Zenith Celebrates Blue Skies with Two Limited Edition Pilot Watches

The Pilot Type 20 GMT with a DLC-coated titanium case.

Zenith presents two limited series of its legendary aviator watches, issued in a limited edition of 50 pieces to the American and Canadian markets. Admirably combining power and elegance, the Pilot Type 20 GMT and Pilot Type 20 Extra Special 45mm models are attired in deep blue sprinkled with crimson accents. Descendants of the onboard instruments developed by the Manufacture in the early days of aviation, these exclusive watches are unveiled at the Couture show held in early June in Las Vegas.

The new Pilot North America Special Editions display the distinctive characteristics of Zenith aviator watches: a high-precision mechanism, a generous diameter, a large ratcheted crown enabling adjustment with gloved hands, broad luminescent Arabic numerals and stylized hands ensuring perfect readability. Issued in two 50-piece series, the Pilot Type 20 GMT and Pilot Extra Special models carry the DNA of a collection designed to brave any skies.

Pilot Type 20 Extra Special
with a 45mm steel case.

Pilot Type 20 Extra Spécial: An Airborne Legend

Testifying to the pioneering role played by Zenith in the conquest of the skies, the new Pilot Type 20 Extra Special flaunts all the attributes of these emblematic aviator watches. With its generous 45mm case, its broad screw-lock crown and its oversized display ensuring optimal visibility, it boldly proclaims its legendary lineage. The deep blue shade accentuates the vintage charm of the matte dial punctuated by large Arabic numerals swept over by luminescent facetted hands and bearing the inscription “Extra Special” in red.

Inside its stainless fuselage throbs a reliable and precise ‘engine’: the automatic Elite 679 caliber with its 50-hour power reserve, driving the central hours, minutes and sweep-seconds hands. The solid back of the case, which is water-resistant to 100 meters, bears the effigy of the plane flown by Louis Blériot when he crossed the Channel in 1909 with his Zenith firmly strapped to its wrist. It also features the Zenith flight instruments logo, a nod to its legendary origins. An elegant blue alligator leather strap with white stitching sets the perfect finishing touch to this virile timepiece tinged with an unmistakable retro charm.

The Pilot Type 20 GMT
tracks two time zones.

Type 20 GMT: Beyond the Horizon

Inspired by the onboard instruments that Zenith produced in aviation’s infancy, the new Pilot Type 20 GMT is a worthy heir to that glorious period. This surprisingly airy model appears in an ultra-light 48mm black DLC-coated titanium case featuring a broad notched crown ensuring a perfect grip. Protected by a domed sapphire crystal, the matte blue dial features typical oversized Arabic numerals swept over by broad faceted hands. The luminescent display sprinkled with red accents creates a unique vintage touch.

And while the powerful and distinctive lines are a call to adventure, the dual-time indication powered by the automatic Elite 693 caliber makes the Pilot Type 20 GMT the ideal companion for modern global nomads. Water-resistant to 100 meters, its case has a solid back depicting the feat achieved by the Wright brothers in 1903 when they launched their “Flyer” glider above the dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. A blue alligator leather strap with white stitching echoes the deep shades of this watch dedicated to aeronautical enthusiasts.