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The Modern Rolex Pilot’s Watch

Traditionally, Rolex has steered away from overly complex watches. That all seems to be changing now, as recent years have seen them issue two pieces with extraordinary complications; firstly the Yacht-Master II with its regatta countdown and, their newest release, the Sky-Dweller from 2012.

Whether or not the Sky-Dweller is an actual pilot’s watch is up for debate—it would take up a serious amount of the paycheck of even the most senior professional.

But in terms of features suitable for aviators, its different take on the GMT function and the ever useful annual calendar have made it an ideal option.

It hasn’t had the easiest life so far. Originally released in precious metal versions only, the subsequent price tags, coupled with its unorthodox looks, saw it largely ignored. But with the steel models (albeit with white gold bezels) being unveiled latterly its fortunes have been transformed.

Halving the price of the all gold versions has opened up the watch to a wider audience, and its aesthetics have matured to see it become an especially sought after example.

These days you could have a brand new steel Sky-Dweller for roughly what it  would cost to buy a steel GMT-Master II on the preowned market, although whether it will keep its value as much as a modern Pepsi or Batman is something only time will tell.

As you can see, Rolex’s history with the world of aviation is a long and vital one. From the earliest all-purpose Oysters proving their worth in the skies above Everest, through the war years and into the age of commercial flight, the brand has led from the front in innovation and engineering excellence.

Now more a status symbol than an indispensible tool, their pilot’s watches are nonetheless among the finest ever made—backed up by a heritage that is second to none.

Rolex savoir faire

^{Rolex watches are designed and built to last thanks to the dedicated watchmakers, designers and engineers whose skills and knowledge are transferred into each and every Rolex timepiece. Rolex is proud to present the work of these outstanding specialists.}