MY OWN LITTLE TRINITY

With the acquisition of the Zenith Type 20 Pilot "Extra Special", 
I now have my own little personal trinity.

From left to right.
Zenith Stratos Flyback "Rainbow.
Zenith El Primero Striking 10th.
Zenith Type 20 Pilot "Extra Special"

With these 3 pieces, I somehow felt slightly complete in the Zenith brand of watches in my collection.

If a person is not too picky, these 3 actually ticks all the boxes.

The Stratos Rainbow for daily wear.

The Striking 10th for more formal events.

The Pilot as a weekend watch.

What more does one wish for?

But unfortunately, as a WIS... the "wants" are unlimited...

ZENITH MONTRE D'AERONEF TYPE 20 PILOT "EXTRA SPECIAL"

Well, this one came really quick after the Rainbow acquisition.
But really... What makes me think that I stand a chance?

It's the Zenith Montre D'Aeronef Type 20 "Extra Special"
Some might remember the 1st Montre D'Aeronef Type 20 watch released by Zenith in year 2012 is housed in a monstrous 57.5mm case powered by a vintage pocketwatch movement caliber 5011 which is equally big at 50mm.
It's of course a very impressive watch aimed at collectors and purists.

A year later, a full fledge of Type 20 pilots were released ranging from 40mm to 48mm.
I was initially interested in the 40mm Type 20 powered by Zenith's in-house Elite movement but it fits just a tad small.
The 48mm Type 20 GMT's on the other hand... fits just slightly too big...

This year, Zenith release another bigger Type 20 in a 60mm sapphire case. A truly haute horology piece called the "Grand Feu"

The type 20 I was interested in is the Type 20 "Extra Special" which was released a little too quietly. And after some digging.
I found out the watch was powered by a common but reliable 2892 clone Sellita SW300.

Well well well... Zenith... A true blue manufacture choosing to go the route of using outsourced movements.
Much of the online community and Zenith purists cried foul.

Me on the other hand, reserved judgement until seeing a piece in the flesh.
And after seeing one at my local AD, you guys can guess by now how it went.

There is now way I could resist something like this.
Clean dial. Huge numerals. Central sweeping seconds hands.
No numerals are cut off. No messy subdials.
Big visible hands with plenty of lume.
Just pure and unadultered. Just the way a pilot watch should be.
Designed is of course inspired by the Zenith Pilot watches of old.

The solid caseback is no less yummy.
Beautifully executed.
The other models powered by the in-house elite calibers are also fitted with solid casebacks with similar engravings.
So, do I mind that a non in-house movement makes this watch tick?
Absolutely not... provided it is reliable, easily serviceable, ample parts availability and provides good timekeeping.

The side profile of the case measuring 45mm.
To me, this is the perfect size for this watch.
A plaque with the "HB-0607" engravings is just a random number.
Do not mistaken this piece as a limited edition piece.
"HB" is the Swiss Civil Aviation Registration Code.
The four numbers could be the serial number though I have heard that it's completely random.

An oversized screwed down onion crown.
This really completes the overall vintage look of the watch.
Smooth, easy to handle and operate.

Another area that is vintage inspired is the lugs.
The screws I believe is to unscrew to remove the lugs.
The lugs extended only for the fitting of a springbar.
I would have preferred if they follow the 48mm brother which lugs is extended all the way into the strap holes.
No big deal but I just think it's a worthy mention.

The case itself is beautifully made.
Brushed sides.
The inherent Zenith quality is presented in oodles.

One thing I really like about the numerals is they are not painted on the dial, it's applied.
The numerals are fabricated from solid blocks of luminova and enclosed by black accents.
The rainbow also features such numerals.
Based on my limited knowledge, the only other watch that uses such fabricated numerals is the Peter Speake Marin Spirit MkII... correct me if I am wrong.

Also the applied Zenith star on the dial with the relevant printing.
All crisp and clear.

Another worthy mention is that Zenith actually trademarked the term "Pilot" on watch dials and that is the reason why other manufacturers' so called pilot watches does not have the word "Pilot" on the dial.
Zenith on the other hand are allowed to display it proudly on their dial.
I am sure in the coming years, the moniker of "Extra Special" will be made fun of and criticized to no end.
So I am not going into it.

