Pilot watches through the ages

The beginnings of aviation were not only technical prowess when it comes to aircraft design and engineering that dominated. Also areas where it is at first not necessarily obvious, have been shaped by the aviation pioneers. For example, the watchmaking. The first wristwatch for men goes back to the time of the first flight tests. But not, as many would, on the motor flying - the balloonist Alberto Santos-Dumont was the first real Pilot's Watch commissioned.

It was made ​​by none other than Louis Cartier. However, these examples have little to do with jewelry. The emphasis was on functionality. The mechanics had to withstand loads in the air. The dial should always be quick and easy to read. For this reason, the first watches were with a black - white dial features. In order to be used at night, can the hands and numerals have been provided with a radioactive material, which fluoresced in the dark. The combination of long straps and a grippy, unusually large crown allowed to wear the clock above the leather flying suit.

The use of these watches in the cockpit, however, should not last long. Early aircraft manufacturers began to equip the inner lining of the cockpit with the necessary tools. This included chronograph. The short time but had been sufficient to ensure the survival of its watches. Initially wearing the clock was on the wrist scorned by men and women reserved. As a symbol of modernity and technological progress increased the acceptance dramatically. The pilot's watch was a status symbol and reinforced the image of the romantic, adventurous flying. To date, nothing has changed.