Zenith Pilot Type 20 Silver Chronograph (Live Pics)

This year, Zenith is showcasing its latest releases in an exclusive one-week online event together with other brands from the LVMH Group. In addition to the all-new Chronomaster Sport and Chronomaster Revival A385 watches, the company is releasing the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Silver Chronograph, the Le Locle-based watchmaker’s first-ever Pilot Chronograph model crafted from 925 silver.

The Zenith Pilot 20 Silver Chronograph, limited to just 250 pieces worldwide, pays homage to its 100-year heritage in designing aviation watches for pilots like Louis Bleriot. Furthermore, the design has a distinct aviation-inspired aesthetic in keeping with the rest of the Zenith Pilot line. The new pilot’s watch is an evolution of timepieces like the Pilot Type 20 Rescue Chronograph, the Extra Special Bronze, and Grand Feu models, which MONOCHROME covered in more detail here. 

Characterised by its onion-shaped crown, dominant 45mm case, and a design that echoes onboard timekeeping instruments of the early 20th century, the new Zenith Pilot Type 20 Silver Chronograph features riveted details on its matching silver dial that resemble the metal panels of an aircraft fuselage. The different directions of its satin-brushed surface are designed to create pockets of light. The dial is equipped with Arabic numerals entirely made from Super-LumiNova and a set of rhodium-coated hands treated with the same luminous material for assisted timekeeping in dark conditions. The bi-compax layout of the counters on the dial offers small seconds at 9 o’clock balanced by a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. Moreover, the central chronograph seconds hand is arrow tipped to differentiate it from the main hour and minute hands.

Inside the 100m water-resistant silver 925 case of the Type 20 Silver Chronograph is the tried-and-tested El Primero 4069 Automatic which delivers a 50-hour power reserve and beats to the rhythm of 36,000 vibrations per hour. It sits behind a caseback specially engraved with the Zenith flying instruments logo. The movement has been utilized extensively throughout Zenith’s catalogue, particularly the Pilot Type 20 and Zenith Elite Chronograph collections. 

Availability & Price

The new silver-crafted Zenith Pilot Type 20 Silver Chronograph, limited to 250 pieces, is priced at CHF 9,900. More details can be found on the official Zenith website here.