The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Bronze is a 45 mm, three-hand automatic pilot watch with a black dial, oversized crown and bronze case that develops its own patina. Brice Goulard’s 2015 hands-on review describes a deliberately vintage-looking watch; its defining trade-off is equally clear: a bold, large-wearing design in exchange for a case whose appearance changes with use. This is the 45 mm model, not Zenith’s later 40 mm bronze version.
What the 45 mm model looks like
The watch pairs a bronze case with a matte black dial, large luminous Arabic numerals and gold-colored hands. Its onion-shaped crown is a prominent visual feature, and the overall design leans into the look of an older pilot’s instrument. Goulard says the generous size reinforces that character; whether it feels appealing or simply too large will depend on the wearer and wrist.
Phillips independently cataloged a circa-2015 example as a 45 mm bronze watch on a leather strap. That auction record identifies reference 29.2430.679/21.C753: Phillips catalog entry.
Movement and everyday functions
Goulard identifies the movement as Zenith’s automatic Elite 679 calibre. The 2015 review lists 126 components, a 3.85 mm movement thickness, a 25.6 mm diameter and a minimum power reserve of 50 hours. These are specifications reported for the 45 mm model in that historical review, not a current manufacturer technical sheet.
#1 Best Overall
- AVI-8 - OUR STORY: The brand inspiration and design excellence originates from the collaboration between pilots and engineers who served in air forces around the world. Every collection is an explicit homage to the planes, people and history of military aviation. Each timepiece brings to life the detail and narrative of the inspiration to delight and engage the wearer.
- THE SPITFIRE LOCK CHRONOGRAPH: There's perhaps no tale more befitting of the continuation of AVI-8's Spitfire story than that of Eric "Sawn Off" Lock, a true WWII hero who was the highest scoring British-born RAF pilot in the Battle of Britain, and the inspiration behind our Spitfire Lock Chronograph.
- CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT: A timepiece steeped in aviation history - a stylish men's watch with Japanese Meca-Quartz Chronograph with date and 1/5 second
- THE FINER DETAILS: The Spitfire Lock Chronograph features a 42mm stainless steel case, 22mm genuine leather strap, mineral lens with anti-reflective coating and water resistance of 50m.
- 2 YEARS INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY: Your AVI-8 watch is warranted against any manufacturing defect for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of purchase.
The display is straightforward: central hours, minutes and seconds, with no date. The absence of a date keeps the dial focused on the numerals and hands, but means there is no calendar display to consult.
Bronze patina and the titanium caseback
Bronze changes appearance as it reacts to its surroundings. Goulard notes that water, acids, high temperatures and sweat can contribute to green oxide on the case, which he characterizes as a distinctive patina that can be cleaned away. He observed changes over a period of weeks or months, but that timing is personal observation, not a reliable schedule: the rate and appearance vary with conditions and wear.
Rank #2
- Movement: PT5000 [Automatic mechanical movement] Case: Material - Bronze 40 mm in diameter Lug to Lug 49mm Thickness 11.3mm Band width 20mm
- Glass: Sapphire Crystal, Dial Color: Black, Blue,white(lume) Hands: Luminous ，Hands and Markers
- Crown: Screw-down Crown Case Back: Screw Case back Strap: Classic Pilot Style Leather, Width 20*18mm Clasp: Bronze Buckle Water Resistant: 10Bar=100 Meters Warranty: 2 Year
The caseback is titanium, engraved with Zenith’s flying-instruments logo and an image of Blériot’s plane, according to the review. Goulard says the titanium back avoids direct contact between bronze and skin. That is his explanation of the design, rather than a medical claim about skin reactions.
Keep the 45 mm watch distinct from the later 40 mm version
Zenith announced a separate 40 mm bronze Pilot Type 20 Extra Special in 2018, with matte blue or black dial options and nubuck straps. Those details belong to the later release, not the 45 mm watch discussed here. Zenith’s announcement describes that 40 mm model: Zenith 2018 press announcement. Its separate technical sheet likewise covers the 40 mm variant, so it should not be used to fill in specifications for the 45 mm model.
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Rank #3
- Premium Craftsmanship – This men's watch features a 43mm stainless steel case with a sleek black PVD finish, complemented by a scratch-resistant mineral crystal lens with anti-reflective coating, ensuring durability and a refined appearance.
- Effortless Timekeeping – Equipped with a Japanese Meca-Quartz chronograph movement, this watch offers precise timekeeping with a smooth, mechanical feel. The black dial showcases luminous hands and markers, ensuring readability in various lighting conditions.
- Durable for Everyday Wear – With a water resistance of 50 meters, this wristwatch is suitable for daily use, handling splashes and brief immersions. Its robust construction ensures it withstands the rigors of everyday adventures.
- Comfortable & Secure Fit – The genuine black leather strap provides a comfortable and secure fit, making it ideal for all-day wear. The classic buckle closure allows for easy adjustment, ensuring a personalized fit for your wrist size.
- A Tribute to Aviation Excellence – Designed by AVI-8, this timepiece honors the legendary P-51 Mustang and the fearless leadership of Colonel Don Blakeslee during World War II. Every detail reflects the brand’s dedication to aviation history, paying homage to the aircraft and the daring pilots who redefined aerial combat.
Historical price and what the auction record shows
Goulard’s 2015 review described the 45 mm watch as non-limited and gave a price of $7,600 at the time. This is a historical price, not a current retail price or valuation. Phillips later cataloged reference 29.2430.679/21.C753 as circa 2015, with a leather strap and titanium Zenith buckle. Its listed estimate was US$2,100–4,100 and the catalog reports a result of HK$25,000. That is one historical auction record, not a current market guide; see the Phillips auction catalog.
Current retail availability and current pre-owned pricing are not established by these historical sources. A buyer considering a specific listing should confirm the exact reference, case size and condition rather than assume that a listing for a bronze Pilot Type 20 refers to this 45 mm version.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- AVI-8 - OUR STORY: The brand inspiration and design excellence originates from the collaboration between pilots and engineers who served in air forces around the world. Every collection is an explicit homage to the planes, people and history of military aviation. Each timepiece brings to life the detail and narrative of the inspiration to delight and engage the wearer.
- MOVEMENT: The Eagle Squadron Automatic Bronze 85th Limited Edition is powered by a Japanese Miyota , 21 Jewels hand winding Automatic movement featuring a power reserve of 42 hours
- THE FINER DETAILS: Featuring a 39mm Bronze Case , 20mm Genuine Leather Strap,an Extra Genuine Leather Strap, Anti Reflection Coating Sapphire Lens and Water Resistance Of Up To 5 ATM.
- WARRANTY : 2 Years International Warranty
Rank #4
- AVI-8 - OUR STORY: The brand inspiration and design excellence originates from the collaboration between pilots and engineers who served in air forces around the world. Every collection is an explicit homage to the planes, people and history of military aviation. Each timepiece brings to life the detail and narrative of the inspiration to delight and engage the wearer.
- MOVEMENT: The Smith Automatic is powered by a Japanese TMI NH35 24 Jewels 3 hands date self-winding automatic movement
- THE FINER DETAILS: Featuring a 42mm bronze case, 22mm genuine leather strap, anti reflection coated sapphire lens and water resistance of up to 5 ATM.
- WARRANTY: 2 years International Warranty
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