ReviewWitness The Silver Lining With The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Silver
For aviation aficionados, there’s nothing better than an incredibly distinctive and singular timepiece—the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special, a tribute to the history of flight and the pioneers who challenged the limits of human endeavour
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From the myth of Icarus to the enigmatic legend of Amelia Earhart, nothing captures our imagination quite like flight, and Zenith has an illustrious history in the realm of aviation. The lineage of the Pilot series can be traced back to 1909 when legendary French aviator Louis Blériot became the first man to fly across the English Channel. His companion on this landmark flight was a simple Zenith watch, marked ‘special’, which continues to inspire the design aesthetic of the Pilot series—making each watch a tribute to the pioneers of aviation.
A Star In Silver
The use of silver is a rarity among timepieces, with most watchmakers favouring metals that are easier to work with. However, silver has a romanticism that is unmatched. Crafted from this stunning material, the timepiece has a large diameter of 45mm, and its caseback is embossed with the Zenith flying instruments logo. The ratcheted crown is fashioned in such a way that it’s easy to set time even while wearing gloves—as most pilots do.
The dial is one of the most eye-catching features of the watch. Made with brushed silver, it mimics the riveted façade of the fuselage of World War II-era military planes. The numerals on the watch face have been made entirely out of SuperLuminova and the hands have been covered with the material, ensuring that you can keep time even when flying in low-light conditions.
Sky-High Precision
The engine of this aviation tribute is the Zenith Elite 679 automatic calibre, beating at 28,800vph, which provides an impressive power reserve of 50 hours. The watch also has a water resistance rating of 100 metres. A brown calfskin leather strap endows the watch with vintage appeal that is hard to pass for traditionalists who like to flaunt their knowledge of aviation history.
The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Silver is an extraordinary timepiece in itself, but its incredibly rich lineage makes it all the more noteworthy. The story behind this Zenith beauty reflects the history of aviation itself. Sporting this watch means that not only are you wearing an incredibly significant part of human history, but also a bit of the boundless skies.
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Zenith Pilot
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