One of the most popular categories in the world of luxury watchmaking is undoubtedly the pilot watch. The pilot watches, which were used extensively in the Second World War and after, manage to attract the attention of many watch enthusiasts with their characteristic design.
Simplicity and legibility are among the indispensable features of pilot watches. These watches mainly come in three groups. The first are the models from the war era, with large-diameter cases and hand-wound movements aka Flieger. The second is the dual time zone watches, led by the Rolex GMT-Master. The last group is the aviation chronographs, which are more like professional flight equipment.
We have brought together three different models from each of the three categories for you.
At the top of the Flieger category is the IWC Big Pilot's Watch, which I'm sure many of you would have guessed as soon as you saw the title. Not the biggest one but the Big Pilot's Watch 43, measuring 43mm x 13.6mm. Well, the 46mm original Big Pilot has its special place among the IWC Pilot’s Watch group, but the new 43mm diameter version is much more practical and comfortable. Moreover, it is highly technological with its in-house automatic caliber offering a power reserve of 60 hours and its water-resistance value of 100 meters. The easy strap change system feature is another model-specific advantage. Let me add that the titanium Spitfire version of the same watch with Type-B dial is also quite nice or even an object of desire for some.
Do you want to look like a WWII pilot? Well, let me introduce you to Laco, one of the rare brands that produced pilot watches in those years and has survived until today. The brand's Pilot Watch series, which includes models that can be bought just for the "Made in Germany" text on the dial, offers many customization possibilities to its customers. At the heart of the watches, which are 200 meters water-resistant, are Sellita manufactured calibers available in manual-winding or automatic. Moreover, it is possible to reach these models with very reasonable price tags.
In the third place is a watch that feels like love at first sight in a steel case. Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Mechanical is very romantic with its 36mm diameter case, hand-wound H-50 caliber, gray NATO-style strap, and textured matte black dial! If you wear this watch, you must have a charismatic voice and neatly combed hair.
It is impossible not to mention the category leader, the Rolex GMT-Master II, when it comes to GMT watches. The product line, which includes 40mm diameter stainless steel, steel-gold, and solid gold models, is practically flawless. Developed in partnership with Pan-Am airlines and Rolex in the 1950s, the series hosts the most desired models of today's world of luxury watches. The models, eqıipped with an engineering-marvel in-house automatic caliber, are among the favorite choices of not only pilots but also many watch lovers.
Now, let's level up a little bit. Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time 5164A. With its stainless steel case measuring 40.8mm x 10.2mm and a black rubber strap, it is a model that screams high-quality by its every part. It is possible to adjust the second time zone hand on the dial with the pushers on the left side of the case, designed in perfect harmony with the rest of the watch. Is there a more prestigious travel watch possible than this?
It wouldn’t be fair if we did not talk about the Tudor Black Bay GMT from the very same GMT watches family. One of the most striking features of the watch with a case diameter of 41mm is not its proximity to Rolex, but its availability through any Tudor dealer. Equipped with a C.O.S.C. certified automatic caliber with a power reserve of 70 hours, it is possible to have the model with a choice of stainless steel bracelet along with leather or fabric strap options.
The chronographs have always been among my favorite watch models. It is hard to determine the best of this category among many eye-catching models. I think the Blancpain Air Command, which has a stainless steel case measuring 42.5mm x 13.7mm, is one of the most successful modern aviation chronographs ever. Despite being a modern watch, its vintage theme, which dominates the overall design, has a large share in its success. It is not easy to describe the solid and high-quality feeling you will experience while pressing the chronograph pushers of the automatic F388B caliber. You have to feel it.
One of the models on our list is the Longines Avigation BigEye Chronograph. The asymmetry of its minute counter and its design resembling a big eye bring plenty of awards to the watch and a lot of excitement to us, watch enthusiasts. When you wear the 41mm diameter stainless steel case on your wrist, it's only a matter of time before your Spec A-2 pilot jacket appears on your shoulders. Note: The titanium version with a blue-black gradient dial instead of stainless steel is as successful as its steel sibling.
I'm undecided about the last hour of the series. On the one hand, the aviation legend of all times, the Breitling Navitimer with its super functional dial. On the other hand, the space-conquering Omega Speedmaster Professional. Who do you think will win this battle?
