Things You Should Know
No question about it, aviator watches are quite the rave. They come with a range of features that anyone would find useful, not just pilots. That’s why we’ll be looking at the watch type in depth, answering any questions you may have below.
What Is A Pilot Watch?
We ran through some of the best pilot watches on the market but do you really know what a pilots’ watch is? To be honest, its definition is loose and you can only think of it as any watch a pilot would wear.
Now that begs the question, what kind of a watch would a pilot wear? This is anything that would make flying easier of course. This is why pilot watches never seem to run out of features.
The earliest pilot watches didn’t come with that many add-ons, however. Watches especially for pilots came into being in the 1930s and followed the Flieger style. So, they only had a large case, with large numerals plastered on. There are still pilot watches like this but the ones we’re used to only started popping up in the 1950s and 60s, with the advancement of airplanes.
Now that begs the question, what kind of a watch would a pilot wear? This is anything that would make flying easier of course. This is why pilot watches never seem to run out of features.
The earliest pilot watches didn’t come with that many add-ons, however. Watches especially for pilots came into being in the 1930s and followed the Flieger style. So, they only had a large case, with large numerals plastered on. There are still pilot watches like this but the ones we’re used to only started popping up in the 1950s and 60s, with the advancement of airplanes.
What Features Make Up A Pilot Watch?
We know that aviator watches come with many features. Since there are so many, which should they be?
Slide Rules
There’s no hard or fast rule for what needs to be there but most pilot watches come with slide rules. They’re basically mechanical, analog computers. They help with a range of calculations, like fuel consumption.
Chronographs
Along with slide rules, you’ll most likely see a pilot watch with a chronograph feature. Chronographs act as stop watches and can be very useful when in the air.
Tachymeter
Another thing that would be present is a tachymeter. Tachymeters measure the distance between point A and B.
A Large Watch Face
A pilots’ watch should be a big watch. It needs to easily be read and this can’t happen if its case is 1.10 or so inches (27 mm). Not only should its case be big, so should its numerals. Pilot watches are all about ease of use which is why they’d have 24-hour clocks.
Luminous Displays
Keeping with the theme of being easy to read, pilots watches have luminous displays. Some of them even have LEDs on their dial.
Water Resistance
There is water resistance in aviator watches. Although you’re in the air, something could happen and result in your plane landing at sea. As your pilot watch has so many features, it could save lives.
An Attractive Appearance
Pilots have a reputation of being playboys which is why their watches need to help them look good. As you’ve seen from our list, the majority of them are chic and incredibly sleek.
What Are The Advantages Of Owning A Pilot Watch?
You don’t have to be a pilot to own a pilots’ watch. As it comes with many features, anyone would enjoy owning such a device.
For starters, you’ll feel like a million bucks. The watches were made to create the illusion of a lavish lifestyle, after all.
What’s more, aviator watches are quite durable. They’re pretty water resistant so you never have to worry about getting it wet in the pool.
You may have poor eyesight. No need to squint at your watch anymore as its large dial and bold Arabic numerals make reading it a breeze. The fact that it comes with some great lume helps when it’s dark out as well.
If you’re ever in a pickle and need a calculator, a slide rule is always a good substitute.
For starters, you’ll feel like a million bucks. The watches were made to create the illusion of a lavish lifestyle, after all.
What’s more, aviator watches are quite durable. They’re pretty water resistant so you never have to worry about getting it wet in the pool.
You may have poor eyesight. No need to squint at your watch anymore as its large dial and bold Arabic numerals make reading it a breeze. The fact that it comes with some great lume helps when it’s dark out as well.
If you’re ever in a pickle and need a calculator, a slide rule is always a good substitute.
Conclusion
Without a shadow of a doubt, the Stuhrling Original 3916.1 is one of the best cheap aviator watches out there. For starters, its price tag is great. Although it’s budget-friendly, it comes jam-packed with many features. However, not as much as other watches on our list. It won us over with its chic look and significant luminosity. We especially loved how durable its Krysterna display was.
All the other watches were almost neck to neck but there were little differences here and there that helped them stand out.
Overall, we’ve established how great it is to own a pilots’ watch. So, if you want to take the leap, any of the 9 watches here would do serve you well, especially since they fit snuggly into your budget.
All the other watches were almost neck to neck but there were little differences here and there that helped them stand out.
Overall, we’ve established how great it is to own a pilots’ watch. So, if you want to take the leap, any of the 9 watches here would do serve you well, especially since they fit snuggly into your budget.
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