Aviation-Inspired Watches - Our Picks

Around 10 years ago, IWC Schaffhausen released the TOP GUN version of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph. The double chronograph model was even worn by Robin Williams. But back last year, IWC revived and transformed the TOP GUN with a new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph which, like other timepieces from this special collection, was inspired by the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program in the U.S. Navy.

In the 1986 Top Gun film, Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell played by Tom Cruise, secured a position in the Top Gun Naval Flying School. The film saw him flying an F-14A Tomcat fighter with Lt. Nick “Goose” Bradshaw as his Radar Intercept Officer. The Tom Cat aircraft has since retired from the U.S Navy Service. Since then there have been many aviation-inspired timepieces created by prestigious luxury watch manufacturers that have been crafted from materials similar to the collection of IWC Top Gun watches (such as ceramic, titanium and PVD/DLC coated stainless steel), to embody the same ruggedness, endurance and high-performance associated with the aircraft themselves.

Now, with the release of the Top Gun Maverick film on the horizon this summer, it’s the perfect time to look at our best selection of aviation-inspired wristwatches and pilot’s watches on offer here at Berry’s. The sequel to the 1986 film sees Tom Cruise’s character return to the screen after more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy's top aviators. He pushes the envelope as a courageous test pilot, dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him, and the trailer offers us a glimpse of fighter planes like the F/A-18F Super Hornet. Let’s take a look at the new automatic IWC TOP GUN Pilot’s timepiece, along with other pilot’s watches from Oris, Breitling, Hamilton and British watch manufacturer, Bremont.

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN PILOT'S WATCH AUTOMATIC TOP GUN

We’ll start with the IWC TOP GUN Pilot’s watch first. It features several differences from older models from the collection, namely a more simplified date feature and a fully in-house movement with the calibre 32110 which provides a 72-hour power reserve. Its matte black ceramic case which measures 1mm broader than its brother makes for an incredibly cool and modern timepiece to wear, whether a fan of aviation watches or not. Its non-reflecting, black zirconium oxide ceramic case is ultra-masculine, finished with a special TOP GUN engraved titanium case back. Its NATO style strap and white indexes with matching hands on the dial communicates that archetypal pilot’s look from the ’50s. Its steel crown protrudes out from the case, enhanced by a domed sapphire crystal glass protected against the displacement from sudden drops in air pressure.

BREITLING NAVITIMER 1 43MM SWISSAIR EDITION AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH WATCH

Both IWC and Breitling have made “Top Gun” watches, but the Breitling Navitimer is in a whole new genre of its own. Injections of vibrant red are seen splashed across the surface of this Breitling Navitimer BO1 Chronograph 43 Swissair watch. Its transparent sapphire crystal case back is decorated with the “Swissair” logo and is part of the Airline Capsule collection. Silver counters contrast beautifully with a black dial, along with a bidirectional rotating slide rule bezel and a vintage black leather strap. The heart of the watch is powered by the Breitling 01 self-winding movement. Similar to the IWC Top Gun Pilot’s watch, the Breitling Navitimer 1 43mm Swissair Edition watch is equipped with a 70-hour power reserve.

 

BREMONT H-4 HERCULES 43MM STEEL LIMITED EDITION MEN'S AUTOMATIC WATCH

We’ve always been a superfan of Bremont’s aviation-inspired watches which have celebrated the likes of the MWII Flying Tiger and WWII fighter aircraft like the 1942 Spitfire Mk V. But the Bremont H-4 Hercules watch takes us back to the beauty of one of the greatest aircraft ever built in a very natural form. This steel version with a black dial and a small second’s sub-dial at 9 o’clock - surrounding the “H4 Hercules” lettering in white - is accompanied by a 24-hour track around the periphery of the dial, highlighted by a red arrow tipped central hand. The 43mm steel version with a smooth brown calfskin strap is limited to 300 pieces and is governed by the powerful BWC/02 movement, which incorporates a real piece of birchwood from the fuselage into its propeller blade.

 

HAMILTON KHAKI AVIATION X-WIND 46MM QUARTZ CHRONOGRAPH MEN'S WATCH

The Hamilton Khaki Aviation X-Wind watch differs from the other pilot’s watches on our list since it’s equipped with a precise quartz movement. Fitted with a crosswind calculator, a chronograph and now a second-time zone, it will provide you with all you need in a sophisticated chronograph watch, but with added extras. The 46mm Hamilton pilot’s watch features a black dial with chronograph counters at 10, 2 and 6 o’clock, luminous hands and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. Its robust stainless-steel link bracelet will enable you to pair this pilot’s watch with smart attire as well as something more casual at the weekend.

 So whether it’s something like the technical-looking Breitling Navitimer 1 aviation tool or a classic pilot’s watch like the Oris Propilot that tickles your fancy, there are several aviation-inspired wristwatches from Berry’s to choose from in time for the upcoming Top Gun Maverick film. From classic to bold, to complex and ultra-masculine designs - you’ll be sure to look sleek and professional enough to train at the US Navy's Fighter Weapons School like Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell himself.