Zenith Introduces the Pilot Type 20 Rescue

Fuss-free aviator's watches.

Inspired by early 20th century aviator’s watches, Zenith’s Pilot Type 20 collection gets new two versions at LVMH Watch Week. Available mostly in heavily retro guises, including in bronze or aged steel, the new pilot watches take a different tack. The Pilot Type 20 Rescue and Type 20 Rescue Chronograph are devoid of retro affectations, and are kept simple with steel cases and dark grey dials.

Measuring 45 mm wide, both watches feature a brushed case band with a polished bezel as well as a polished, onion-shaped crown. Instead of the usual grained dials, they have slate-grey, sun ray-brushed dials that are accented with bolts of yellow, giving them a more modern look.

As with the rest of the collection, the dials are characterised by cathedral-style hands and large applied Gothic numerals that are moulded from SuperLuminova.

Powering the Pilot Type 20 Rescue is the Elite 679, an in-house, workhorse automatic movement with a 50 hour-power reserve, while the Pilot Type 20 Rescue Chronograph is equipped with the El Primero 4069, which is a variant of the El Primero 400 that lacks a date and an hour totaliser.

The only element that’s “faux” patina is the distressed calfskin leather strap that was inspired by shearling flight jackets and helmets.


Key facts and price

Pilot Type 20 Rescue
Ref. 03.2434.679/20.I010

Case diameter: 45mm
Material: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 100m

Movement: Elite 679
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour, or 4Hz
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 50 hours

Strap: Distressed black calfskin leather

Availability: At both retailers and boutiques
Price: 7,400 Swiss francs


Type 20 Rescue Chronograph
Ref. 03.2434.4069/20.I010

Case diameter: 45mm
Material: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 100m

Movement: El Primero 4069
Functions: Time and chronograph
Frequency: 36,000 beats per hour, or 5Hz (El Primero 4069)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 50 hours

Strap: Distressed black calfskin leather

Availability: At both retailers and boutiques
Price: 7,900 Swiss francs

For more, visit Zenith-watches.com.


 

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