HANDS-ON [WITH LIVE PICS]: Introducing The Pilot D’Aeronef Type 20 GMT 1903 by Zenith @Timecrafters2014
Timecrafters was so action-packed (and, yes a watch show can be action-packed, for those who don’t know) that I nearly forgot half of the watches that I saw at the show. But through all of this watch-mania, some very special watches found their way into a part of my mind where I would never be able to forget them. This was one of those watches. This chunky, almost tool like watch is not only something that would be a great fit in any collection today, but also a watch I can expect to see in an investment-grade collection decades from now. For those who didn’t already skip ahead to the tech-dude stuff, I’ll finally tell you the name you’ve been waiting to hear. Yes, it’s a Zenith and yes it’s a classic pilot’s watch. This new limited edition Zenith Pilot D’Aeronef Type 20 GMT 1903 is inspired by the Wright Brothers, the engineers and inventors of the first functioning airplane and the first so-called “official” aviators.
Let’s get down to the specifics. So, this quite intricate while, at the same time, quite elementary GMT watch is completely crafted out of solid (not pieced together) black DLC-treated titanium. The exact dimensions of this watch are 48 mm by 15.8 mm, making this piece a monster of a wristwatch. Plus, I’m sure it’ll make a nice travel clock too! The watch is powered by the caliber 693 Zenith Elite movement and is fitted with a worn, suede cuff/strap, giving the watch even more of a vintage look. The price of this watch is $8,600, a reasonable price for what you are getting.
Luke Rottman (Executive Editor: thewatchadviser.com)