Pilot Watch Information
From LoveToKnow Watches
Pilot watches are the most durable, long-lasting timepieces with the most features. They can be difficult to learn how to operate, but once you know how, your pilot will be the most versatile and user-friendly watch you have ever owned.
If your number one priority in a wristwatch is reliability then a pilot watch is just what you have been looking for. A classic look, high-grade capabilities, unrivaled efficiency and accuracy are the hallmarks of these watches.
Various Pilot Watch Features
Features on pilot watches vary according to need, price and brand. These features are just a sampling of what is available from different watchmakers:
- Swiss chronographic movement
- Internal-turning bezels
- Stainless steel arms, numerals, dials and internal workings
- Steel casing
- Luminescent dials and numerals
- Time, speed and distance calculation
- Currency conversions
- Constant ratio conversion (ounces to grams, miles to kilometers, etc.)
Research and consider what you want and need in your wristwatch. If you have a need to do conversions, measure speeds and times, and you need a durable timepiece, you will need to browse through watchmakers to find which pilot watch has all the specifications you seek. Additionally, you find a retailer that offers the make and model you want at a fair price.
Some retailers to consider include:
- Shopping.msn
- Ace Pilot Shop
- Blue Dial specializes in providing deeply discounted, high quality pilot and sporting watches.
Pilot Watchmakers
Seiko
Chronographic technology has been around since the 1830s, but Seiko invented the quartz chronograph in 1983 and is known as the maker of the world's finest sports watches; among these, the pilot watch. One of the newest line of Seikos is the Sportura. Born from the "desire for speed" this watch caters to race car drivers or anyone who wants a watch with the capability to time down to 1/1000 of a second. The Sportura line is made with the automotive community in mind and comes with the classic quartz chronograph, a solid steel casing and saphire glass facing for ease of reading. The Seiko Sportura line is crafted in concert with the Honda racing team and has recieved excellent reviews.
Citizen
Among the most affordable and ergonomic pilot watches is the Citizen. The newest model from Citizen is the Eco-Drive™. Citizen calls the Eco-Drive™ unstoppable -- perhaps this is because it is powered by light and never needs a battery, winding or any other source of power. With models for both men and women, these are expertly crafted racing and sporting watches.
Citizen has been the world's largest watch company since 1986 -- no small feat in such a competitive industry. The main reasons for global recognition and popularity come from performance, durabitly and overall quality of these timepieces, not to mention superior warranties and exemplary service packages.
Junkers
In an industry packed with competitive Swiss brands, Junkers has made its mark and proven that the Swiss are not the only watchmakers who know their way around chronography and high-end sporting watches.
Aeronautics engineer and inventor of the double-piston, Hugo Junkers, valued punctuality above all else. He brought the same exacting precision to the watchmaking world that he had to the aviation world. The Junkers watch of today is still made to the specifications of the pioneering German engineer.
Current Junkers avaition watches are fashionable, sleek, and above all, dependable to the nanosecond. Both men's and women's models are available and range in price from $140 to $600.
ESQ
When shopping for an ESQ, look for a certified dealer such as About Time. These are high quality watches, and as such, you will want to be sure that you purchase from a dealer with extended warranty and return policies.
ESQ is known for a tradition in Swiss chronography modeled after other designer watches with hundreds of years in chronography. Perfect time, precise measurment capabilites and steel casing are all standard on each model ESQ offers, including their newest lines of Bracers, Tournaments, Evas and Filmores.
Is This the Timepiece for You?
Often, people choose a pilot watch for its look rather than its capabilties. If what you are looking for is more form than function, consider a multi-faced watch that does not have all the bells and whistles that an authentic pilot or professional sports watch has. Ask yourself a few questions:
- Do I want a watch that has multiple functions for converting speeds, lengths and other measurements?
- Do I want to spend the time it will take to learn all I need to know to utilize this watch properly?
- Will I use the functions of the watch or is it more the appearance I like?
Several of the above watchmakers and other brands not listed here, such as Casio, Rolex, Movado and Wenger offer watches that have the look you want without a huge array of functions that you may not want or need. Getting a professional aviator-grade wristwatch is more than just a matter of appearance; it is a matter of utility for those who need or want the level of functionality these fine timepieces offer. For a chronographic diamond watch, consider TAG Heuer.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,006 times. This page was last modified 22:53, 25 May 2007.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
