Zenith Reveals its Hidden Schematics on Pilot Type 20 Blueprint Limited Edition

Revealing the unseen schematics of its dial is the raison d’etre of the new Zenith Pilot Type 20 Blueprint. With as name as apt as the product itself, the new watch is inspired by a blueprint of the manufacture’s historical building that the team discovered, which led the team to unearth the blueprints of the earliest Aeronefs — aircraft flown by flight pioneers like Louis Bleriot, who used a Zenith watch to time his flight over the English Channel. Keeping these in mind, Zenith sought to highlight its ingenuity in a surprising way with the Pilot Type 20 Blueprint.

Crafted in an oversized 45-mm steel case, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Blueprint features a unique, double layered dial, composed of a matte blue base with all technical plans and notes used by the dial-maker, and above it a sapphire crystal layer with the usual markers and logo. This allows the dial to create a deep and captivating visual effect that casts a shadow on the blue base, making it appear that the markings are hovering over the blueprint dial.

With its signature oversized “onion” crown and a caseback engraved with the Zenith Flying Instruments logo, the timepiece is powered by the Elite 679 manufacture automatic movement that holds a power reserve of 50 hours. As a tribute to the earliest years of aviation, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Blueprint is strapped to a blue calfskin leather strap and is limited to just 250 pieces.

A version of this article first appeared on our sister website, WatchTime India.