Affordable chronograph watches have long been based primarily on the ETA Valjoux 7750 calibre. Notable exceptions included a Russian column-wheel chronograph and a similar Chinese version, both of which were based on Swiss movements by Venus. Today, the Seagull ST19 is progressively changing the landscape of entry-level chronographs: its low price makes it possible for…
Pilot’s watches are instantly recognizable, with hallmarks including a reference triangle at 12 o’clock, black or dark dial, luminescent coating on hands and indices, and a large crown that can be manoeuvred even when wearing pilot’s gloves. Today there are many ways of interpreting the pilot’s watch, from versions that are virtually re-editions of traditional…
Top ten new pilot’s watches at prices under €2,000, including new designs, re-editions of historic models, and pilot’s chronographs. All with the distinctive, easy-to-read style that hallmarks aviation watches.
The complete calendar watch, also known as full calendar or quantième complet, provides date, day, and month, and sometimes moon phase as well. But it doesn’t take into account the differing lengths of months, and neither the leap year cycle.
On the beach, you need a watch that can stand up to wind and water, a rubber or canvas strap, and a colourful appearance. Several brands have issued some pieces that fit the bill. Here is a selection in increasing price order. 1. Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba The Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba looks like a…
This selection comprises watches inspired by aviation, but without the Type A and Type B B-Uhr watches that are so numerous that they have categories for themselves, and likewise the early pilot’s watch genre that is also well-populated. This top ten list is in ascending price order. 1. Torsten Nagengast Timeline i16 Aviator Basic pilot’s…
B-Uhr pilot’s watches are all based on a specification by the RLM (Reichsluftfahrtministerium), the Ministry of Aviation in Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945. For its aircraft navigators, it specified watches whose characteristics were: 55mm diameter, very large for good legibility; movement with a Breguet-type balance spring; chronometer-tested movement; protection against magnetic fields provided by…
This top 10 watches list is a subjective selection of the most interesting watches presented in 2015. 1. Stowa Rana This is a watch that shows how good design can give a completely new look to a watch with a classical ETA movement. It was born from a collaboration between Hartmut Esslinger, German-American designer now…