Let’s be honest, most of the aviator high-end watches are not used for their intended purpose at a height of thousands of kilometers. So why are they still so popular? Regardless of the real reason we have compiled a selection of the chosen pilots’ watches released in 2014.

In 2014, Breitling released the personalized Chronomat 44 GMT «50th Anniversary Patrouille Suisse» model with a special dial created for this occasion and engraved winding crown. This mechanical chronograph watch features a durable satin finished and polished stainless steel case and black dial with the aviator logo at 9 o’clock. The red tip of the 24-hour GMT hand that displays the second time zone has a shape of the F-5E Tiger II fighter, and the 24-hour scale on the bezel allows to see also the third time zone. The model is equipped with an in-house automatic B04 caliber.

In summer 2014, the IWC Company expressed its admiration for Antoine de Saint-Exupery, who disappeared 70 years ago during his last flight over the Mediterranean Sea, by releasing the Pilot Watch Chronograph Edition «The Last Flight». It is a special edition of just 17 pieces made in the same tobacco colors, as the aviator’s flight suit. The model has a brown ceramic case and the same color dial and calfskin strap. This Swiss watch is powered by an in-house IWC 89361 caliber.

The Wright Flyer Limited Edition model by Bremont is dedicated to the first controlled flight made by Orville and Wilbur Wright. Its 43mm case is equipped with a Bremont BWC/01 caliber, a unique mechanism developed in cooperation with the Swiss specialists from La Joux-Perret. The Wright Flyer designer watch comes from a limited edition and is available in polished stainless steel, pink or white gold case with Bremont’s Trip-Tick® construction.  It is complemented by an alligator leather strap with a pin buckle corresponding to the case material.

The Zenith Type 20 Extra Special model with its massive 45mm stainless steel case possesses all the characteristics of classic aviator luxury watches with a large winding crown, laconic and very readable dial, branded hands and elastic Nabuck leather strap. The engraved phrase «Extra Special» refers to the Zenith aviator models of the World War II period, which had the same phrase on the dials. This piece of affordable fine watches runs in the Zenith in-house caliber 3000.

The BR 03 collection stands out for its square 42mm case. The new Bell&Ross BR 03-92 Black Matte Ceramic model with black PVD finish is an interesting watch, a legend in its price category. It is designed according to the aviator canons and features a clear and legible dial protected by anti-reflective sapphire crystal that displays hours, minutes, seconds and a small date window. This high-end watch is equipped with an automatic ETA 2892 movement and supplemented by the majestic black canvas strap with a stainless steel pin buckle.