Introducing the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Blueprint LE

In 1842 Sir John Herschel introduced a blueprint for the first time, a process that consists of white lines on a blue background and which translates into a negative of the original design. This process was used in technical design, especially in architectural, engineering and design projects and for almost a century it was used as the main reproduction process until 1940 being replaced by the whiteprint that consisted of blue lines on a white background, also known as bluelines until they were replaced in 1975 by what we know today as xerography, which consists of an automatic printing process by computer means.

The new Zenith Pilot Type 20 Blueprint, pays homage to this ancient technique of technical design, namely through the brand’s deep connection with aviation, with Zenith being one of the first visionary brands in the design of watches for pilots. This new watch has as its main distinguishing feature the Blueprint dial, inspired by the blueprints that served as the conception of the first aircraft’s, namely the aircraft Type XI, through which Louis Blériot in 1909 made the first crossing of the English Channel.

The dial present in the watch was designed through two layers, a first in matte blue with all the technical details and notes of the dial creator, and above it a sapphire crystal and a sapphire crystal layer with markers and logos, which allows a visual illusion created by the shadow of the markers on a matte blue dial that produces a suspension effect of the markers above the background. The watch comes with hours and minutes in the centre and a central second’s hand.

Regarding the case, it comes in a 45 mm wide stainless steel case that alternates between the polished and the satin-brushed surfaces, a large crown at 3 o’clock in the shape of an onion, whose function is to allow it to be handled by pilots even with gloves on, on one side a screwed plate indicating that it is a limited edition with the corresponding unit number. Within, the Elite 679 movement that offers a minimum of 50 hours of power reserve and 100 meters of water resistance. The watch comes on a blue leather strap with exterior rivets and a titanium pin buckle that resembles the old flight jackets.

The watch is limited to 250 units and is available at a price of CHF 8,400.

General Specifications:

Brand: Zenith

Model: Pilot Type 20 Blueprint

Reference: 03.2435.679/51.I012

Dial: Double layered dial: 1 Blue dial + 1 Sapphire dial

Case Material: Stainless steel

Case Dimensions: 45 mm diameter

Crystal: Sapphire Glass

Case Back: Stainless steel engraved with Zenith flying instruments logo

Caliber: Elite 669

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds

Winding: Automatic

Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)

Number of Components: 126

Power Reserve: 50 Hours

Water Resistance: 100 Meters

Strap: Blue calfskin leather strap with rivets and titanium pin buckle

Price: CHF 8,400

Limited Edition: Yes, 250 pieces