Dr No
[Moderator Omega - Wristscan]
37637
The first iterations of the Type 20 were . . .
. . . serious pieces of horological kit, with movements any technically inclined aficionado could appreciate. The follow-ups, though, eschew the movement that justified its appearance, so I tend to consider them subjectively rather than objectively.
They're all (the two that are the subject of this thread in addition to the other EP/Elite movement versions) well executed. A 5011K version would be desirable if I could plausibly wear one, based on my respect for the movement. Without the ultimate chronometer movement, though, we're left with another abnormally large design which exudes a character that isn't driven by necessity. The essence of the watch is its style.
In which case, I'll pass on both. Perhaps there will be a future version based on a Zenith chronometer movement of more amenable size.
Art
ZENITH Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 - Sir Charles Edward Kingsford Smith Editions
The word 'Pilot' is very closely associated with the Manufacture Zenith. Since 1930's, the company was involved in the making of onboard instruments like altimeters and “montres d’aéronef” ( also known as aircraft watches) intended for in-flight use for t...
The Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 GMT is my clear favourite...
for several reasons: - small complication perfectly matching intention of the watch - cleaner dial - more room for the magic blue surface and its mesmerising contrast with the titanium case and the 18K rose gold details - tool watches with tourbillons and...
+1 for GMTEdition ...
well-said Magnus, but I've mixed feeling with the smaller movement (like Dean) eventhough it could not be seen. What's your take on that? Kong
I could live with that...
as it does not immediately bother me. Reason is that the very well designed dial arrangement effectively conceals the discrepancy between case and movement diameter. The way how hands, seconds subdial and the seven-pointed Commonwealth Stars are located r...
very nice !
and for me too the simple GMT A tourbillon IMO belongs in a simple dress watch and not a 48 mm pilot watch their pilot watch (type 20 ) is big winner, only a few years old but already a legend
+1 for ...
Type 20 GMT too. Some fancy sports tourbillons, just need to tailor one of the cuffs to be bigger :-) Kong
Very nice
I do like the two tone elements on the GMT, it gives a nice vintage vibe. The only issue I have with the GMTs is that the case, at 48mm is way too big for the movement, at 25.6mm. This is the 5th iteration of this watch, and I am sure there are more to co...
Have to agree with you ...
on a small movement in a large case. Perhaps that's one of the reasons, see-though caseback is used, besides, needing space to engrave the effigy. However, making a new larger movement, is high-cost. Kong
They could have made a smaller case
The criticism I hear most often with the Type 20 line up is the case size. Pilots should be bigger, but I think a 42-44mm case would have been more appropriate. The 2012 Type 20 Specials had to be 57.5mm to accommodate the 50mm movement so that is fine. T...
Last time ...
I always feel the same way too. Over time, I asked how many of the buyers/owners purchase based on the internal or a harmonised 'form & function'? It seems like majority is affected/influenced more by the aesthetic ...we may be a small group of the se...
An answer of Two Buts
I am partial to chronographs and especially tourbillon chronographs with 12h counters. Despite the pilotage reference, we accept that the watch is a whimsy and modern aeronautic timekeeping is electronic. Thus, its fine to have a Zenith Type 20 Tourbillon...
The first iterations of the Type 20 were . . .
. . . serious pieces of horological kit, with movements any technically inclined aficionado could appreciate. The follow-ups, though, eschew the movement that justified its appearance, so I tend to consider them subjectively rather than objectively. They'...
Dear Art, I am in 100% agreement with you...
and I hope that the Type 20 will eventually serve as a serious basis - for performance movements, large, sensual and ultimately technical. Cheers, Magnus
A proportionally sized cal 135 variant with subsidiary seconds . . .
. . . at 6 would be something to sing about, no? . . .