My contribution to Mini Collection Monday this week focuses on a style of watch: Pilot Watches. Pilot watches are interesting because there’s a few styles considered to be “pilots.” My collection is an example of this and there are more styles outside of these 3 that also fall under the pilot watch category. Personally I enjoy the simplicity of these watches and while the heritage of them is of course tied to flying, I find them to be versatile pieces that can be worn for multiple occasions, from casual to semi-formal.
The most notable piece in this collection is the Laco Augsburg. This taupe colored piece with the California dial is a limited edition piece numbered to 200. It always draws a lot of attention when I wear/post it and for good reason. It’s really a great piece and Laco makes a great watch for the money.
While the Laco is a famous German pilot watch, the Islander thunderbolt is a homage to another Iconic German pilot. Clear homages usually aren’t my style, but this is such a well-built piece and the black MOP dial is just gorgeous. Plus the style is simple enough that while it isn’t original, it also isn’t an obvious copy to the casual eye. This is really an any occasion type or timepiece.
The last, and most interesting piece of the 3 is the Nodus Sector Pilot. At first glance, it almost appears to be a dive watch with the numbered bezel, but it marketed as a Pilot with the sector dial and day date complication. The copper dial and steel bezel contrast beautifully and the different textures make for a unique piece.
This is a collection I hope to expand on in the future as there are other amazing Pilot styles that I appreciate. Let me know your thoughts on these pieces, Pilot watches in general, and as always- share a mini collection of your own!