Monochrome Watches
An online magazine dedicated to fine watches

Pilot Watches

A so-called pilots watch is a timepiece developed to meet with the needs of aviators. Multiple watches can fall in this category, such as GMT watches (the Rolex GMT is, for instance, a pilots watch) and there are no official standards for such watches. However, the general consensus on pilots watches refers to instruments developed during WWII and inspired by cockpit instruments, with a focus on legibility (in daytime to avoid reflections and at night with luminous markers) as well as magnetic and pressure resistance. A flyback chronograph or a rotating bezel are common features in pilots watches.