A great addition to the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special models is the new blue dial version cased in bronze that was released a few months ago at Baselworld 2018. The fifth chronograph released within this family joins two ton-up versions that are tribute to the Café Racer Spirit and two bronze models, one the Cohiba Limited Edition and the other a matte black dial version also cased in bronze. Featuring a navy blue matte dial, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special Bronze Blue Dial is equipped with a dark blue oily nubuck strap with a titanium pin buckle —the rugged and distressed look of the strap accentuates the vintage inspired nature of this watch.
Things to Know About the Watch
Just like its siblings, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special Bronze Blue Dial features a generous 45 mm case. Made of patinated bronze, the case has been chemically treated to prevent further patina on it. Powered by the legendary automatic El Primero 4069 chronograph calibre, the dial maintains a bi-compax layout with a 30-minute chronograph register at 3 o'clock and running seconds at 9 o'clock.
A clean, easy-to-read design that is further complemented by Arabic numerals in luminous material as well as the word 'Pilot' in yellow. The gold-plated hands are satin-brushed finished matching the bronze warm hue of the case.
The case is equipped with the traditional pilot’s watch attributes with large welded lugs and a wide onion-shaped screw-down crown that takes on a vintage character. Topped by a domed sapphire crystal, the numerals stand out clearly against the dial background. The dial has different hues depending on lighting conditions ranging from almost black to a true navy blue. To make things more vintage looking, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special Bronze Blue Dial is equipped with a dark blue oily nubuck strap with a titanium pin buckle. The rugged and distressed look of the strap accentuates the vintage inspired nature of this watch.
The Movement & Case Back
Stemming from a legendary line of movements —the world’s most accurate chronograph calibre developed by Zenith in 1969— the automatic El Primero Calibre 4069 beats at the impressive frequency of 36,000 vph, powering a tenth of a second chronograph display. It drives central hours and minutes hands, small seconds at 9 o’clock alongside the chronograph functions, while delivering 50-hour power reserve. The movement is protected by a solid titanium case back engraved with the Zenith flying instruments logo and the watch is water resistant to a 100 meters.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special Bronze with blue dial wears true to its size and quite comfortably. Of all the previously released versions of the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph, this new bronze blue dial model and the Ton-up Café Racer model with slate-grey grained dial are our favorite versions. One thing we do need to reaffirm is that the treated bronze case on this watch will hardly continue to patinate unless you do something very extreme and probably not necessary safe with it.
Sticker Price $7,900 USD. For more info on Zenith click here.
