closed case back, however, it is full 925 sterling silver which is engraved with the Zenith flying instruments logo.
Featuring a brown calfskin leather strap with rivets as the strap choice for this latest model, the Pilot Type 20 Silver Chronograph is sure to be enjoyed among watch enthusiasts that also have a passion for the aviation industry.
