Pilot's Watches have something very magical about them. Due to their size and comprehensive functionality, the wearer quickly feels transported back to the pioneering days of aeroplanes, when routes were still mastered with a compass, time and, above all, a great deal of courage. The image has not changed over the decades, which is probably why pilot's watches are still very popular with collectors and watch enthusiasts.
History of the pilot watch
The first watches to be used in aeroplanes can be found in the pioneering days of aviation and space travel. In 1906, Cartier of all people was to start a success story with the pilot's watch, the legend of which remains unbroken to this day. The Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos Dumont received the first pilot's watch from Cartier that could be worn on the wrist. The Cartier Santos is still part of the French manufacturer's portfolio today.
Over time, other brands also discovered this segment and developed wristwatches that were explicitly tailored to the needs of pilots. In the modern age, the pilot's watch has found its place as a legend, less because of its potential uses than as a status symbol.
What characterises a pilot's watch
From a technical point of view, pilot's watches were a true marvel, as pilots had to cope with numerous demands during the flight. Simply because of their area of use, pilot's watches have a very robust design and have retained this to this day. Friction and shocks should not be able to harm the watch during the flight.
The focus was on the legibility of the dial. Influences such as bright light or complete darkness had to be taken into account when developing the watch. In this context, most manufacturers rely on a matt black dial, a bezel that can even be operated with gloves and a non-slip crown, luminous material on the hands and an optional triangular zero index. There are also very sturdy bracelets and correspondingly large cases, as the pilot's watches were often worn over the sleeves to make them easily accessible.
Historical pilot's watches in the 20th century
What began with the Cartier Santos in 1906 was continuously developed over the following decades. Another milestone in history was certainly the easy-to-read Zenith watch that the French aviation pioneer Louis Blériot wore on his arm when he crossed the English Channel. Zenith was subsequently commissioned to equip the dashboards of French aeroplanes with corresponding instruments.
Charles Lindbergh made history with his Atlantic crossing. Logines acted as the official timekeeper at the time and the manufacturer took advantage of the opportunity to subsequently launch a model series on the market that still bears the Lindbergh name today.
The B watches of the Second World War also have their part to play in the history of pilot's watches, even if the background is rather frightening. Numerous Luftwaffe pilots wore models from Laco, Wempe, Stowa, A. Lange & Söhne and IWC.
Modern pilot's watches from Breitling, IWC and Fortis
Numerous luxury watch manufacturers now offer pilot's watches. Designed more for men due to their size, the watches impress with their historical design in a modern guise.
- IWC Spitfire Chronograph
- IWC Pilot's Watch
- IWC Fliegeruhr Tribute to Mark
- Breitling Classic Avi Chronograph
- Breitling Avenger
- Breitling Cockpit
- Glashütte Original Navigator
- Breitling Navitimer
- Fortis B-42
