Zenith Aéronef Type 20 Ref. 95.2420.5011/21.C723

Bruno.M1 explores the Zenith Aéronef Type 20, a watch that pays homage to original aviator timepieces. The author expresses admiration for its design and historical significance but raises concerns about its substantial 57.5mm diameter, prompting a community discussion on wearability and the watch's unique appeal.

I like everything about it ... but I'm affraid of the size

I've once tried an Egiziano and it looked stupid. I've heard this wears smaller, but still.......... 57.5 must be HUGE.

What do you think ???

The new Zenith Aéronef Type 20

The original aviator watch

This watch dabbles in excess. Like the skies that beg to be conquered, it chooses to anchor time in a large space, confidently letting the hours tick away. The 57.5mm-diameter case, made of titanium to offset the weight of the movement it contains, has the qualities of an instrument that was born to fly.

The notched crown is reminiscent of those on antique aviator watches, which allowed pilots to set the watch without taking off their gloves. The 27mm space between the lugs accentuates the shape of the extremely refined lugs that attach an antiqued leather strap sewn and topstitched entirely by hand. Adding to the vintage feel is the black dial, which is easily readable thanks to luminous elements. Beneath the impressive sapphire crystal (glareproofed on both sides), the raised numbers of the chapter ring are made of entire blocks of Superluminova. The time is indicated by hands that are also enhanced with luminescent material.

The visually balanced counters display the small seconds at 9 o’clock and the power reserve at 3 o’clock. The aesthetics serve mainly to make reading the time easier, recalling the functional approach taken in traditional aviator watches.

Chrono… master

Its 50 mm diameter leaves room for exceptional finishes, such as 19 jewels and the broad linear Côtes de Genève that grace the rhodium-plated bridges. This COSC-certified chronometer comes with a pedigree to match its beauty: it contains the famous 5011 pocket calibre that was so successful for Zenith in the 1960s – and in 1967 was named the most accurate chronometer ever tested by the Neuchatel Observatory. The calibre has been in continuous production since then and has been used in competition timepieces, marine chronometers, pocket watches, and watchmaking school watches.

Oscillating at 18,000 vibrations per hour, the 5011 calibre has a separate mechanism for stopping the seconds hand and synchronising the hour. It features shock-absorbers on the balance-wheel and escapement arbors, fine adjustment, and a self-compensating anti-magnetic Breguet overcoil balance spring, mobile stud-holder, double-arrow index regulator, and the Zenith winding-crown stem attachment system. All these assets combine to ensure that the watch gives a first-rate performance without losing its vintage feel.

TECHNICAL DATA

References 95.2420.5011/21.C723 250-piece limited series

Movement
Calibre 5011K, hand-wound
Total diameter 50 mm
Thickness 10 mm
134 parts
19 jewels
Cadence of the balance 18,000 vph
48-hour power reserve
Chronometer-certified by the COSC

Functions
Central hours and minutes
Small seconds at 9 o’clock
Power-reserve indication at 3 o’clock

Case
Polished and satin-brushed grade 5 titanium
Diameter 57.5 mm
Water resistance 3 ATM
Sapphire crystal caseback

Dial
Matt black with Superluminova-enhanced hands and numerals

Strap
Calfskin with hand-sewn topstitching, titanium pin buckle

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I really like it, it's a brand with an amazing history and movement which are legendary
Definitely this 5011K which is probably the most accurate movement EVER

My only problem is the size. I once tried the 60 mm Egiziano and it looked ridiculous on my wrist ( and I don't have a tiny wrist)
This watch is 57.5 mm, can't be smaller because the movement is 50 mm
I've heard it 'wears' smaller, but still .....