Earlier this year at LMVH in Dubai, Zenith put two modern new models in the spotlight that put the brand’s aviation heritage into the spotlight. The Pilot Type 20 Rescue (Ref. 03.2434.679/20.I010) and Pilot Type 20 Rescue Chronograph (Ref. 03.2434.4069/20.I010) feature 45mm brushed stainless-steel cases and textured, sunray grey dials. They are presented on black vintage calfskin leather straps with titanium pin buckles.
The Pilot Type 20 Rescue (Ref. 03.2434.679/20.I010) is inspired by the design of Zenith’s vintage aviation models from the 1900s-style Pilot Type 20 collection. It is powered by the self-winding automatic calibre Elite 679, and the sizeable dial displays hour, minute and seconds hands.
The Pilot Type 20 Rescue Chronograph (Ref. 03.2434.4069/20.I010) is powered by the automatic column-wheel chronograph calibre El Primero 4069, which also offers a 50-hour power reserve. The watch has a central chronograph hand, a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and small seconds at 9 o’clock. The hours and minutes are at the centre.
Both models have a power reserve of approximately 50 hours and are water resistant to 10 ATM. Additionally, the domed sapphire crystal on both watches benefits from anti-reflective treatment. The dials incorporate rhodium-plated, gold-faceted hands, which, like the Arabic numerals, are coated with Super-LumiNova. An additional characteristic of the watches is the inclusion of the Zenith flying instruments logo, which is engraved on the both models’ casebacks. The watches also feature an oversized crown that is typical of pilots watches.
The Pilot Type 20 Rescue Ref. 03.2434.679/20.I010 is priced at 7,300 euros, while the Pilot Type 20 Rescue Chronograph Ref. 03.2434.4069/20.I010 is priced at 7,800 euros.
