Watch of the Week: Zenith Pilot Type 20 Silver

The Pilot collection from Zenith already contains watches that offer plenty of character. It is also for that reason that it remains a favorite among watch connoisseurs, with its characteristic crown and case. With the limited Pilot Type 20 Silver Zenith infuses its model with even more personality thanks to an unusual dial and a not so common material for the case.

While a precious metal, sterling silver is not often used in watchmaking. Most brands opt for stainless steel or go to the other end of the spectrum with white gold and platinum when they want to craft a watch from a white metal. By choosing sterling silver, with the addition of sterling meaning that the silver us an alloy of 92.5% pure silver with 7.5% other metals added, you get a subtle change in hue that no other white metal offers. Also, as time passes, sterling silver will also take on a patina of its own, which will further amplify the character of the Type 20.

Zenith also created a very special dial for this watch. Made from silver as well, it has a riveting pattern which makes it reminiscent of vintage planes. The silver has a brushed finish, with a bit of an industrial look to it. This makes it that it not only connects even more to the world of aviation, but it also give the dial a very interesting play of light. The bold Arabic numerals and prominent hands, a hallmark of the Pilot-collection, have been generously filled in with SuperLuminova, extending the visual appeal of this Zenith into all hours of the night.

While the movement is hidden behind a closed caseback there is little to complain, as this watch is powered by caliber Elite 679, a manufacture movement that runs at 28.800 VpH/4Hz with automatic winding and a 50-hour power reserve. With a diameter of 45mm is the Pilot Type 20 Silver generously sized. It makes quite a statement, also because of its oversized crown and riveted strap. With its unusual dial design and sterling silver case is this Zenith a worthwhile addition to the Pilot-collection, and the 250 pieces that the brand will make of them, will without a doubt soon all find a home.