The time is now! How to spot aviator watches for men

Watches with chronographs are quickly described as aviator watches – but these models are actually categorized by certain features and must meet a technical standard. So if you want to find an authentic time display, then you need to know which important features to look out for. We here at Stylight have got all the facts on the dial, case and wristband for aviator watches for men:

The Dial

Originally, the dials on aviator watches for men had a matt black background – worn by pilots in World War 2 as a measuring tool in the cockpit meant that they weren’t allowed to reflect. An easily recognizable display with a clear, readable minute and hour display was also important. The zero index is triangular in shape, sometimes marked with two lateral points – a military requirement. All indices on the dial are covered with a luminous material so that the complete data is visible, even in the dark. A further feature of an authentic aviator watch is something rather difficult to implement in the large range of the designer watches of today: Authentic models don’t have a logo.

Case

So that nothing is reflected and pilots aren’t dazzled, aviator watches for men are furnished with a polished case. The winder for adjusting the time should be large and handy, so that it can also be operated while wearing leather gloves – either conical or onion-shaped. For a cool but different take, why not choose some fingerless gloves made from leather. The size of the case is traditionally between 34 and 55mm. The watches were mostly worn on top of the flight suit – even today, they look particularly stylish worn over the band of a bomber jacket.

Wristband

The wristband of aviator watches for men were extra lengthy, so that in the case of an emergency, the watch could be strapped around the thigh. As a rule, they were made from brown, or less commonly, black, cowhide leather. For safety in the cockpit, the models were secured with a pin buckle or the ends were held together with additional rivets – this stopped the watch from simply coming undone or falling on the floor. Modern models are available with a wide variety of wristbands according to the wearer’s taste; for example, from reptile patterned leather or with a stylish steel wristband to wear with a suit, and even ones made from textile for a casual down time look, paired with jeans and a t-shirt.

The classic aviator watches for men from the 40’s didn’t have chronographs, rather just a clear, easy-to-read dial. Modern models have diverse displays, the dials come in different colors and the cases aren’t as big as before either.

A pilot's watch: Aviator watches for men are easy-to-read, retro inspired models.

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