The Sky is the Limit…Or is it? The Zenith Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20
Since the days of Caudron planes soaring through the skies back in the 1930’s and 40’s, The Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 was no stranger to the adventures that came with aviation. Today, Zenith Watches’ Pilot Collection represents a rich history in watch making innovation and the feelings that go hand in hand with adventure, exploration and of course precision time keeping.
The Zenith Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 launched at BaselWorld 2012. This past January, Haute Time had the opportunity to see the newest additions to the Pilot Collection set to launch for BaselWorld 2013. The novelties include a Chronograph Annual Calendar, a GMT model and the Chronograph Tourbillon model. The new launches will be in a smaller size, 48mm, a significant difference from the The Pilot models launched in 2012 which measure 57.5mm.
One of the favorites in the Pilot Collection is the Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 Titanium. This piece is part of a Limited series of only 250 pieces and features a 57.5mm polished and satin finished Grade 5 Titanium case. The Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 in Titanium features a Calibre 5011K hand-wound movement with a 48 hour power reserve and is Chronometer Certified by the COSC.
The dial is matte black with superluminova hands and numerals. The dial shows hours and minutes on the central dial, small seconds at the 9 o’clock position and the power reserve indicator at the 3 o’clock position on the dial. The Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 Titanium features a sapphire crystal and case back, allowing for a fantastic view of the movement.
This model is shown on a brown calf-skin, hand-sewn strap with top stitching and matching titanium pin buckle. The Zenith Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 Titanium retails for $12,800.00 and is also available in an 18k Rose Gold edition retailing for $38,700.00.
In 1865, a revolutionary watchmaker, Georges Favre-Jacot started a Manufacture that we would come to know as Zenith Watches. The Georges Favre-Jacot Manufacture in LeLocle, Switzerland dedicated itself to creating the most accurate timepieces possible. Favre-Jacot created a Manufacture that would bring all aspects of watch making together in one building, propelling the manufacturing process into the present time. The Zenith Manufacture remains in LeLocle today, in the exact location Georges Favre-Jacot built his first workshop.
