Spellbound
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Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20 - Roll Call -
Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20
2012 was a year that Zenith surprised many of us with the introduction of the Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20, a behemoth of a piece with the legendary caliber 5011.
At its heart, a manually wound "observatory" pocket watch movement that was recorded by the Neuchâtel Observatory in 1967 as the most accurate chronometer it had ever tested. The movement, with a large 14mm balance wheel, coupled with a case and dial with cues from the original Zenith pilot watches from the very beginning of the 20th Century, stole many a PuristS heart. The quality and finish of the movement was exceptional, as best described by fellow Purist and Moderator, Ornatus-Mundi in a recent thread:
"It has a certain "vintage" feel to it, i.e. an airiness of the Côtes de Genève which seems to be applied by just a breath of air. Rarely seen these days!"Now I realise that these watches have their detractors due to the sheer size. But I do believe that this community may have one of the largest concentrations of owners of these Limited Edition Specials. In addition, some of you who may have considered the size unwearable have gone on to purchase the 2013 "normal" sized versions of the watches that were released.
Let's see them gentlemen ! Whether 57.5, 48, or 40mm versions in Limited or Regular Editions, kindly post your pictures. I do realize these Pilot watches are from being a community watch so to speak, but let's see the love.
I start with a recreation of a photo itTime Magazine did of my pair of Specials. This is a photo I recreated at home since they have yet to give me the original.
Dean
This message has been edited by Spellbound on 2014-01-04 22:43:43 This message has been edited by nilomis on 2014-01-14 08:15:08
Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20 - Roll Call -
Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20 2012 was a year that Zenith surprised many of us with the introduction of the Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20, a behemoth of a piece with the legendary caliber 5011. At its heart, a manually wound "observatory" pocket ...
May I? With this limited edition of 5 pieces?
Hopefully, only 5! :) Perfect on my wrist! :) Fx ...
Yikes !
I totally understand your expression. One funny picture. But I guess there is a market. Every brand has SBE's (Super Bling Edition). Great post Fx, Thanks!
Certainly interesting visual effect in sunny weather ...
... blinding enemy pilots from miles away is an interesting air warfare tactic ... Marcus
Oh Yes !
The "Piece Unique" with a hint of Orange ! I remember you were one of the first to get one, if not THE first. I hope it is not keeping you awake at night ! Thanks for posting. With yours, there are 8 Specials that I know of amongst this community. Dean
Its normally put in the next room!
Too many nights listening to the ticking!! I am not sure I have seen 8 other uniques on here, so hope to now! In fact, I have only seen one other ti verion. I really love this watch and despite the size (and weight) love it on my wrist! Cheers Andrew
A titan in each and every aspect
Dear Dean, I must say I got used to the size of the watch very quickly. I actually only realize it when asked about it. And after showing the stunning movement on the back you have a good chance to win the heart of one or the other - initially - "sceptic"...
An excellent first picture
Good one Thomas. Your skills with the I-Phone are exemplary ! I need to upgrade my Leica to an I-Phone one day! These watches do catch stares from onlookers, but as you say, once the conversation starts it gives the opportunity to show the reverse side an...
Excellent
A fitting tribute to Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen ! Thanks for posting ! ...
Cool
I hope it is getting fair wrist time amongst your awesome collection (especially the Laurent Ferrier!) Great shot. Dean
Mini Titan
Unfortunately, the Titan is well, too titanic for me. Am glad Zenith made one for the Hobbits ! LOLLL Day or Night .... this watch just looks fantastic ! Rolling in with my Mini Titan , with a dark grey after croc strap. LOVE IT ! ...
The original
strap was very much NOT to my liking .... just like with the PAMs. Was plotting a strap change way b4 the watch arrived ! Had a vision ... LOL Probably should/must thank FX for his great wrist shot fo the mini Titan, an itch scratched .... onto my next it...
That one fits all !
I need to get me one of those ! Love the strap. Thanks for participating my friend. Dean
Thanks for starting the thread !
One of the most undervalued and underappreciated watch , IMO ... Time it got some recognition !
Great post
And a great Flight Jacket ! This is turning into quite a turn out for this watch amongst the community. Perhaps it will be a community watch after all! Thanks for joining the fun P@trick ! Dean
Excellent, another Special!
Thanks for joining Bruno. This is a great picture once again, but since this is a kind of reference thread for anyone interested in the Type 20's, could you by chance also post some of your amazing movement pictures? (I have never managed to take good pic...
Very cool groupie !
Thanks for posting. Love the movement shots. I tried to take some today, but once again failed miserably. Need to get my digital SLR back. I think there are a couple more to come.... Dean
Simple size comparisons
Just another (smartphone) group shot of different types... Cheers, Thomas ...
Excellent size comparison !
Good one Thomas ! Here is one of mine, ranging from 32mm IWC to 57.5mm Zenith. Perhaps with this thread we can convince Nilo to go for one? Dean ...
Breathtaking beauties, Dean!
With its timeless elegance the Portofino has a special seductive effect on me... Do you also wear the 32mm IWC? Especially after you had your Type 20 on your wrist? :-) Cheers, Thomas
I wish I could
The 32mm is an officers watch designed for men to wear on a two piece strap. I wish I could wear it as this would open up a whole new market of vintage watches to me, but it just looks farcical on my 7.5' wrist. But my girlfriend sometimes wears it. I lov...