The ZENITH Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Tribute to Aviazione Navale
We went allover Italy, and I’m not kidding, to find that one out of the 50 pieces of the ZENITH Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Tribute to Aviazione Navale destined to our country. Because those fifty timepieces aren’t just destined to Italy, but those are the full run of the Pilot Montre d’Aeronef, celebrating the 100th year of the Italian Navy’s Aviation.
I do not want to discuss herein the link between ZENITH and the Italian Aviation, because we have fully described that legacy in this article, but I would rather focus on a part of that historical partnership represented by this very exclusive limited edition timepiece. As an Italian, as I am, I feel so proud to see that ZENITH has dedicated such a prestigious wristwatch to celebrate our military forces. The “Aviazione Navale” logo, represented by two wings which embrace the Italian Military Navy crest, stands out on the ZENITH Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Tribute to Aviazione Navale’s black dial.
The caseback is decorated with the “Prima Squadriglia Navale Siluranti Aeree” crest, portraying the spur of a ship supported by an eagle’s wings. This crest was manufactured by artist Adolfo De Carolis, upon request by Gabriele D’Annunzio, a man who had been charged with that legendary squadron back in 1918. The historical crest surmounts the modern one: together they represent the official logo chosen to celebrate the Italian “Aviazione Navale”.
The lettering on the historical crest, “Sufficit Animus”, means: “Bravery is more than enough”, and it highlights this virtue as the only one ever needed to serve our nation. The ZENITH Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Tribute to Aviazione Navale is, with the exception of the fabric strap and the lettering “Special” on the dial, an identical copy of the normal production of the Pilot Montre d’Aeronef, showcasing a 48mm wide stainless steel case, an in-house Elite automatic calibre, oversized Superluminova SLN C1 treated luminous indexes, and a big rectangular GMT fast activation pusher placed on the 10 o’clock mark.
The ZENITH Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Tribute to Aviazione Navale retails for 7500€ which is roughly 2000€ higher than the ordinary Pilot’s price tag. I do not usually discuss price tags in my posts but, from now on, I do think it is appropriateto briefly talk about it. The price point is quite high to be honest, but the ZENITH Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Tribute to Aviazione Navale is a true collector’s piece, quite differentfrom other watches marketed as Limited Edition models, produced in athousand or more pieces by brands which just want to push their revenues and margins: this watch will be produced in no more than 50 pieces! It is, in my opinion, a timepiece to…definitely buy, maybe not wear every morning but…admire, wind, (hopefully with your thumb and index finger in the near future as we have already suggested) and place back in its box. I would not be surprised to see connoisseurs go crazy. and watch its price double in the next Antiquorum or Bonhams auction.
(Photo credit: Horbiter's proprietary photo-shooting, product courtesy of BRINKMANN jewelers – www.brinkmann.it)
Gaetano C. @Horbiter – Watches & Luxury
TWITTER @Gaetano Cimmino
