True Blue: Zenith Unveils North America Special-Edition Pilot Watches Just in Time for 4th of July

Celebrating its long-standing relationship with aviation, Zenith watches unveils two new limited-edition series of its more famed watches: the Pilot Type 20 GMT and the Pilot Type 20 Extra Special. Each watch is being offered in a run of just 50 pieces, and each is available only in the American and Canadian markets. Even better, just in time for the Fourth of July, these watches sport deep blue dials that are incredibly appealing to the American watch lover. While these watches were first shown at the Couture Time show in Las Vegas, they are now officially out and available.

The Pilot Type 20 GMT is an ultra-light 48mm watch that is crafted in black DLC titanium. The crown of the black-cased beauty is notched for easy gripping, and the sapphire crystal is domed, recalling the watches of the past. The stunning matte blue dial offers bright red accents. Powered by the brand’s Elite automatic caliber 693, the watch offers dual time indication (with second zone hand in red) and is water resistant to 100 meters. The case back is engraved with the Wright Brothers “Flyer” glider. The watch retails for $7,800.This watch is big, but not too big. It sits nicely on the average wrist and what really clenches it is the super lightweight feel, which adds great comfort.

The Pilot Type 20 Extra Special watch also features an engaging dark blue dial. This 45mm timepiece with screw-lock crown and oversized numerals is all about legibility. The luminescent faceted hands and the angled Arabic numerals are great addition to the pilot look. The dial is also inscribed with the words “Extra Special” — written in red. An automatic Elite movement also powers this watch: the 679 caliber with 50 hours of power reserve. The case

back is engraved with the plane flown by French pilot Louis Bleriot, who crossed the English Channel in 1909, wearing a Zenith watch. This watch also bears the Zenith flight instrument logo – recalling the brand’s rich roots in aviation. Like the Pilot Type 20 GMT, this watch is water resistant to 100 meters and is finished with a color-coordinated blue alligator strap. The Extra Special retails for $6,600.