Pilot's Watches

Fly high up to the style! Pilot’s watches are the accessories of true aviators

The style of a pilot’s watch is closely connected with the early years of aviation when watches needed some very special features. Before Cockpit electronics were omnipresent the pilot’s watch was a necessary control instrument to check the speed, height or the use of fuel. One of the first people who had a pilot’s watch was the Brazilian pilot Alberto Santos-Dumont, his pilot’s watch by Cartier has absolute cult status. The watch was designed in 1904, it was a wrist watch and very unusual at that time. Further it had some of the features which are characteristic for modern pilot’s watches as well. There has always been a high claim for craftsmanship when it came to watches because high quality watches can last for several years. Pilot’s watches combine technical refinement with an irresistible retro touch that reminds in the adventurous beginnings of aviation.

Which are the characteristics of a pilot’s watch?

There was very bad light in early aeroplane models and for that reason pilot’s watches are quite large and easy to read. Because of their size pilot’s watches are usually designed for men because dimensions like that do not match a traditionally feminine outfit anyway. Women’s watches in pilot’s design are rare and they have a slimmer shape that reminds in chronographs. Both variations have a dark display background and luminescent hands that can be seen in the dark as well. Many modern pilot’s watches have a white triangle that replaces number twelve, it is another helpful sign if light is bad. Another characteristic is the robust and large crown because pilots used to wear gloves before cockpit heating was invented. Thanks to the large crown the watch can be set easily even if you wear glover or if you just have broad fingers. A pilot watch’s dial provides several additional displays and you can use it as a chronograph. A mobile lunette makes additional functions possible and gives the pilots the opportunity to use their watches for calculations if it is required. The little second screen and a stop watch function are used frequently, some pilot’s watches have the worldtime function and show different time zones at the same time. Alternatively, you can choose a model that is radio-controlled, in that case the time is set automatically. Usually quartz works are used for radio-controlled watches. If you like it very classically and if you want the real pilot’s watch feeling you should take an automatic work. It runs without a battery and you don’t have to wind it up because it uses kinetic energy.