Baselworld, the biggest watch event of the year, is happening now at the Messe Basel in Basel, Switzerland. We’ve got a team on the ground there to bring you the most exciting releases. Follow our coverage here, and also be sure to check out Instagram. We’ll be posting to our feed throughout the week.
Price: TBD
Availability: TBD
Movement & Winding: El Primero 4096 automatic chronograph; Elite 679 automatic
Case Dimensions: 45mm wide
Power Reserve: 50 hours
Quick Take: Zenith’s new Pilot Type 20 Adventure watches feature the stylish combination of bronze cases and green dials, a pairing that’s become somewhat of a trend lately. These are bold-wearing timepieces with what will be a wrist-eclipsing diameter for many at 45mm wide, with long lugs and a massive onion-shaped crown. There are chronograph and three-hand versions, and stylish straps complement their distinctive color scheme.
Who It’s For: Combining vintage-inspired design, prominent sizing, and stylish colors and straps, there is a clear fashion element to the new Zenith Adventure watches. That said, with the prices expected of bronze-cased watches with in-house movements and the name Zenith on the dial, it will probably also require appreciation of certain elements like the excellent Zenith El Primero and Elite movements inside. The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Adventure watches have just enough niche appeal to be exciting to the right demographic.
Key Features: Each the chronograph and three-hand automatic versions share the same 45mm wide by 14.25mm thick bronze case with domed sapphire crystal and solid titanium case back. The grained green dials are super legible and feature the numerals associated with Zenith’s pilot watches (which are fully lumed), as well as classic cathedral hands, which are also well-lumed.
Inside the bronze cases, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Adventure is powered by the El Primero 4096 movement, whereas the Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Adventure three-hand version uses the Elite 679 movement. Both movements are automatic and promise 50 hours of power reserve. Included are a camouflage-motif alligator leather strap and a “khaki matrix” calfskin leather strap. Prices are yet to be confirmed.
