New Releases New Watches Pilot Zenith

Latest watch release, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue

Latest watch release, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue

Today we are looking at the latest release Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue collection for men. It was released at the inaugural edition of the LVMH Watch Week in Dubai this year, along with watches such as DEFY Midnight, Elite and A384 Revival. 

As a part of the Pilot’s watch range, Zenith introduced two new releases: the Pilot Type 20 Rescue and Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue. 

Here we look at the latter. To read about the time-only version — where we discuss the aviation influence behind this watch design, the use of colour yellow, the oversized 45mm case, and the reasoning behind the straps used — head here.

Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue range

If the time-only option doesn’t tickle your fancy, the chronograph version surely will. 

Not only does it have the added chronograph complication, it also features the famed El Primero 4069 movement missing in the entry-level version. Additionally, it is only 500 CHF more than the time-only version, and in our opinion, is a great value for money option. 

In terms of design architecture, I think the chronograph version sits better on the large 45mm dial. 

The first version while highly legible, looks too plain and the oversized look seems almost not relevant. 

But here, the 45mm case does justice. And visually, besides the added complication, it also introduces a sense of symmetry to the dials, creating for a more utilitarian, robust look that I am sure will appeal to aviation enthusiasts and Zenith fans alike. 

The Specifications

The Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue reference 03.2434.4069/20.I010 comes in a new 45mm brushed stainless steel case with a case-back engraved with the Zenith flying instruments logo costing 7’900 CHF.

The heart used — El Primero 4069 — is a self-winding automatic column-wheel chronograph movement beating at the frequency of 5Hz (36’000 A/h) allowing for a decent (min.) 50 hour power reserve.

The watch face shows the functions of hours and minutes in the centre, small seconds at 9’o clock along with a central chronograph hand & a 30-minute counter at 3’o clock. The Arabic numerals hour markers and the rhodium plated & faceted cathedral-style hands contain Super-LumiNova SLN C1 for added legibility.

Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue
Courtesy ©Zenith. All rights reserved.

The watch comes on a black vintage calfskin leather strap with rivets & titanium pin buckle.

The water resistance is a good 100m (10 ATM).

Watch Ya Gonna Do About It? 

If we were to pick a chronograph watch and say this is the perfect watch for aviation enthusiasts, we would highly recommend the new Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue.

While the DEFY Midnight collection is a celestial inspired sporty dress watch, the Elite collection is more of a traditional unisex dress watch, and the A384 Revival is a petite sized offering that again could be unisex, the new Zenith Pilot Type 20 Rescue collection is more masculine and rugged in nature. Offered in a stainless steel case with a slate-grey sun-ray dial, these evoke a sense of adventure. 

If you like and can pull off oversized watches, this one is a must have to add to any collection. 

For more information of these watches and other Zenith watches, head to their website here. 

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