Zenith Pilot Type 20 Ton-Up Black Chronograph Hands On
Zenith showed up at Baselworld 2018 with a duffel bag filled with new timepieces and some unique updates to its Pilot's watch collection. The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Ton-Up Black Chronograph is the latter. Here, we get hands-on with the model to discuss some of the more subtle points about the series' "Super-Chill" (their word, not mine) - mostly its motorcycle inspiration.
In 2016, Zenith released its first generation watch, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Ton- Up stainless steel model. The watch, with its arguably unique "aged steel" case material and faded dial, is clearly selling well, although it's not what I expected. Bringing a motocross-inspired model collectible watch to the Grand Crown Pilot was an interesting (and, to some, downright confusing) decision – and honestly, I didn’t think it was necessary. I can't deny that the watch looks cool and masculine, and it's sure to appeal to a certain crowd, but the "Pilot" wording on the dial really takes the inspiration out of a watch aimed specifically at the motorcycle enthusiast crowd.
That said, let's start our discussion of watches with the case. The 45mm case is in the same "aged steel" style as its predecessor. Not to be confused with the black PVD coating, the case comes standard with a patina that suits the style of the watch, and the slim 14.25mm case fits nicely on the wrist. The oversized crown and buttons have a serrated texture and are aged to match the case. Overall, the shell holds together really well, even if it's a bit on the large side.
The dial has been updated with jet black satin finish. Combined with the white offset, it makes this watch legible. The luminous-filled index and sub-registration marks are in the standard Zenith Pilot font and filled with white Super-LumiNova in place of the off-white faux patina of the previous generation - which I find more attractive. Also, the update features gold-plated hands instead of steel, which makes the big cathedral hands stand out against the matte black dial. There is no doubt that this watch is designed around legibility.
http://www.moon-watch.co Inside the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Ton-Up Black Chronograph is Zenith’s 5Hz El Primero 4069 movement – arguably one of the most affordable chronograph contenders in the industry. For enthusiasts who own an El Primero, clicking the buttons and hearing the sound of the chronograph engaging and running is one of the most beautiful sounds. The ability to time the 1/100th of a second may prove to be a useful utility for Café Racers, but I think it will be largely overlooked by buyers of this watch due to the closed caseback – this is a major party bird for a watch of this class. Gorgeous action. In addition, the watch also has a power reserve of up to 50 hours.
For the strap, Zenith has opted for oily nubuck black leather with a rubber-lined interior for comfort and durability. Apparently, it's for the 'blackout' effect and exudes a resolute 'stealth biker attitude'. With white stitching and a titanium buckle, the strap actually looks good on the watch—cheesy marketing rhetoric aside.
https://www.reviewluxurystore.com Overall, I don't think these will be in Zenith's stock, though I largely attribute that to the fact that I don't know if people who buy these will care what the inspiration was. I can't deny that the 'Black-Out' nature of this model is as masculine as tearing down a motorcycle to make it go faster. I can't help but see a headstrong, headstrong "bro" in a leather jacket with pockets thick enough to buy this watch and store his e-cig knight in a Zenith boutique and shout out to him Came here for the "bad guy of all people". Badass” and slammed a roll of cash wrapped in a skull chain on the counter. As far as quality goes, you can never go wrong with a Zenith watch and want something a little different, so this watch might just be the choice .
https://www.moonphase-watch.com https://www.review4uwatch.com
