The Zenith Pilot Type 20 “GMT” 1903 is a 48 mm automatic dual-time watch, reference 96.2431.693/21.C738. Its black DLC-coated titanium case, 100 m water-resistance rating and 50-hour stated power reserve make it a distinctive, substantial pilot-style watch; the 48 mm diameter is the main fit question for prospective owners. This review covers the 1903 GMT edition, not every watch in Zenith’s Type 20 family.
Which Zenith Type 20 GMT is this?
The watch reviewed here is the Zenith Pilot Type 20 “GMT” 1903, reference 96.2431.693/21.C738. The reference matters because the Type 20 name covers different watches. The 1903 GMT is a 48 mm automatic dual-time model launched in 2014, according to its GPHG listing.
It is not the original contemporary Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 introduced in 2012. The Fondation Haute Horlogerie account describes that earlier model as a 57.5 mm, titanium, hand-wound watch with small seconds and a power-reserve display. Those are separate designs, so check the full model name and reference when comparing listings.
What are the published specifications?
| Specification | Pilot Type 20 “GMT” 1903 |
|---|---|
| Reference | 96.2431.693/21.C738 |
| Case diameter | 48 mm |
| Case thickness | 15.8 mm |
| Case material and finish | Titanium with black DLC coating |
| Movement | Self-winding Elite Calibre 693 |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds and dual time |
| Stated power reserve | 50 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vibrations per hour |
| Water resistance | 100 m |
| Strap and fastening | Leather strap and pin buckle |
| Edition information | 1,903-piece limited-series designation; launch year 2014 |
These are specifications recorded by the GPHG entry, not results of independent testing. Its historical price excludes VAT and should not be treated as a current market price.
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What does the GMT function do?
The automatic Elite Calibre 693 provides a second-time-zone, or dual-time, function alongside hours, minutes and seconds. That gives the watch a practical travel-oriented purpose beyond its pilot-watch styling. The GPHG describes the second-time-zone display as a travel feature; the available specifications do not establish how quickly or intuitively it can be set in everyday use.
How does it look and wear?
Case and proportions
At 48 mm across and 15.8 mm thick, this is a large, tall watch by conventional wristwatch dimensions. The titanium case is DLC-coated black, but the published specifications do not state the watch’s weight. Titanium therefore should not be taken as proof that this particular watch feels light or comfortable on a given wrist.
Rank #2
- Black small second dial
- Brown leather strap
- Swiss-automatic movement
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Water resistant to 330 feet
Whether the case is too large depends on wrist shape, personal preference and how the watch sits under a cuff. Try the exact watch on if possible; diameter alone cannot establish lug overhang or comfort, and no hands-on fit assessment is claimed here.
Dial and vintage styling
The GPHG presents the 1903 edition as a tribute to the Wright brothers and describes vintage-inspired luminous numerals. A secondary review also comments on its vintage styling and aged-looking luminous treatment (A Blog to Watch review). Those descriptions are visual characterizations, not evidence of a measured lume performance or sustained low-light legibility.
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Rank #3
- Movement: Japan MIYOTA 8215 Mechanical Automatic Movement, Automatic winding, second stop device, 40 hours of energy storage, quite accurate.
- Sapphire Mirror: The watch mirror is made of sapphire glass, which is Hard texture and less prone to scratches.
- Fashion watch: This Pilot watch is made of Stainless steel Lassa craft case, genuine leather strap, which not only ensures the comfort of the wrist, but also can easily match your clothes. Fits wrists from approximately 152mm to approximately 228mm.
- Waterproof & Luminous: The Aviator watch is water resistant to 50 methers, It can support daily hand washing, car washing, rain and other water contact sports. Luminous hands and markers, It can see the time in dark place or at night.
- As a gift: watches are suitable for outdoor sports such as running, sports, fishing, dating, new year, christmas, thanksgiving, hollywood, wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation, father's day, birthday party, corporate events.
Is this a good watch to buy?
The strongest reasons to consider it are the distinct black-coated titanium design, automatic dual-time function and the model’s stated limited-series status. The trade-off is its imposing 48 mm by 15.8 mm case, which makes fit a more consequential question than it would be on a smaller everyday watch. The 100 m water-resistance rating is a published specification, not a substitute for checking the condition and service history of a pre-owned example.
The GPHG listing identifies a 1,903-piece limited series and a 2014 launch. That establishes the edition’s stated context; it does not establish current availability, present resale value, or the condition of any particular watch.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Movement : ST2502
- Dial diameter : Approx.43mm
- Thickness : Approx.13.5mm
- Strap width: Approx.22mm
- Strap circumference : 19m
What to check before buying a pre-owned example
- Match the reference: confirm that the listing identifies 96.2431.693/21.C738, rather than another Pilot Type 20 or Montre d’Aéronef model.
- Assess the actual fit: try it on where possible, since the 48 mm diameter and 15.8 mm thickness may wear differently on different wrists.
- Request condition and service details: ask for dated documentation and clear photographs of the specific watch. Accuracy, water resistance and mechanical condition cannot be inferred from its original specifications.
- Compare like with like: evaluate the exact watch’s condition, service record, seller credibility and asking price. No current market price or resale ranking is established here.
- Check strap compatibility: the listed configuration is a leather strap, but no lug width is established. Verify dimensions and fit for the exact watch before ordering a replacement.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
