Pilot watches are an absolute staple in the horological industry. Some even say that the pilot watch was one of the very first wristwatch models. This makes them a key piece of watch history. Many watch collectors aspire to own a pilot watch for its iconic and distinctive design and the fascinating history behind them. Pilot watches make a great choice for daily wear due to their classic and practical design. They can be worn for any occasion, whether it be for the office, a formal occasion or a casual Saturday. If you are interested in pilot watches, keep reading for our 10 interesting facts about pilot watches.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Pilot Watches
1. Pilot watches always have an easy to read dial.
As pilot watches were designed with a very specific purpose, the dial has been designed to be as clear and easy to read as possible. This is so that the pilot wearing the watch could glance at their timepiece and gather as much information as they could in as little time possible. This was a beneficial feature in the early days of pilot watches as these timepieces were heavily relied upon to provide vital information that would help the pilot to fly their aircraft. Nowadays, this isn’t such an essential feature in a pilot watch but it is still favoured for its ease and iconic appearance.
2. These timepieces tend to have large crowns.
Every single element of a pilot watch is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. In years past, pilots had to wear large, bulky gloves to warm and protect their hands. This meant that they could not use small, fiddly contraptions. This led to watchmakers building pilot watches with especially large crowns that would allow the pilots to easily adjust their timepieces without having to wait or remove their gloves. In the modern-day, this feature is more of an aesthetic choice than a practical one but it is an easy way to identify a pilot watch.
3. The first pilot watch was developed in 1906.
The invention of any timepiece is a fascinating story, making this one of the best of our 10 interesting facts about pilot watches. The first-ever pilot watch was created by Louis Cartier. This is the same man who founded the iconic Cartier brand. He invented the timepiece for his friend, Alberto Santos-Dumont who was a pilot. Santos-Dumont required an easy to use timepiece that would be practical whilst flying. Cartier answered these demands and created the now-famous Cartier Santos pilot watch. This watch is now one of the most iconic and well-loved pilot and dress watches ever.
4. Pilot watches were created out of necessity.
Most watch designs have come about for purely aesthetic reasons. This was not the case with the pilot watch. For decades, men exclusively wore pocket watches. However, with advances in aviation, it quickly became apparent that these timepieces were not practical for pilots. The pilots could not spare their hands to reach into their pockets and withdraw a watch to check the time. Initially, pilots would strap their pocket watches to their wrists so that the time could be seen easily whilst in mid-flight. Once the Cartier Santos was released, more watch manufacturers acknowledge this problem and began making their own wristwatches.
5. These timepieces have good luminosity.
A lot of different kinds of timepieces have varying levels of luminosity. This is especially notable in divers watches. Pilots have similar requirements to divers when it comes to luminosity. They need to be able to read their watch in all conditions and especially in cases of emergency. If anything were to go wrong with the aircraft, a pilot needs to be able to depend on and be able to read their watch in the dark. This means that luminosity in the dial and its features is vitally important in the design of a pilot watch.
6. Pilot watches sometimes have dual time or GMT functions.
To make pilot watches as useful as possible, they are often equipped with additional functions. These functions may include a chronograph, dual time or GMT. This will allow the pilot, or wearer, of the watch to keep track of more than just the time for more accuracy and precision. These functions are especially useful to pilots when they are flying their aircraft. Pilot watches are still a smart, elegant and practical choice for a modern-day pilot, even if they are not relied upon as heavily as they once were.
7. These watches can have a rotating bezel.
Rotating bezels are often associated with diver’s watches, but they can be useful in other professions and watch styles too. Pilot watches sometimes incorporate a rotating bezel into the design so that the wearer can track set time periods. This can be useful during flight. For the everyday wearer, this function can just be used as a standard timer.
8. Pilot watches require rugged and hard wearing straps.
These kinds of watches were originally designed to be worn regularly and had to withstand rigorous wear in a huge range of conditions. This meant that the watches had to be designed to be very resilient in all aspects. The straps of the original pilot watch models were rather long. This was so the watch could comfortably be worn over a thick jacket. To maintain a traditional aesthetic, modern pilot watches tend to have leather straps. This kind of strap is incredibly versatile and will be comfortable to wear.
9. These watches can be used as cockpit instruments.
In the early days of aviation, computers were not used in planes. This meant that the pilots had to be incredibly knowledgeable and be able to work everything out for themselves. A good pilot watch could assist them with this by providing vital information about time. More complicated pilot watches could provide more information, but a standard pilot watch would be enough to get by. A good pilot could do everything they needed using just their timepiece, making a pilot watch one of the most valuable tools in a plane.
10. Pilot watches are available in a huge range of styles, designs and movements.
As with every kind of timepiece, pilot watches come in a huge range of designs. This means that there is a perfect pilot watch for every collector. These kinds of watches can be found with quartz and mechanical movements, ensuring there is a model suited to every lifestyle. These watches can be found with a variety of straps and cases and are made by a huge variety of watch manufacturers.
Pilot Watch Recommendations
Laco | Valencia | Pilot Watches Automatic | Brown 861651
This watch has a fully luminous dial which will certainly ensure that the dial can be read clearly and easily, even in the dark. The dial is adorned with large Arabic indices with black hour, minute and second hands. A small date aperture is also featured above 6 o’clock. Sapphire crystal protects the dial and a matte stainless steel case frames it. This case measures 42mm in diameter, ensuring it is large enough that the time can be read easily. The case houses an automatic movement. This watch is secured on the wrist using a classic brown leather strap that provides this timepiece with a traditional pilot watch aesthetic.
ORIS Big Crown ProPilot Big Date Bronze Case 01 751 7761 3164-07 3 20 03 BRLC
ORIS is famous for its iconic ProPilot model. This model has a large crown that can easily be used with a gloved hand. This watch will stand out due to its unusual bronze case. This material develops a patina over time, meaning that every individual model will have an entirely unique look. The watch features a black dial with clear, easy to read hands and hour markers alongside a date display. The bezel of this watch is textured, making it easy to handle. The watch is finished with a fabric strap that will be comfortable to wear for long periods of time. This model is powered by an automatic movement that provides up to 38 hours o power reserve. This movement can be viewed through the exhibition case back.
Sinn 900 PILOT S The Large Pilot Chronograph 900.020
This watch is equipped with several Sinn Technologies that enhance its durability and functionality. This model has Ar-Dehumidifying Technology which enhances the functional reliability of the watch and minimises fogging. It is also equipped with Magnetic Field Protection alongside TEGIMENT Technology. The TEGIMENT Technology is used to coat the black PVD plated stainless steel case to make it more resilient. This case frames the black electroplated dial. The dial exhibits three sub-dials and a date aperture. This watch is finished with a black PVD plated stainless steel fine-link bracelet to provide this watch with a stylish and very hard-wearing finish.
What are your thoughts on our 10 interesting facts about pilot watches? Do you know any other good facts? Let us know in the comments!
