A niche subcategory of the sports watch collection is the pilot’s watch. The pilot’s watch was one of the the first style of watches to make the jump from the pocket watch to a wrist. Using a pocket watch and the newly invented airplane did not mix well; pilots needed to be able to access the time more quickly and more efficiently while still being able to maintain focus on the job at hand. Despite being one of the first iterations of a wristwatch, the modern pilot’s watch still holds many of the same designs cues and features as the originals did.

Orient took into account all the desired attributes of a pilot’s watch, then improved upon it to create the Aviator FEM7A005B9. The dial used on the EM7A005B is a classic black, which Orient opted to have in a matte finish. This aids in readability and for a greater contrast with the markers, whereas a glossy black could be hindering. Against the matte black dial are large lumed arabic numerals, designed for use in a dark cockpit. Along with the lumed markers, all three hands have been lumed for optimal low light performance. Typically neglected, Orient also applied lume to the seconds hand which is typically neglected in other watches.

Under the dial is the ORIENT in house caliber 46943 automatic movement, which is also powering other Orient favorites such as the EM65. By equipping the Aviator with the 46943 movement, the watch can have both the day and date functionality, two much needed tools for everyday life.

Housing the 46943 movement is a 43mm brushed stainless steel case. While the 43mm case is considered a modern size, it’s traditional for pilot’s watches to be rather large. Historically, this idea came directly from the time when early pilots were mounting pocket watches to the wrist; they needed to have large instruments in the cockpit for quick referencing. Orient purposefully matched a matte dial with a brush finish in order to keep reflections to a minimum. Although Orient built the Aviator in memory of the pilot watch, it added additional specifications to make it more functional. Along with the aforementioned day and date, a 60 click unidirectional bezel is included which adds great time tracking functionality. The case also has an improved water resistance, a 100m depth rating along with a screwed-down crown for added water protection. This particular version of the Aviator comes mounted on a stainless steel bracelet with a matching brushed finish and a two button folding clasp, with a safety. All of this adds up for a more versatile modern watch. The Orient Aviator FEM7A005B9 retails for $275 at OrientWatchUSA.com. Be sure to check out the video for even more angles and information on this Aviator! [gallery link="file" ids="3483,3486,3484,3487,3488,3485"]