Pilot watches, or Fliegers, are one of the more popular types of watches. When most people think of them, they think large cases and a chronograph. Here, we’re taking a simpler approach, comparing three pilot watches with GMT complications. If you asked a pilot to choose just one complication for their watch, I presume the majority would chose the ability to view a second time zone. Today, the GMT pilot watches going against each other are the Bremont MBIII, Sinn 857 UTC TESTAF, and the Zenith Pilot Montre d’Aeronef Type 20 GMT.
Bremont MBIII ($5,995)
Bremont MBIII
I have always liked Bremont’s MBII, but felt there was something missing. With an added GMT complication, Bremont updated their MBII in the form of the MBIII, and the missing piece was realized: a 24hr hand and scale to fill the void perfectly. The MBIII is another great example of Bremont’s commitment to quality, details, and toughness. In addition to the new GMT complication, the watch features Bremont standards such as 100m water resistance, anti-shock, and anti-magnetic properties. As with the MBI and MBII, the offset crowns balance the right side of the case, and complete the overall look of the MBIII. Inner rotating bezels aren’t something you see done very often and rarely done well. However, this Bremont is the exception with the inner bezel’s outstanding looks, functionality, and operability. You also get the option of three different colors of the barrel in their Trip-Tick case: orange, anthracite, and bronze. The whole package ends up being a heavy-hitter in the pilot watch category.
Sinn 857 UTC TESTAF ($2,640)
Sinn 857 UTC TESTAF, photo courtesy of BOQ.jp
The Sinn 857 UTC TESTAF is a fantastic watch for those who truly put their watch through the ringer. It is built to Sinn’s incredible standards of extreme durability. The TESTAF designator in the name means the watch has been tested and certified to the Technical Standard for Pilot’s Watches and each watch comes with a corresponding certificate. The case is Tegimented steel, meaning it is has undergone surface-hardening techniques which greatly increase the scratch resistance. The watch also features Sinn’s air-dehumidifying technology, 200m water resistance, and temperature resistance, remaining functional between –45°C and +80°C. The inner 24hr scale is a departure from modern GMT watches; it harkens back to military watches of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. The location and orange accents of the 24hr scale and hand bring your focus to the interior of the dial as opposed to the outside, while still maintaining optimum legibility overall. The 43mm case, 22mm lugs, and dial layout all contribute to the outstanding proportions of the watch. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a watch built more robustly than the 857 UTC TESTAF, especially not one for this price.
Zenith Pilot Montre d’Aeronef Type 20 GMT 1903 ($8,900)
Zenith Pilot Montre d’Aeronef Type 20 GMT
I’ll get the obvious out of the way from the start. This watch is pretty huge. At 48mm it’s not going to win any awards for subtlety, but that was not Zenith’s intent. They wanted to make a unique and instantly identifiable watch, and they’ve certainly done that. The overall feel of the Type 20 GMT 1903 is very “vintage pocketwatch”, as the name would imply. The “1903” is in reference to the historic Wright Brothers flight of that year and also the limited quantity of these being produced. The dial, number markers, and crown are retro styled and all flow together quite well. With what’s become a “hate it or love it” characteristic for watch folks, the number markers even have been treated to look like an old radium dial. Furthering the pocketwatch look, a minimalist sub-seconds at 9:00 does an excellent job of filling the large dial without cluttering it up. Even though the watch has a large diameter, the case is not overly thick at 15.8mm and the titanium construction helps keep the mass at a minimum. The 24hr scale on the dial is fairly small, but the numbers are in red which will help with identification when needed.
Since I’m a sucker for a well-executed Bund, the strap is a great addition. Bund straps like this one have great significance within the history of pilot’s watches. Initially developed during WWII, Bund straps create a barrier between the back of the watch case and the wearer’s wrist, protecting the pilot against extreme hot or cold temperatures conducted through the case. And if it’s not quite for you, the Bund pad on the Type 20 GMT 1903 is of course removable.
Once again, these are all excellent watches. It wouldn’t be a good Face Off If they weren’t. The Zenith Pilot Montre d’Aeronef Type 20 GMT 1903 will certainly appeal to those who enjoy vintage inspired watches — and to those who don’t prefer brevity in their reference names. They really swung for the fences to ensure the whole watch is retro, not just a few of its features. If you can rock a 48mm watch then this one is a keeper. The Sinn is a fantastic watch that gives you incredible bang for your buck. It is extremely well built and can take anything you throw at it. For the money, this one is hard to beat. However, the winner of the lot would have to be the Bremont MBIII. The previous Martin-Baker was a great watch, but Bremont made it damn near perfect with GMT function of the MBIII. It’s a well thought out and beautiful watch with excellent lines and proportions (and the new bronze barrel is a knockout). Bremont once again stepped up their game, and let’s hope they keep it up.
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