Zenith launches Zenith Pilot Montre d' Aeronef Type 20 at Baselworld 2013
May 17, 2013: Watchmaker Zenith, which was an integral part of the early days in aviation and was one of the first to supply onboard watches and instruments, has now presented six new Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 watches, including a special series paying tribute to the Red Baron, to echo the fundamental role played by Zenith in the conquest of the skies..
The French term “montre d’aéronef” (onboard watch) is an apt name for these instruments specially developed for aviation, a field in which the conditions of use were considerably more demanding than elsewhere and severely tested the mechanisms. Watches had to withstand sudden fluctuations in temperature, magnetic fields given off by the engines and other flight instruments, occasionally violent vibrations, humidity, as well as changes in atmospheric pressure. Impeccable readability was also a must, and a large matt black dial provided the best possible contrast for the white luminescent-coated hands and other time indications. The dial featured characteristic Arabic numerals and an oversized font. As far as wristwatches were concerned, operating them was considerably facilitated by a distinctive crown enabling gloved handling of the winding and setting functions.
Post your comment