Skip to main content

The Manual Wind: Zenith Pilot Type 20 Squelette Sapphire

Zenith Pilot Type 20 Squelette Sapphire
Image used with permission by copyright holder
It is often forgotten that watchmaking is not just about practical engineering, but also about ornately showing off.  High end watch brands love this aspect of the business.  Creating six and seven figure timepieces handcrafted and jeweled for the very few adds to the fun of the watch world.  Zenith is a modest brand known for its movement manufacturing; primarily the El Primero Chronograph movement.  Out of this LVMH owned manufacturer comes a piece that is ornate and outrageous in both size and detail.

zen20sq2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

At 60mm in diameter, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Squelette is not your average Pilot.  The case is made of sapphire crystal displaying the movement not only through the skeletonize dial and exhibition back, but through the sides of the case as well.  Where there is metal there is hand-crafted design.  The lugs, hand chased, are made of white gold attaching the black crocodile strap to this behemoth piece of horological jewelry.  The crown is of white gold as well.  Taking this piece beyond sapphire and gold is the white blue enamel bezel.  This hand-crafted bezel makes for good contrast with the applied blue arabic numerals on the dial and the blued white gold hands.

zen20sq3
Image used with permission by copyright holder

From head on, this piece might appear to be your average oversized skeleton piece with ornate detail.  Once turned around, the sapphire case is what makes this piece even more special creating a full display of the Zenith Caliber 5011k movement.  Based off a pocket watch movement, this 48 hout power reserve manual wind is the perfect fit for this massive watch.  Shockingly water resistant to 30 meters, you can even take an unplanned dip.

Only 5 pieces of this extremely unique timepiece will be produced.  Like a concept car to an automobile brand, this piece will hopefully foreshadow some of what is to come for later production Zeniths.  In five years hopefully a sapphire crystal case will be in all of our collections.

Ian Schwam
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Contributing writer and watch enthusiast Ian Schwam dons an expert knowledge of all things watches. Having spent a decade in…
The 7 best Canada Goose vests for men in 2024
best canada goose vests for men vest

When it comes to expanding your wardrobe, it is important to step out of your comfort zone. For some men, that might mean opting for pieces of clothing that they normally wouldn't purchase and for others, that could mean trying out a new brand or type of apparel. If you're a guy that is in search of something new to add to your closet, there is nothing easier and more versatile than a new vest. Before you stop reading, let us explain to you why vests are an easy to wear item.

A vest is the perfect added layer to a hoodie, long sleeve shirt, button down or sweater. If you don't want to wear a long and heavy coat but still want to stay warm, a vest is the ideal choice. These kinds of vests will offer you insulation and style at the same time. What more could you want? For those who want to try out a vest for the first time or add another vest to your collection, there is no better brand to check out than Canada Goose. Known for their warm, luxurious and stylish outerwear, this beloved brand is one of the most-sought after on the market.

Read more
This is what Citizen Watches has in store for 2024
From pocket watches to anniversaries, here is Citizen 2024
Citizen 100th anniversary pocket watch

Citizen watches are some of the most popular on the market for one very big reason. They are experts at offering all of the best features and styles of ultra-expensive luxury brands like Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe without forcing you to mortgage your house to land one on your wrist. Every year, the Japanese powerhouse reaches new levels of success with innovative, attractive, and accessible designs. In 2024, the brand is looking to continue that trend with a slew of updated and celebratory designs.

Something to notice about the collection of new releases hitting the shelves this year is that Citizen is celebrating two big anniversaries that will surely have you looking to upgrade your collection with some beautiful throwbacks. Here are the new releases (that we know of so far) to keep your eye on in 2024. Citizen always has surprises up their sleeves, so there is definitely more coming this year.
100th Anniversary Pocket Watch

Read more
If you’re looking for the best men’s cologne, try these recent drops
Smell your best with these great fragrances
A person spraying cologne on themselves.

You only get one chance to make a great first impression. That is why we dress nicely. That is why we groom ourselves expertly. And that is why you need to have a great cologne. You never know who you are going to meet, and you don't want to be caught in anything other than your best. You may be forgiven if your hair is a little long when you are on the trail. You may be forgiven for having a five o'clock shadow on Saturday afternoon. And you may not be punished for wearing jeans and a T-shirt at the movie theater. However, you will always be judged for not smelling good. That is why you need to invest in the best men's colognes.

Having a pleasant fragrance is more than smelling pleasant for those around you. It also attracts people to you and shows that you care about your hygiene. People will respond better and remember you fondly if your smell lingers. It is the most powerful scent tied to memory, so make sure you are remembered in 2024 with these top picks for colognes for men. We didn't go with all the big boys in the men's cologne industry. You will see one name that nearly everyone knows. But, we stuck more with the ones that you all should know. There is no Dior, no Polo, and no Gucci on this list. We didn't go for names. We went for quality fragrances and picks that will keep you remembered long after you leave.
Fulton & Roark Cloudland

Read more