With its imposing bronze case, easily adjustable wide fluted crown, oversized luminescent numerals and a high-beat El Primero mechanism, Zenith’s Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Chronograph proudly flaunts the DNA of a line of onboard instruments developed by Zenith in the early years of aeronautics.
Bronze fuselage
Framing an oversized luminescent display guaranteeing peerless readability, the substantial 45 mm-diameter case is made of bronze, a highly resistant anti-magnetic alloy that acquires a natural patina giving it a unique vintage touch.
Topped by a domed sapphire crystal, the matt blue dial picks up the font of the original large Arabic numerals, made from blocks of white (green-emission) Super-LumiNova® SLN C1. The gold-plated luminescent facetted hands sweep over this distinctive watch face, also punctuated by two counters and a railway-type minutes track. The inscriptions “Montre d’Aéronef” and “Pilot” are a reminder that the Manufacture was one of the first producers of altimeters and cockpit watches at the dawn of military and civil aviation.
El Primero 4069
At the heart of its bronze case hums an ‘engine’ known for its legendary precision: El Primero Calibre 4069. This high-frequency column-wheel chronograph movement is a descendant of the world’s most accurate series-made chronograph, developed by Zenith and presented in 1969. Beating at a rate of 5Hz (36,600 vph)enabling a tenth-of-a-second display, it drives the central hours and minutes, small seconds and chronograph functions, while ensuring a 50-hour power reserve.
In a nod to its aviation origins, the solid titanium case-back depicts the plane flown by Louis Blériot when he crossed the Channel in 1909 with a Zenith on his wrist, along with the Zenith flight instruments logo.
This Pilot Extra Special is harnessed to the wrist by a blue oily nubuck leather strap and secured by a titanium pin buckle.
