Zenith has won over 1500 awards for precision and has creates over 50 different calibers from its inception in 1865. However, it was not until 1969 that Zenith created its most well known and loved movement – the El Primero chronograph movement. This set the bar high and became the standard for mechanical movements worldwide.
The Montre D’Aeronef Type 20 GMT uses another exceptional movement from Zenith called the ‘Elite 693’. This movement has fewer components than most other Zenith pieces and beats at 28,800 alternations per hour making this a very precise and sturdy watch. Like most Zenith watches, this model is mechanical self-winding and boasts a power reserve of a minimum of 50 hours. Even though there is no exhibition case back on the Type 20 GMT, Zenith still takes the time and effort to apply the decorative Cotes de Genève to the oscillating weight which ultimately powers this stunning timepiece. The case back is meticulously engraved with the Zenith Flying Instruments logo paying homage to the long relationship between this legendary watchmaker and aviation.
The Montre D’Aeronef GMT comes in two versions – the 03.2430.693/21.C763 which is in stainless steel and brown calfskin leather with white contrast saddle stitching, and the 96.2430.693/21.C703 (The BARON ROUGE Edition) which comes in titanium with a DLC (Diamond Like Coating) and black calfskin leather. The Baron Rouge edition is limited in production to 500 pieces worldwide. In both versions, the leather has a protective rubber lining designed to increase their longevity. The onion shaped crown is very prominent which makes the adjustment of both time zones easy.
The dial on both versions is black and in the style of aviation themed watches large and easy to read under any conditions. The small seconds subdial is found at the 9 o’ clock position and the GMT hand is distinguished by a red marking on the tip and the fact that it is partially skeletonized. The hands are satin finished black ruthenium and are coated with Superluminova SLN C1. The large Arabic numeral hour markers also are entirely made from Superluminova ensuring readability at night. Naturally, the sapphire crystal has been glare proofed on both sides for a complete timepiece.
Both cases carry dimensions of 48mm in diameter and 15.8mm for the case height. The size of the case is actually a bit bigger than models in previous years. This Aviation inspired piece is water resistant to 10 ATM (100 meters) and carries Zenith’s 2 year international guarantee.
TAGS: Automatic Watches, Exhibition Case Back, GMT, Leather, Limited Edition, Mechanical Watches, Men's Watches, Power Reserve, Sapphire Crystal, Swiss Made, Water Resistant