When it comes to pilot’s watches, most will only remember IWC and its classic Mark XI, but the world of pilot’s watches is much more than just one piece. Many manufacturers with plenty of history, interesting backgrounds and from different countries continue to produce precise pilot’s watches with distinctive characteristics.
Alpina Startimer Automatic
The name Aplina may not be familiar, but the brand has been a successful military pilot’s watch manufacturer since 1950, and its watches are used by armies, air forces and special forces around the world. The Startimer Automatic has all the essential features of a professional pilot’s watch: an extra large crown that allow a pilot in heavy gloves to easily wind the watch and adjust the time; a black dial with extra large luminous marks for readability even during rushed moments inside the cabin; and a 44mm anti-magnetic stainless steel case that works fine with all the electronic instruments in the fighter. It also serves well as a daily automatic watch with its date window on the dial, 100 metre water-resistance, 38 hours of power reserve and other basic functions. It is paired with a black leather strap.
Hamilton Khaki Takeoff Auto
Since its establishment in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1892, Hamilton has maintained a close relationship with the U.S. military. The Khaki series has almost become a synonym of the brand’s military wristwatches, with watches designed for field, aviation and navy. The Takeoff Auto was designed and manufactured in cooperation with Air Zermatt, the Swiss mountain rescue service. It features a 42 mm black PVD stainless steel case and the ETA-produced H-10 automatic movement with up to 80 hours of power reserve. The case is water-resistant to 50 metres and the back is engraved with Air Zermatt’s logo. The highlight of the watch is the bi-directional turning flange driven by the bezel, which has the capacity to record a countdown within one hour.
Bremont MBIII
Boutique watchmaker Bremont is located in the suburbs of London. The founders, who are brothers, are both pilots and engineers and their father was an ex-RAF pilot. All Bremont watches have been tested by COSC, and the MB series was designed in collaboration with Martin-Baker, a UK-based flight accessory company. The co-developed protective anti-shock movement mount can withstand the same rigorous testing as fighter jet ejection seats. There are currently three watches in the MB series. The MBI is a limited edition only available to Martin-Baker customers. The MBII has the same specifications as the MBI but it is non-limited and available to everyone. The MBIII shown here has the most comprehensive functions. It is based on the MBII with additional GMT function and the inner bi-directional bezel is operated by the crown at 4 o’clock.
