Pilot Watches – Timepieces that evoke nostalgia

Watches crafted to meet the needs of pilots came into existence when aircrafts were not as hi-tech as they are today. The aircrafts had limited functionality and pilots often relied on a watch to navigate. The pilots often used the watch to check for the distance travelled.
During the early 20 ^th century, pilots found it difficult to check their pocket watch while they were flying an aircraft. The simple solution was a wristwatch that will make it more convenient for the pilots to check time.

History

Pilot watches are the brainchild of Louis Cartier. He created the world's first aviation watch for pilot Alberto Santos – Dumont. Santos had come across the same problem of having to check his pocket watch while flying. Cartier created the watch in 1904 and revolutionized watches for pilots.
The model was named Cartier 'Santos' after the pilot for whom it was created. In addition to being the first pilot watch, the Cartier Santos was also one of the first wristwatches for men. Before this, wristwatches were adorned by women exclusively.
World War I increased the use of wristwatches as pilots noticed the usability of the watches. As watchmakers innovated to bring better watches to the pilots, chronograph functions were added to pilot watches. This allowed the pilots to record time with more accuracy by using the stopwatch feature. The use of pilot watches was heightened during 1950s and 1960s.
In the 1950s, Rolex created ripples in the world of pilot watches with the GMT Master. It showcased two time zones which allowed pilots to keep a track of time in their hometown as they flew through different time zones.
Gradually, pilot watches became obsolete as aircraft companies used technology to fit the planes with advanced instruments which rendered the pilot watch of no use. The need for pilot watches declined although their popularity hasn't deteriorated yet.
Pilot watches still occupy an important section in the watch world. Prominent watch manufacturing companies like Breitling, IWC and Bell and Ross continue to manufacture pilot watches.

Features

Pilot watches do not have to feature a specific set of attributes to qualify as a “pilot's”. Features that are useful for pilots in a watch are day and date, chronograph, a GMT indicator and a second time zone. Most of the aircrafts have displays which give them almost all the information that they may get from their pilot watch, but if you are on a light aircraft with no clock panel, then many functions of the pilot watch can come handy for you.

Wrap Up

Pilot watches offer more than the ability to track time to pilots. There is something about these watches which makes them so appealing. The watches induce a nostalgia which reminds us of their historical significance when pilots relied on these instruments. It may have lost its use but it is yet to lose its fame. Pilot watches are now worn by anyone who likes the features offered by the watch. It is now a sign of adventure and sport than simply being a timepiece.

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