Collection
Bruno.M1 shares his long-awaited acquisition, the Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Type 20, a modern wristwatch housing the legendary vintage Caliber 5011K. This post delves into the unique appeal of integrating a historic, oversized pocket watch movement into a contemporary wrist-worn piece, addressing the challenges and allure of its substantial 57.5mm diameter.
A massive piece of history in a modern watch
Ordered it about 8 months ago and it arrived this week. 
Right from the start I wanted this piece. Owning El Primero's and Elite movement watches a 5011 was a dream. In the past I thought about it several times.
Why not a pocket watch ? Well, because I'm not interested in pocket watches. So buying a pocket watch with a superb movement but knowing I would never 'wear' it was
not the smartest thing to do. Than we have these marine deck clocks. Again, a niece thing but if I can't wear it ...
Somewhere around march of this year I heard a rumor about a wristwatch which would be powered with the legendary 5011.
Now that was interesting ! An option to finally have this historic movement.
Soon pictures followed, and things even got better. The watch looked fabulous.
Than you read more about the size. 57.5 mm. Well I knew the movement so it had to be huge. If the movement measures 50 mm you can't put it in a 42 mm watch, right ?
But let's be honest, 57.5 is big and probably too big. Can you wear such a watch ?
2 years ago I tried the Panerai Egiziano (PAM341) and that was just too big and unwearable, I have bigger than the average wrists but 60mm with long lugs was impossible.
So what about the 57.5. One big advantage, the lugs are no so big as the Egiziano lugs.
When I put the Egiziano on my wrist, the watch (inclusive lugs) are wider than my wrist and that is imo not acceptable. But like said, the Type 20 lugs are completely different.
I saw , and of course tried the prototype at my AD and it felt fine. It was huge but I could wear it. Of course this is not a piece you want to wear on daily basis.
If it would be your one and only watch I would say 'Forget about it, buy something else. Maybe the Zenith Pilot big date'
On the other hand, if you know you will wear this piece on special occasions or only a few weeks per year than it is a superb addition to ANY collection.
A bit more about the movement.
"Originally designed for marine chronometers and deck watches in the 1950s, the pocket watch–size 5011 series is perhaps the most accurate series of movements the brand has ever produced,
and some were entered into the last chronometer competitions in the 1960s"
"The 5011 movement received an award in by the Neuchatel
Observatory for being the most accurate chronometer ever.'
So here are some pictures of what I think is a VERY nice and VERY collectible piece. .
Big ?
Yes it is but here next to my friends AP Legacy it seems to be acceptable
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The Radiomir PAM341 is a distinctive interpretation within the Radiomir collection, notable for its substantial dimensions and faithful adherence to historical design cues. This reference stands out for its large case size, which directly references early experimental models, offering a bold presence on the wrist. It represents a specific niche for collectors who appreciate the brand's heritage in oversized timepieces, diverging from more contemporary or compact offerings.
This particular Radiomir features a brushed titanium case measuring 60mm in diameter, providing a lightweight yet robust construction for its size. The watch is equipped with the in-house Calibre P.2002/7, a manual-winding movement known for its extended power reserve. A 5.8mm sapphire crystal protects the dial, ensuring clarity and durability, while the brushed titanium bezel complements the case finish.
Appealing to collectors who seek a direct connection to the brand's historical prototypes, the PAM341 is a significant piece for its scale and material choice. Its limited production and unique proportions position it as a specialized item within the broader catalog, favored by those who prioritize historical accuracy and a commanding wrist presence over conventional wearability. The design emphasizes legibility and a minimalist aesthetic, consistent with its historical inspiration.
Bruno, I'm following your quest for this watch since it started. My deep congratulations for this major event. I barely can imagine your emotions when you got it. Cheers, Nilo Note: Wonderful pictures, as usual.
.... especially when looking at it next to the AP that i know. But looks interesting. Congratulations!
like said, please don't judge the picture and certainly not the lousy t-shirt LOL but I think I can say the watch looks great on my wrist
... i don't know if its done on purpose, but the position of your arms enhances the size of your forearm, making the watch look perfect on your wrist :) I got a big wrist and arm as well, strangely, i got used to 40mm watches, now have difficulty wearing Panerai's and AP's. Almost finding my 5070R a tad too big :) No actually i am kidding, its perfect on the wrist
A real piece with historyt! Bravo, Bruno. Best, Nicolas PS: Pics to be credited to Zaf.
Finally the Aeronef landed in Belgium! ;) Congrats for this superlative watch, I'm sure that you will enjoy a lot this beautiful movement. Fx
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