Skip to main content

The Manual Wind: Zenith Pilot Type 20 Squelette Sapphire

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.

Recommended Videos

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…
Adidas and Mercedes-AMG F1 launch Silver Arrows fanwear collection before British Grand Prix
The Silver Arrow collection is on sale worldwide at select Adidas retailers and the Adidas website.
F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli wearing Mercedes fan wear with a Mercedes-Benz W196 racecar.

Working with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, Adidas launched the Silver Arrow pack, a collection of fanwear inspired by the Mercedes-Benz W196 race car. Current Mercedes F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli posed with items from the Silver Arrow collection along with professional models.
Why celebrate the W196?

The W196 wasn't the first Silver Arrow. The first Mercedes to be called a Silver Arrow was the Mercedes W25, which debuted in 1934. However, driver Juan Fangio won the 1954 and 1955 F1 World Championships with the W196, which was among the several models referred to by the group name. The Adidas Silver Arrow collection celebrates the 70th anniversary of the W196's first F1 Championship season.

Read more
The Mirabel GMT is the sleek, functional watch built for modern explorers
The Heron Mirabel GMT: Swiss Precision Meets Affordable Luxury for Travelers
The Mirabel GMT up close

Watch lovers are innately drawn to the value and precision that a Swiss timepiece possesses, and the Heron Watches Mirabel GMT brings exceptional value and prestige at an affordable entry point. Bringing together the finest materials, true GMT function, and sleek design, it is a standout in every way – and for only $690.

Swiss precision and affordable luxury 

Read more
This Salomon collab turns the XA PRO 3D into wearable art for the trails
Salomon releases new collaborative sneaker
salomon rust trail sneaker

When it comes to a trail sneaker, you’ll want to ensure it is both functional and stylish. While a chic sneaker comes in handy for everyday use, a trail-ready sneaker should be able to keep you comfortable on any adventure. While Salomon knows how to fuse both successfully, their latest collaboration with South Korean designer J EONGL I adds another level of style and practicality to it. Inspired by the passage of time, this new collaboration comes in two colorways that perfectly capture the inspiration of eroded cliffs and fossils. Both monochromatic versions feature a sculptural style and footwear technology that’ll catch anyone’s attention on the trails or city streets. 

Salomon and J EONGL I give the XA PRO 3D a bold update

Read more