A Guide to Pilot Watches and Their History

Since the invention of watches, their design has evolved to cater to specific professional needs. That includes diving, racing, and even the military. In simple words, watches are now more than just a way to elevate your dressing. The pilot watch is also a vital category, emerging after years of development, research, and field testing.

Popular brands like Longines, OMEGA, and Seiko have had their own takes on the iconic pilot’s watch. Each iteration shows a unique perspective and key elements that set them apart. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the history, features, and allure of pilot watches.

What is a Pilot’s Watch?

A pilot watch is a special timepiece designed for cockpit use. Typically featuring large, easy-to-read dials with high-contrast markings, these watches offer quick and accurate time readings—a critical aspect while flying. They also have features like luminescent hands for low-light conditions and slide rule bezels for in-flight calculations.

While they were invented for aviation necessities, pilot watches soon became status symbols. They also feature chronograph functions for precise timekeeping during flights. Brands like Longines, OMEGA, Aviator, and Seiko have left their mark on this genre.

In essence, it’s more than a watch; it’s a simple yet practical tool for pilots’ safety.

Signature Features of Pilot Watches

Following World War 1, some requirements were set for a timepiece to be considered a pilot’s watch. They were few and simple.

• Instantly readable, with large and black dials and white Arabic numerals.
• A triangle at 12 to instantly determine the watch’s orientation.
• Luminescent markings to be readable in low-light settings.
• Easy to use with gloved hands with features like the Onion crown.
• Chronograph-certified movements and premium accuracy.
• Waterproof, shatter-resistant crystals with anti-magnetic treatments.
• Dual-time or GMT functions. 

The History of Pilot Watches

Pilot watches have had a fascinating history and evolution since their origin in 1904; let’s break it down. 

Early Developments

Just as divers had special watches for their underwater functionality, pilots needed their own unique timepieces. For pilot watches, it all began with the challenges of wartime. 

Balloon and dirigible pilots took pocket watches to the sky, but things got tricky when heavier aircraft came along. Pilots couldn’t risk taking their hands off the controls to check a pocket watch. 

That’s where Louis Cartier saved the day, inspired by pilot Alberto Santos-Dumont’s complaints, and created the first pilot wristwatch in 1904.

As planes got faster, a reliable pilot watch became crucial for calculations like time-speed-distance and fuel management. Pilot Louis Bleriot even sported a Zenith wristwatch when he flew across the English Channel in 1909, endorsing it upon landing. The pilot’s watch became a cockpit essential for safety and style.

World War 1

World War I began after Bleriot’s historic flight. Dirigibles gave way to faster aeroplanes, and watches became crucial for precision bombing. Since planes aren’t easy to control, pilot watches featured easy readability in the form of the iconic black dial and large Arabic numerals.

Thanks to other WWI experiences, we also saw innovations like Philip Van Horn Weems’ adjustable seconds ring, which allowed pilots to sync their watches without disrupting missions. Charles Lindbergh and Weems later collaborated on the Hour Angle system to make watches determine longitude.

Other than that, the German military set the standard for classic pilot watches in 19336. These sizable models had anti-magnetic features and hacking capabilities. Their large crowns were easy to use with gloved hands, while double-riveted leather straps increased durability.

World War 2

During the Second World War II, powers like Germany, Britain, France, and the United States actively produced pilot’s watches for their airmen. Germany’s B-Uhr watch was a major contributor during the war with its large size and anti-magnetic features. Another German company, Glashutte, created a smaller 39mm pilot’s watch with a flyback chronograph.

In the UK, the War Ministry outlined the WWW (Wrist Watch Waterproof) with simple requirements: waterproof, luminous hands, and chronometer-certified movements. Still, French watchmaker Zenith continued producing their 1939 design with a large black dial and white Arabic numerals.

At this time, the United States lacked a purpose-made pilot’s watch. So, they widely adopted the A-11 model. Manufactured by Bulova, Waltham, and Elgin, it featured a high-visibility black dial and manual wound movement. 

It also had a hacking function for syncing and various waterproofing, dustproofing, and luminosity features. The A-11’s distinctive feature was its larger crown at 3 o’clock, though not in the Onion style.

