Comments:
could use some help about those 1930 - 1940 Pilot watches
Can somebody tell me more about these ?
What are the differences ? some have a 'long' winding crown, other a bigger but shorter onion shaped crown
Others seem to have luminova when other's don't ( or is in the last case the luminova removed ?)
some have the hands for seconds at 6 o'clock, others have a central seconds hand
I've been looking a Rössler's book and google but can't find enough info.
and also the value ..
I see them between 2500 and 5000 euro but then again an action at Bonhams fetched only 1300 euro
I was hoping for a better response
Sorry I can't help much on this. As far as I know, production started in 1909 and there were three main types.
The non Special, which did not have a second hand.
The Special, like mine, which had a sub-dial second hand at 6:00pm.
The 1A Extra Special, which had a central second hand, and was the inspiration for this year's 45mm watch with outsourced movement.
All were chrome plated, with black porcelain dials. I think they are all 41mm exclusive of crown. Mine has a 15 ligne gilt movement.
I have not seen any versions with military markings, but that is not to say they do not exist.
I assume those with a longer winding stem were designed for actual pilots to be able to wind or adjust with gloves on.
The crystal rotates turning the luminous marker underneath.
As you say, not much information on these, and I am hoping someone far more knowledgeable will chip in.
Dean
I'd be surprised if any had Luminova
en.wikipedia.org
the luminescent material on these can only be radium. They sell for between USD1 and 2K, anything more is extortion. No one to my knowledge has established a chronology or a typology - one is sorely needed.
Yes!
Original dials would have orange numerals and hands indicating these were radium, but I can only suspect that perhaps they were recalled, or replaced at the owners request, with luminova after the horrific "radium girls" tragedy. This is one case where I am glad my dial is not original.
Dean
radium indeed
thanks for your reply LouS,
Good to have an idea about the price because I almost paid too much 
A secondhand dealer has one in stock but it was imo a bit too much. the condition was good but still too expensive.
Thanks for giving me the confirmations it was too much
I'll take my time and one day I'll find one at a correct price
Sorry, I cannot help… BUT
I definitely support the request to have the Zenith military timepieces adequately referenced and documented. This does not only include the wristwatches, but I think also several dashboard instruments.
I remember that the father of my (then-) girlfriend used to own a Zenith dashboard clock. I cultivated my (then-) nascent fascination with timepieces which was not strong enough to secure that pieces ;-(
Maybe we can convince Zenith to commission such a book? It would be the right time provided that the Type 20 is such a success!
Best,
Magnus
a bit more info from Zenith would indeed be much appreciated ;-)
Like you, Dean and LouS said …. there is not much known about these.
When I read Mr Rossler's book, I find everything about the El primero's. Production numbers, dates, limited editions, … everything !
but even in this great book we learn almost nothing about these vintage pilot watches.
dashboard
just picked this up the other day, thought I would take a quick shot ...will share more later.
Type 20 Montres D'aeronef Type 20
Now I am really curious...
to learn more - what movement is hidden inside - Cal. 5011 perhaps?
Cheers,
Magnus
new thread
I decided to make a new thread...hope you enjoy
I wish it was a 5011K...
They didn't make these until the 60s I believe. This was made in 1939. I am on the look out for a 5011k pocket watch, I let one get away from me 7 years ago, what a mistake.