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I have almost forgotten
what an impressive watch this Zenith Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 is.
With its legendary 5011K hand-wound movement.
This movement was considered the most accurate in the world in 1967 and received over 300 awards and prizes.
COSC-certified and tested by Neuchatel Observatory it only existed in the Zenith archives with 250 pieces and was specially switched into the Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 watch model.
In 2012 (year of publication) it won the international mechanical watch of the year 2012 award.
And with a diameter of 57mm it is - ALMOST !! - wearable. Hahahahaha
Visited my bank safe today to switch some of my watches from autumn/winter to spring/summer and so had the chance to admire this leviathan again.
Cheers
Thomas
Yes, indeed it is.
And with 50mm this movement is also a giant where you can see every part of the movement like through a magnifying glass. Fascinating…
One of the best calibers.. but
The wearer needs a 20 inch wrist to carry this off with elan.
A true collectors piece however.
What I like and why I can
ACCEPT this case size is, that here it makes sense.
It’s not just a marketing gag. Often we see these big cases of fancy brands with ridiculous small movements inside.
Here the movement is 50mm and needs this case size of 57,5 mm.
Design follows function.
Cheers
Thomas
It’s not just a marketing gag. Often we see these big cases of fancy brands with ridiculous small movements inside.
Here the movement is 50mm and needs this case size of 57,5 mm.
Design follows function.
Cheers
Thomas
Indeed.
I was fascinated when I saw the first pictures of this impressing watch. I remember finding the only available piece in Vienna at Sunday in the shopping window of one of my ADs. My heart almost stopped.
I wrote an email, I left a voice message: „Please do not sell this watch to anyone. I will take it. Guaranteed!!!
And the following Monday at 10:00 a.m. I was the first when the shop unlocked and watched one of the employees as he opened the shop door. My first words: „Good morning, I'll take this watch!“ And while I took out my credit card, two more WIS entered the sales area asking for this marvel. That was really close then. A real race! LOL
Cheers
Thomas
P.S.: 57,5mm
I wrote an email, I left a voice message: „Please do not sell this watch to anyone. I will take it. Guaranteed!!!
And the following Monday at 10:00 a.m. I was the first when the shop unlocked and watched one of the employees as he opened the shop door. My first words: „Good morning, I'll take this watch!“ And while I took out my credit card, two more WIS entered the sales area asking for this marvel. That was really close then. A real race! LOL
Cheers
Thomas
P.S.: 57,5mm
Thanks for your special story
You catches your unique Zenith.
I know how great it feels. At the doorstep getting a peace which you feel the watch brand made that watch specially for you only.
At 57,5mm nobody understand the love for the watch either, so it’s your watch, and it feels like you bought a 50K Patek Philippe.
Baby it, and up to another rare bird.
I know how great it feels. At the doorstep getting a peace which you feel the watch brand made that watch specially for you only.
At 57,5mm nobody understand the love for the watch either, so it’s your watch, and it feels like you bought a 50K Patek Philippe.
Baby it, and up to another rare bird.
Thanks a lot, dear nacelle!
A marvel … indeed…
The movement as well as the case as well as the dial.
Cheers
Thomas
The movement as well as the case as well as the dial.
Cheers
Thomas
I recall the watch being super loud, which may annoy some but I found it quite charming. Great piece you have there!
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I remember wearing
this „monster“ during a trip to Paris with my family. And at night in the hotel room the sound of the movement drove my wife almost crazy. I had to banish the watch in the room safe. And even there you could hear the movement ticking clearly. Hahahahaha
If they could give a small holder..
so that the strap can be removed; and watch can be placed in the holder and enjoyed on a desk.
The 5011 caliber is a joy to behold.
Or a watch fob-chain to hold the case and use as a pocket watch.
The 5011 caliber is a joy to behold.
Excellent idea, chintu!
I think they also missed the opportunity to design other lugs. Perhaps movable or at least shorter ones like on the FF models (X Fathoms especially).
That’s an impressive piece of horology that I’d love to try on and probably wear — congrats on pulling it off perfectly on your wrist!👍🥂
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Thanks a lot, dear Fab.
During the last years I found a perfect way to wear this watch with grace. 😊
Cheers
Thomas
Cheers
Thomas
Beautiful movement
Maybe you could give us an ankle shot??? Would still be too big for chicken legs.
Hahahahaha!!!
Excellent!!! I am afraid that wouldn’t change anything since I have also small ankles. 😂
Amazing watch!
I recall when this watch was released. It’s lovely despite its gargantuan size. I have a 47 mm watch and it’s one of the watches I will never sell. Size doesn’t matter if it brings a smile on your face.
Size doesn’t matter…
I have often read this phrase in another context. LOLLL
I'm also a big admirer of the Blancpain X Fathoms, which with its 55.65 mm case is actually small in comparison. And also the lugs are constructed differently.
Air and water. That would also make sense from a collecting point of view. 😊
Cheers
Thomas
Absolutely. This X Fathoms is always in my mind. For me, it simply is the best modern FF.
No message body
Stunning piece my friend :)
This watch always brings a smile to my face despite some circumstances 
The design is just perfect all around 👌🏼
As you already mentioned the giant size is justified by the huge charming 5011k caliber. And the balance wheel sound oh boy ... it’s like a melody to my ears
Here’s mine next to the father of all zenith pilots
Thanks a lot, dear Makilla!
yes, indeed, what a watch. I love the sound too. You cann hear it two rooms away.
Do you wear leviathan sometimes?
The "father" is also stunning and perhaps ... a litlle bit ... (
) more wearable.
) more wearable.Cheers
Thomas