{"id":15960,"date":"2022-07-29T08:00:36","date_gmt":"2022-07-29T06:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sciencefocus.com\/?p=124801"},"modified":"2022-07-29T08:17:14","modified_gmt":"2022-07-29T06:17:14","slug":"8-stylish-pilot-watches-to-add-to-your-wishlist","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/rss_feed\/8-stylish-pilot-watches-to-add-to-your-wishlist\/","title":{"rendered":"8 stylish pilot watches to add to your wishlist"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Alice Tuffery\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 29 July 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Pilot watches may have started out as a practical timepiece for those in the aviation industry, but they\u2019re now worn across the world as a smart and stylish everyday accessory. From affordable models under \u00a3100 to premium versions touching the \u00a31 million mark, pilot watches span a huge spectrum of price points, so there really is something for everyone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before we get into the best pilot watches you can buy online, here\u2019s a little guide to the historic accessory.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are pilot watches?<\/h2>\n
Originally created as a practical alternative to the traditional pocket watch, pilot watches feature large, easy-to-read dials and extra functions like chronographs. They were first invented in 1904, when Louis Cartier (of the famous jewellers) designed the <\/span>\u2018Cartier Santos<\/span><\/a>\u2019, named after his friend, the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
This new type of timepiece had wrist straps, so pilots could see it without having to move their hands from the controls. To this day, the iconic <\/span>Cartier Santos<\/span><\/a> remains a popular pilot around the world (see our write-up below).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Other manufacturers have added extra features and design details, making the watches easier for pilots to use in the sky. Modern-day models often have high-contrast or luminous dials for easy reading, and large winding crowns and rotating bezels, which are simple to use with gloves. Most also come with functions like chronographs and extra dials to track multiple time zones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Love watches? See our guides to <\/span><\/i>the best retro watches<\/span><\/i><\/a> and <\/span><\/i>our favourite budget smart watches<\/span><\/i><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The best pilot watches you can buy today<\/h2>\n
Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph<\/h3>\n
$\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
Known for creating some of the world\u2019s best pilot watches, Breitling has partnered with stars like Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron and Adam Driver. This is its Navitimer B01 with a steel strap, 43mm steel case and a slide rule bezel. It\u2019s also water-resistant in depths of up to 30m.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
The smart design includes a black dial and red second hand, along with three contrasting chronograph sub-dials and a window for the date between the four and five o\u2019clock markers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Breitling finishes the watch face with glare-proof cambered sapphire crystal, so it\u2019s easy to read in all weather conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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