Spellbound
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Type 20 GMT's - Which do you prefer?
Riding on the success of the Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 line of Pilot watches launched in 2012 with the stunning Specials with the 5011k pocket watch movements, Zenith introduced to us at Basel earlier this year some now well known new additions including the 40mm, the 48mm Annual Calendar with an El Primero 4054 movement, and the GMT with an Elite 693 movement. The GMT's came in two guises, a normal stainless steel model, and the Limited Edition 500 pieces Baron Rouge in Titanium with DLC. This month, we see two new additions to further add to the delirious confusion of desirability. Both are again based on the Type 20 GMT.
Firstly the Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 GMT Tribute to Aviazione Navale, the first Italian Naval Air Sqaudron, coming with some distinguishing accents such as the squadron logo on the dial, and their crest on the caseback. This watch comes with an extremely stylish blue tech-fabric strap. Limited to just 50 pieces, this watch will apparently only be available in Italy through the larger and more reputable AD's (there are currently no stand alone boutiques in Italy).
And the latest to join the line up is called the Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 GMT 1903, launched to celebrate the historic Wright Brothers first self powered flight in 1903. This latest iteration comes in Titanium with DLC, Superluminova numerals where the lume has been modified for a vintage look, and very cool vintage style two piece watch straps typically seen on pilot watches in the early 20th Century (though to accommodate the 48mm watch these are obviously much larger.)
This was will be limited to, dare I say it, 1903 pieces.
I must say that I am extremely impressed to see Zenith take such a strong grip in a market for pilot watches dominated in the last few decades by Breitling, IWC and others. Zenith were indeed one of the first major watch makers to provide pilots with "Flying Instruments" from the earliest days of aviation and these were not just limited to watches. Indeed Cartier should also be mentioned for providing famed aviator Alberto Santos Dumont with a wristwatch for his historic 1904 flight.
But I understand, Zenith are the only ones with the right to put the word "Pilot" on their watches.
So my question to you. Which one takes your fancy?
Dean
