The Zenith Pilot Montre D’Aeronef Type 20 GMT 1903 honors the Wright Brothers, who were the first people to take to the skies 1903. This superlative wristwatch is launched in a wonderful limited edition series of just 1,903 pieces.
Zenith was among the first watch makers to make watches that fit the bill for aviation. Aviation styled watches usually have a few things in common such as a prominent main crown, which allows the wearer to operate the watch while wearing gloves; a large dial for exceptional readability; and last but not least – Accuracy. In these categories, Zenith not only meets the requirements but surpasses them. The Zenith Pilot Montre D’Aeronef Type 20 GMT 1903 is the gold standard for aviation themed watches.
This watch is crafted from DLC coated titanium, which gives the watch a black hue. The titanium case material makes this oversized watch light and stronger than steel, excellent properties for an aviation watch. The case measures 48mm for the diameter, and a sturdy 15.8mm for the case height. The onion styled main crown is large and ridged for ease-of-use with or without gloves. At the 10 position on the middle case is an inscription detailing the individual limited edition number (XXXX/1903). The case back is engraved with a depiction of Orville Weight and his aircraft called the ‘Flyer’ with Wilbur Wright running beside it along Kitty Hawk beach – the site of the historic first flight.
Despite not being visible the automatic Elite caliber 693 is still highly decorated with the Cotes de Genève pattern. This movement beats at a consistent 28,800 vibrations per hour and carries 50 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
The dial is black and has been sandblasted 5 times over to achieve the unique dial finish on the Pilot Type 20 watches. The most telling feature on this watch is the Arabic numeral hour markers, which are made completely from Super-LumiNova. The hands are made from black ruthenium, which are also coated with Super-LumiNova ensuring that the time is always visible regardless of the light conditions. This model indicates a GMT using a central hand tipped in red. Around the 9 position is a large, legible small seconds register. Protecting this dial is a sapphire crystal glare proofed on both sides.
This spectacular limited edition watch is water resistant to 10 ATM (100 meters). The Zenith Pilot Montre D’Aeronef Type 20 GMT 1903 is outfitted with a beige suede strap reminiscent of the early 1900’s
