Louis Bleriot, a Frenchman, flew across the English Channel from Calais to Dover with his Zenith watch in 1909. The big event helped Zenith Manufacture become well known. A Zenith watch accompanied Fearless Felix Baumgartner to break the sound barrier, in freefall in 2012. Whether in the past or at present, Zenith stays true to mission. Combining watchmaking tradition with innovative technology, Zenith creates a number of Pilot watches to tribute the aviation. Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special series was unveiled at Baselworld 2018, including 4 models. The model I like is Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special Bronze 29.2430.4069/57.C808.
Case in bronze brings us back to the beginning of last century. Different the ordinary bronze, it is the high antimagnetic alloy bronze, off magnetic interference. Zenith Pilot Collection is designed for the aviation, so the place at 9 O’clock for case is engraved with “HB-×××”. What does it mean? “HB” refers to the registration code of Swiss Civil Air, and the number behind “HB” refers to the serial number. The size, 45mm×14.25mm, is more suitable for men on leisure occasions. The oversized, bronze case highlights manly power better. With the hue of dark blue, wisdom and elegance stand out. To echo to the bronze case, besides the main color-white, yellow and rose gold adorn the matte blue dial. The design for two sub-dials looks more harmonious and balanceable. The small seconds displays at 9 O’clock, and the other is 30-minute counter. The long timing buttons and the onion-shaped crown were used in the early pilot watches, and now, they apply to the new version. What vintage but stylish the design is!
Both sides of the domed sapphire crystal are filmed with anti-glare treatment, so users get high readability at any angle. Oversized hour markers and hands are filled with white Super-LumiNova®. they are extremely clear through sapphire crystal in the dark condition. Case-back is engraved with Zenith flying instruments logo tribute to Montre D’Aeronef Type 20. Blue oily nubuck leather strap with white stitches echoes to the design for the matte blue dial. With protective rubber lining, the strap fits all wrists, comfortable and durable.
Due to the sealed back, we can’t appreciate the inner movement,but it cannot denied that El Primero 4069 is a reliable, precise mechanical movement. Thanks for El Primero, Zenith takes a place in the competitive watchmaking market. In-house El Primero with self winding is not only the featured movement but one of the most famous movements. It features 36,600 frequency and accuracy up to 1/10s. Nowadays, it still is an accurate leading quantity-production movement. Zenith Pilot 29.2430.4069/57.C808 is equipped with El Primero 4069, column-wheel chronograph mechanical movement.
