Zenith | Bamford Watch Department

In June 2017 Zenith became the first watch brand to officially partner with an established watch customiser, the London-based Bamford Watch Department. Together, they have collaborated on a number of special editions and offered customers the opportunity to personalise a number of models. Now, Zenith and Bamford Watch Department are taking their partnership to the next level with the possibility of customising one of the legendary models, the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph. A special service offered by Zenith boutiques and limited to just 100 configurable enables buyers to make the most emblematic of pilot’s watches truly their own.

To ensure the experience is as straightforward and enjoyable as possible while allowing the buyer to explore different customisation possibilities and express their creativity, Zenith and Bamford Watch Department have developed a dedicated tablet app for the boutiques, opening a world of possibilities through an intuitive interface.

Within the 45mm aged stainless steel case featuring a specially engraved case-back, buyers can choose the colour of the dial, markers and hands as well as the strap and stitching. There are countless possible combinations serving to make the Pilot Type 20 Chronograph a unique and personal piece.

Once the design has been finalised by the buyer, Bamford Watch Department begins producing the dial, markers and hands as well as the strap in an artisanal manner involving painting by hand. These components are then sent to Zenith for assembly, where the same quality control processes and warranty terms as a regular production watch are applied. Given the handcrafted nature of the customised watch, delivery takes approximately 12 weeks from the time the order is placed.

Once it is ready to make its way to its owner, the timepiece is delivered in an appropriately rugged customised black Pelican presentation box. Reputed for its extreme durability and undeniably cool look, the latter is capable of withstanding drops, shocks and changes in pressure and can be used as a travel case.