Although the size is only shy of 0.5mm compared to the Rainbow, it feels worlds apart. It feels instantly at home on my wrist.

Regarding the criticism of Zenith using outsource movements, yes it's abit disheartening to hear that a true "Manufacture" suddenly resorts to using outsourced movements.
The purists and romantics are appalled at the decision.
As for me, I do understand why they are doing it.
They are running a business after all.
I sometimes wonder, do those who criticize actually owned an elite powered Zenith or any Zenith at all for that matter?
Because if the elite is such a huge seller moving tons of watches a year, I doubt the decision to use outsource movements will be made.

To most, Elite is just "another" Zenith movement.
Forever shadowed by the El Primero.
So, it does make sense to lower costs and use outsource movements and being able to offer Zenith watches at a lower price point... with the hope that these customers would one day upgrade.

But, after having spoke to Mr.Hugo Escude (Brand Director SEA), according to him, the new CEO Mr. Aldo Magada have decided to make 180 degree turn to stop production of Zenith watches using sellita movements.

A "New" Type 20 Pilot "might" be announced at Baselworld 2015 probably using the same case at 45mm with some tweaks particularly with the movement.
Surely powered by the Elite Caliber.
And of course, the prices would reflect that.

So I wait... to those who criticize... will they jump in and buy when this watch is using an Elite movement?
Or do they just criticize for the sake of it?

Either way, I don't really care... Because I have made my choice.

IWC MARK XVII REF: 3265-01

A couple of days ago, I have the honor of helping a friend to pick up an IWC Mark XVII.
I have got news that the watch have reached him safely and I had the chance to play around with the watch and also a chance to take some pictures prior to sending the watch over to him.

I must say that the finishing for Mark 17 is indeed surprising to me.
Case size have been upped to 41mm from the previous 39mm.
Feels just nice.

Dial is really clean and it's a breeze to tell the time.
I like the new altimeter styled date window.
Watch is powered by the IWC caliber 30110.
Alot of debate about it's "in-houseness"
No matter, winding the movement is smooth as butter.

I just love the bevelled angles on the lugs.
It's polished and it looks really good.
The contrast between brushed and polished is just nice enough for it to be a little more "dressy" as a pilot's watch.

A very nicely constructed pin buckle.
Feels sturdy. 
I personally would have liked if it come with a deployant.

Crown is big enough to facilitate easy operations.
Screw in type.
Nice and easy to handle.

Wristshot on my 6.75 inch wrist.
41mm size feels just right in this day and age.
After handling it and admiring it for a couple of hours, I have begun to understand the appreciation for this IWC Mark XVII.
It is a well made watch with finishings that are quite impressive for it's pricepoint.
If I am ever in the market for a Pilot, the Mark XVII will definitely be among those to consider.

LACO PILOT WATCH

Somehow the allure of pilot watches are really strong in the general watch buying public.
Maybe it's the coolness that is associated with fighter pilots? Tom Cruise? Top Gun? hehehe
Anyway, I used to own this.
Laco 42mm Pilot powered by a Miyota Movement.

This is one of the cheapest offering from Laco and also the cheapest way for a person to get over the pilot watch bug without paying big bucks.
As far as I know, Laco watches are only available online.
They used to offer free shipping worldwide but not anymore.
Now they charge 35 euros for shipping the watch to Malaysia.
Even with shipping included, it will still cost you a little over 220 euros for this watch.
I still think it's good value.

The most recognizable trait of a pilot watch is the triangle marker flanked by two dots.
The pointy hands and excellent lume for easy legibility.
Pilot watches or the B-Uhr (Beobachtungsuhr) is literally translated as "Observation watch"
Original sizes of these watches are huge... 55mm huge... with a huge  diamond shaped crown.
Of course this is a more sensibly sized 42mm case.
Perfect for daily wear.

During World War 2, 5 companies were commissioned by the German government to built these B-Uhr.
The 5 companies are A.Lange und Sohne, International Watch Company (IWC), Wempe, Stowa and.... yes... Laco.
If you compare prices now between these 5 brands, Laco offers the most affordable watches.

Like I said, for as little as 220 euros, you can own a Pilot watch that is made by one of the original 5.
The historical ties are there hence the value for money.
If you have more to spend, they offer ETA Swiss movement powered ones as well... priced a little higher.
Instead of going with homage makers or non branded ones...
Why not Laco?