Ornatus-Mundi
[Zenith]
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Baselworld 2014: On the Zenith Pilot Type 20 'Extra Special'
On the occasion of Baselworld 2014 Zenith has (more or less) quietly introduced the model Pilot Type 20 'Extra Special', a stainless steel 45mm automatic watch:
I have not seen the watch nor did I know on its existence, but thankfully you form members were more astute than your moderator… ;-) What you also immediately discovered was the movement inside - a common movement not manufactured by Zenith (Sellita 300) - how on earth could this happen?
Has Zenith, the purebred movement manufacturer, changed tracks?
I inquired with my contacts at the manufacture, and was was told that the 2012-introduced Type 20 collection received such an overwhelming reception, particularly by young people who would like to wear such a piece but could barely afford, that the brand decided to offer a more affordable version.
The result is the Pilot Type 20 'Extra Special', as mentioned a more pedestrian (if you like) version of the otherwise completely in-house collection. The controversial use of a common movement is justified by the goal to offer a Pilot in the sub-5000 CHF price range, thus between 25 and 33% below the next upper models of the collection, the 40mm Automatic and the 48mm GMT, respectively (both of which use the in-house Elite movement).
The watch btw is referenced after an 'Extra Special' pilot's watch from the 1940s.
I still do not know enough and have not fully understood this move. Thus I refrain from posting my personal opinions at this time.
More to come!
Magnus
More posts:
Baselworld 2014: On the Zenith Pilot Type 20 'Extra Special'
On the occasion of Baselworld 2014 Zenith has (more or less) quietly introduced the model Pilot Type 20 'Extra Special' , a stainless steel 45mm automatic watch: I have not seen the watch nor did I know on its existence, but thankfully you form members we...
They rightfully called it Extra Special because of its movement. ;)
Sorry, but I don't see it as a good nor smart move from Zenith. The Special risks to loose its " Special " due to this low ( Cheap? ) offer. Of course, that would be different if they decided from the beginning to launch this Watch with such a movement. B...
Thank you for clarifying
Speculation on other forums has gone rampant with harsh criticism of this move, but the explanation given in your post makes it understandable. This Type 20 line is proving to be hugely popular, and a pillar collection for Zenith. Competition in the pilot...
5000 or 6300 CHF doesn't make any difference
You have 2 types of people, those that don't care about watches and those that do care about watches The first group will take their phone to see the time or maybe they will buy a cheap watch ( a few hundred CHF max) The other group, those that buy expens...
Bruno, 5000 CHF (US$, £, €, ...) is considered an important psychological barrier...
which is industry-wide recognised. I think that Zenith had a 'cool' watch here, which attracts many non watch aficionados. Trust me, there are a lot of people who spend considerable amounts on watches whiteout caring a tiny bit about a manufacture or ETA ...
Yes I agree Bruno.
I also got this explanation. The capacity of production is focused on providing more movements to other LVMH brands. A pity. Fx
It was not the reason given to me...
The reason I got is to dedicate the full capacity of the manufacture to produce the El Primero movement (which is now used by Hublot) and so to reduce the production of the Elite. I think that everybody was shocked by the news. The change of price tag? No...
It certainly is an attractive watch
It is sure to fly off the shelves despite having an outsourced movement. Most will not know it has a Sellita heart. This will certainly have some positive effects on brand recognition that balance the negative effects of outsourcing. Since it is not a com...
I think
I think the lower cost issue might be solved by still having the Elite movement but with very basic finishing? Surely it will lower the cost and since it has a solid back it also makes more sense to do that.
But
The last numbers I saw were Zenith selling 33,000 watches in 2012, less than Patek Philippe and at an average price point significantly lower. I would hazard a guess that they would much prefer to sell 100,000 watches in their price segment, and given the...
nice watch
Great looking watch from a very prestigious manufacture, at a more affordable price... What's to be negative about? To the layperson with minimal watch knowledge, Zenith's claim to fame is that they used to make Daytona movements. That's it. This move wil...
Depending on the audience, certainly!
1000 CHF can make the difference between buy or stay away. May of us cannot imagine this, but wearing a timepiece from a renowned brand may have a strict 'pain level'. I am curious to see hoe the brand develops under a new leadership - will we see more of...
