Open up and say, “Aaaaahhh!”

Following the 2016 Zenith Christophe Colomb Tribute to the Rolling Stones, in 2017 Zenith presents a limited edition Pilot Type 20 model that also utilizes the famous tongue logo from the English rock band.

Zenith Pilot Type 20 GMT Tribute to The Rolling Stones

Very British

The first thing that grabs you about this watch is the in-your-face dial, which is decorated with a hologram of the logo. Not only that, the large numerals are decorated with so much Super-LumiNova it looks like they are practically frosted with it like a cake.

This makes for great read-off during the night. Or at a concert.

Likewise, the ruthenium-plated faceted hands are also coated with the same material.

The dial works well in this context as it is large, legible, and super eye-catching.

Zenith Pilot Type 20 GMT Tribute to The Rolling Stones

The only thing I might niggle is that I’m not usually a fan of small movements in large cases, but the big bold numerals and busy dial design disguise the fairly moderate 25.6 mm diameter of the movement inside the 48 mm case.

The case back is engraved with another rendition of the tongue – which is also not a bad thing since the strap is a black calfskin rock-and-roll cuff with protective rubber lining. The stainless steel buckle is coated with black DLC for that finishing touch of rock chic.

Zenith Pilot Type 20 GMT Tribute to The Rolling Stones

The titanium case is likewise coated with DLC (Diamond Like Carbon); the big screw-down crown not only retains an element of the original pilot style, but also helps the watch earn its water-resistance rating of 100 meters (10 atmospheres).

Zenith Pilot Type 20 GMT Tribute to The Rolling Stones

Zenith Elite 693

This watch is powered by automatic Zenith Caliber Elite 693, a four-Hertz movement based on the Elite 680 (fun fact: this movement was also in some early Panerai models).

The Elite movement was derived from the original El Primero in the 1990s, due to demand for a caliber better suited to Zenith’s more elegant, non-chronograph watches. The first timepiece powered by the Elite caliber arrived in 1994. My guess (and it’s only a guess) is that “Elite” comes from “El” and “lite.”

Zenith Pilot Type 20 GMT Tribute to The Rolling Stones

Today, the Elite is often used for Zenith watches with a second time zone and the more elegant and less sporty timepieces in the modern range.

The limited Pilot Type 20 GMT Tribute to the Rolling Stones represents the final edition of collaborative timepieces with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, and Ronnie Woods as the contract with the band has come to an end.

Zenith Pilot Type 20 GMT Tribute to The Rolling Stones

For more information, please visit www.zenith-watches.com/en/pilot-type-20-gmt.

Quick Facts: Zenith Pilot Type 20 GMT Tribute to the Rolling Stones
Case: 48 x 15.8 mm, DLC-coated titanium
Dial: hologram with Super-LumiNova
Movement: automatic Caliber Elite 693 with 50-hour power reserve
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; 24-hour dual time indication
Limitation: 200 pieces
Price: 6,700 Swiss francs

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