While the label denotes a target audience united by profession, the specific attributes of a pilot watch can vary from brand to brand. Bell & Ross provides an exemplar of the category with its BR 03-92 Golden Heritage: The bold numbers are highly legible, the large screw-lock crown is easily wound and the crystal surface is coated to be anti-reflective and scratch resistant. What’s more, the square-cased model mimics the gauges in an aircraft. The other three here, from Rolex, Tag Heuer and Omega, also stress utility with their prominent crowns and dials that would benefit a wearer too focused on the task at hand to fiddle with their watch. At the same time, any one from this crop would make for an appealing statement piece, even if you don’t often find yourself in a cockpit.
Up In The Air: Pilot’s Watches
Designed with aviators in mind, pilot’s watches have long been favoured by the earthbound, too.
From top: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King; Tag Heuer Autavia; Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional; and Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Golden Heritage. Photography by Jennifer Livingston. 