Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special Bronze

[carlhaluss]

Being a lover of bronze watches, I did not have one in my collection. I had a couple in the past, which I sold for various reasons, but still had a craving for one. This Zenith model, at least in this configuration, has been on my mind since it was introduced at Basel 2018. Apart from admiring blue dial watches from a distance, they were never really appealing to me as I just found them really difficult to pair with the colors I normally wear. This one, however, with an almost slate blue (in some lights) dial, in combination with the patina bronze, cathedral hands and other dial elements just seems to work for me. And, the big bonus is the beautiful, robust, accurate time-honored El Primero movement.

All the elements of the dial work so well together. Rarely do you find a chronograph dial, where not a single element interferes with another. I also learned that Zenith is the only watch brand allowed to use "Pilot" on it's dials.









Loving the beautiful titanium case back etched with Zenith flying instruments logo:



This plaque at the side of the case is a rather nice detail. It displays the case number:



Zenith, to it's credit, seems to either have listened to clients over the past couple of years, or to have find out by damage to the crown mechanism, that a screw down crown of such size does not work. I had a non-chrono Type 20, and one of the reasons I sold it was that every time I screwed in the crown, I was afraid the torque generated, even if I was fairly gently, could possibly damage the crown, stem and tube. I had this problem once with an Oris watch, and thanks to my AD did not have to foot the bill for repair. I did not want a repeat of that. Both crown and pushers work flawlessly on this watch.

The watch, in spite of it's 45mm size, wears very comfortably, even with the extended lugs. It is quite light, I think due to the titanium case back. The lovely, large titanium strap buckle even has the Zenith star applied rather than embossed. And the oily nubuck strap with protective rubber lining is very well made and comfortable.

I may have left out some details, but will add more later as they come to mind. Thanks for looking at my review.

Cheers,
Carl

[Bushido]

Congratulations on a fantastic watch! I tried on this model a few months ago and it is awesome in the metal.

Thanks for the pics and review. Enjoy!

[carlhaluss]

Originally Posted by Bushido

Congratulations on a fantastic watch! I tried on this model a few months ago and it is awesome in the metal.

Thanks for the pics and review. Enjoy!

Thank You! It has to been seen to be truly appreciated. Like any fine watch, I suppose. But this blue is just indescribable. I always steer clear of blue dial watches - not that I don't like them, they just never seem to fit my occasion or wardrobe - but this one is a clear exception.

[nick c]

Beautiful bronze, congratulations

[carlhaluss]

Originally Posted by nick c

Beautiful bronze, congratulations

Thank you, Nick. A bronze was definitely missing in my collection.