New Releases New Watches Pilot Zenith

New watch release, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Rescue

Today we are introducing the latest release Zenith Pilot Type 20 Rescue collection for men. This year at the inaugural edition of the LVMH Watch Week in Dubai, Zenith launched a wide range of watches aimed at the women and the unisex market. In earlier articles, we introduce these newly revamped Elite collection and DEFY Midnight collections. But it is the new aviation inspired collection that Zenith also added this year to its line of Pilot watches that has gotten us really excited.

New watch release, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Rescue

Today we are introducing the latest release Zenith Pilot Type 20 Rescue collection for men. This year at the inaugural edition of the LVMH Watch Week in Dubai, Zenith launched a wide range of watches aimed at the women and the unisex market.

In earlier articles, we introduce these newly revamped Elite, DEFY Midnight & El Primero A384 Revival collections. But it is the new aviation inspired collection that Zenith also added this year to its line of Pilot watches that has gotten us really excited.

Keeping the aesthetics 

The new collection does away with a bronzed faux-patina look but still retains a vintage charm. It adds a great deal of interplay of textures in the form of the oversized crown and bezel being polished while the lugs being brushed.

The existing style of a large case in 45mm is still retained, and so is the oversized onion-shaped crown and the high legibility of the dials. 

And as an added bonus for the brand lovers, they also include Zenith’s Pilot’s watches signature oversized Arabic numerals.

The Aviation influence 

Aviation has had a fair amount of influence on the design elements of this watch. 

First off is the size. Zenith’s Pilot collection is legendary in its own right. It is an oversized homage to the archetypical Pilot’s watch design, and is based on the earliest Zenith dashboard instruments that accompanied pioneers such as Louis Blériot.

Then one of the most striking features in the subtle use of the colour yellow on the dial face.

The new watches use this colour in the seconds hand tip, hour markers — at 5 minute intervals of the minutes/seconds track — and the ‘PILOT’ (on the Chronograph version) & ‘EXTRA SPECIAL’ texts at 6’o clock. This use of yellow is not arbitrary though. Yellow is a recurring colour in the world of aviation, being used in tarmac painting and use inside cockpits to grab attention for vital controls and information.

Next up is the strap. The strap used here is an aged black calfskin leather strap recalling the classic shearling leather flight jacket, with rivets and a titanium pin buckle as well as a distinctive tab recalling those seen on vintage pilot helmets.

Two variations

These new releases are offered in two styles: the Pilot Type 20 Rescue and Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue. 

Here we look at the time-only option. To read about the chronograph version, head here.

Pilot Type 20 Rescue  – Time Only Range

The Pilot Type 20 Rescue reference 03.2434.679/20.I010 comes in a new 45mm brushed stainless steel case with a case-back engraved with the Zenith flying instruments logo, costing 7’400 CHF.

The heart used — Elite 679 — is a self-winding automatic movement beating at the frequency of 4Hz (28’800 A/h) allowing for a decent (min.) 50 hour power reserve.

The watch face shows the functions of hours, minutes, and central seconds. The Arabic numerals hour markers and the rhodium plated & faceted cathedral-style hands contain Super-LumiNova SLN C1 for added legibility.

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

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

Zenith Pilot Type 20 Rescue
Image courtesy ©Zenith

Watch Ya Gonna Do About It? 

The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Rescue collection presents a good looking utility watch that can also transform into a sports watch. Just as a tip if you are a one watch guy and is looking to get this for daily wear: given their 45mm diameters, they will not fit under the cuff.

Since the watches are not limited edition, they are something that Zenith fans and watch enthusiasts can check out at leisure and decide if they are the right option for them. 

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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