Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special 40 mm

Quick specs Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special 40 mm Price: CHF 5’900 | approx. $ 5,900 | approx. € 5.530 | approx. £ 4,690 Size: 40 mm Reference: 11.1940.679/91.C807 (slate grey dial – mustard strap) 11.1940.679/63.C800 (khaki dial – khaki strap) 11.1940.679/53.C808 (blue dial – blue strap) 11.1940.679/94.C814 (burgundy dial – burgundy strap)

This new Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special 40 mm follows Zenith’s strategy to revive successful models. In less than six months we reviewed five new models that are retro, a remake, vintage or a reinterpretation. Check the Zenith Heritage Revival Cronometro TIPO CP-2, the Zenith El Primero 36000 VpH black and white, the Zenith Heritage 146 Chronograph, the Zenith Defy El Primero 21, the Zenith Heritage Pilot Extra Special Chronograph. And now this Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special 40 mm.

There are many thoughts about why a brand launches so much new old models, our main conclusion is that all these models look very good. In such a way, we would like to have them all. Including this new, rather small Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special 40 mm. As it only measures 40 millimeters in diameter. Which is okay for most male wrists, although newer pilot watches tend to be bigger. But with this smaller model Zenith is aiming for the opposite sex as well. Hello females!

The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special 40 mm has an aged steel case

The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special 40 mm is presented as a unisex model. The reason why it is not only a little smaller but also a little more colorful. A kind of stereotypical approach? Well, it is not available in pink, so let’s move on.

The case is from aged steel, the nubuck straps look used too and the big crown and dial layout top-off the retro style. The dial comes in slate grey, khaki, blue or burgundy, all very gender neutral. Inside is Zenith Elite caliber 679, a proper and reliable automatic with a power-reserve of 50 hours.

Now, should you buy one for your wife and/or girlfriend? We don’t know. Did she want to become a fireman, astronaut or jet fighter pilot when she was 8? Then, the answer is yes. Otherwise first ask her: ‘Do you like pilots?’ Please enter her response in our ‘leave a comment’ section below.