The history of aviation is closely linked with that of watches. Before digital cockpit instruments were invented, pilots relied on their mechanical watches to calculate their speed, navigate and time flights. Take to the skies in these remarkable pilot watches.
The history of aviation is closely linked with that of watches. Before digital cockpit instruments were invented, pilots relied on their mechanical watches to calculate their speed, navigate and time flights. Take to the skies in these remarkable pilot watches.
LACO AACHEN
Laco was one of the five brands tasked to produce pilot watches during World War II. The Laco Aachen features what is known as the Baumuster Type B dial configuration, which has an inner ring for the hours and an outer ring for the minutes and seconds. $498
ORIS BIG CROWN PROPILOT ALTIMETER WITH FEET SCALE
The Oris Big Crown ProPilot Altimeter with Feet Scale is a technological breakthrough, as it is the first automatic watch in the world to also feature a mechanical altimeter. Designed for aviation enthusiasts who fly non-pressurized aircrafts, it is able to measure altitudes of up to 14,500 feet or 4,500 meters. $5,100
IWC BIG PILOT REF. 5009
IWC was also one of the five watch brands tasked with making pilot watches for the German Air Force during World War II, and the IWC Big Pilot is the archetypal pilot’s watch. Featuring a sizable 46mm case and a dial marked with large Arabic numbers coated using Superluminova paint, the watch is highly legible under all circumstances. $19,700
ROLEX GMT-MASTER II
Rolex developed the first GMT-Master watch with Pan American Airways for use by their pilots and navigators. It was the first watch to feature the GMT complication, which allowed pilots to easily keep track of time in multiple time zones. The latest model in stainless steel is a record breaker, it being the world’s first watch with a one-piece ceramic bezel in two different colors, blue and black. $12,010
CASIO G-SHOCK MTG-G1000D
The Casio G-Shock MTG-G1000D is truly a global watch. Thanks to its built-in GPS receiver, it is able to automatically adjust itself to the local time zone, which makes it great for jet setters. In addition, it features Casio’s Triple G Resist technology, which makes the watch almost impervious to shock, high centrifugal gravity and vibrations. $1,799
