This week the newly renovated Zenith boutique opened at the TSUM, Moscow’s famous high end department store. In celebration of the re-opening, the brand was joined by one of it’s most high-profile ambassadors: Felix Baumgartner.
Haute Time spotted the record-breaking daredevil wearing this model at the re-opening of the Zenith boutique in Moscow...
Baumgartner shot to fame with his jump from the stratosphere, during which he became the first person to break the sound barrier without vehicular power. During his visit to the Russian capital, Baumgartner brought with him the Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Striking 10th he wore during his record-breaking jump in 2012.
However, since this chronograph is now part of history and can no longer be worn (it is pictured here inside a protective case), we’ll focus on the piece he had on his wrist: the Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 Annual Calendar.
This 48mm timepiece boasts a chronograph (based on the El Primero), as well as annual calendar functions, including month, day and date indications. The Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 Annual Calendar is a fitting choice for Baumgartner, since this piece echoes the style of Louis Bleriot’s Zenith, which the French aviator used during his record-breaking flight across the English Channel. The oversized onion crown ensures that pilots wearing safety gloves can still get a grip. The design of the dial and hands, as well as the lugs, are also of early pilot’s watches.
The Pilot Montre d’Aeronef Type 20 features a 48mm titanium case, as well as an 18K rose gold bezel, horns, push-pieces and crown. This model also comes in a steel version.
An engraving of the plane Louis Bleriot used to cross the Channel and flew over Europe appears on the caseback.
Photo credit: Chronoscope.ru for Haute Time Russia.