Beyond the War

After World War II, millions of servicemen wanted to retain the iconic look of the pilot watches. Here’s a breakdown of key developments from the war’s end to the present:

• 1936: IWC introduces its Special Pilots Watch.
• 1941: Breitling invents the Chronomat, featuring a slide rule bezel.
• 1955: Breitling Navitimer, equipped with a slide rule, becomes a favourite among pilots.
• 1950s: Rolex GMT-Master caters to Pan Am pilots navigating multiple time zones.
• 1992: IWC unveils the IW3711 Double-Chronograph.
• 2005: Bell & Ross introduces the BR-01, inspired by cockpit instruments.
• 2005 and Beyond Numerous brands reintroduce iconic WWII timepieces.

Top 3 Iconic Pilot Watch Models

The evolution of Aviator watches has been quite drastic if you look at the first-ever pilot watch. Throughout the decades, a few models have stood out as pioneers. 

A-11: The American Pilot Watch

The A-11 was the quintessential American Pilot Watch. It took centre stage during World War II and was issued to American forces. The A-11 wasn’t just a watch; it was a symbol of standardisation and strategic design.

The A-11’s design features each had a crucial purpose. Its high-visibility black dial with white Arabic numerals guaranteed easy readability in low-light conditions. Meanwhile, the larger crown at 3 o’clock allowed for easy adjustments, even when wearing gloves—a practical consideration for pilots in uniform.

 The A-11 was also equipped with a hacking function, so the pilots could stop the second hand when setting the time. This feature made precise synchronisation even easier, which was crucial for coordinated missions.

Overall, the A-11 American Pilot Watch was a pivotal moment in military timekeeping and will remain iconic forever.

Flieger Watches: German Aviation Timepieces

Flieger Watches were iconic German aviation timepieces. They were born from the needs of German pilots during World War II to meet stringent rules set by the Luftwaffe. These rules were about readability, precision, and durability—essential qualities for the pilots of wartime Europe. 

Among the most popular Flieger models, the archetype had a large, easily readable dial with bold numerals. The oversized Onion crown also allowed pilots to make adjustments while wearing gloves.

Some Flieger models had a distinctive triangle at 12 o’clock and an arrowhead index for quick orientation. Of course, they wouldn’t be pilot watches without the classic black dial and white numerals.

Durability was a key focus, with robust cases and anti-magnetic properties. That means the watch’s movement had no issues, even during interference. Many Flieger watches also featured a hacking function for synced time-setting among pilots.

Today, modern iterations pay homage to the original design. 

Navitimer: The Aviator’s Chronograph

The Navitimer debuted in the early 1950s and became an industry favourite. In fact, it was the official timepiece of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Pilots loved its innovative features that allowed for seamless flight calculations.

The Navitimer has many variations that cater to aviators’ specific needs. One hallmark is the slide rule bezel, which allows pilots to perform complex calculations such as fuel consumption, airspeed, and rate of climb without separate tools. 

The tri-complex subdial arrangement allows for better readability, with subsidiary dials for continuous seconds, 30-minute, and 12-hour counters. This layout makes timekeeping even easier in the cockpit.

Navitimer models with different materials, movements, and dial designs will also be found. Some feature iconic circular slide rules, while others have more minimalist aesthetics. The modern versions are also pretty impressive, but nothing can replicate the iconic functionality of the original Navitimer.

Pilot Watches of Today

So, after all this evolution and history, where did these pilot watches land? And what do the modern pilot watches of the 21st century look like? Let’s delve into some of the latest developments.

• Quartz and Automatic Movements: Modern pilot watches have a wide range of movement technologies. While traditional automatic movements are still king, the advent of quartz movements opens doors for precision and reliability.
• Materials and Durability: Changes in materials have increased the durability of modern pilot watches. Titanium and ceramic constructions offer robustness without compromising on weight. Meanwhile, water-resistant and scratch-resistant crystals further contribute to long-lasting timepieces.
• Integration of Smartwatch Features: Now that we’re in the digital age, some modern pilot watches also integrate smartwatch features. That means GPS capabilities for precise navigation, health tracking, and connectivity with mobile devices. What more could you ask for?

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up the history of pilot watches, one thing is clear: they’re more than just timepieces—they’re crucial partners for sky-dwellers. Even if you’re not an aviation enthusiast, you can simply appreciate the craftsmanship of these watches. Now that you’ve read our guide, you know which pilot watch belongs to your collection. Take your pick and keep flying high!