The Best Pilot’s Chronograph
I’m not a commercial pilot, but I do fly extensively for work.
As such, I have tested several chronographs as actual timing devices in flight.
I’m not going to get into all of the ones I didn’t like as that’s not very gentlemanly, but I will discuss the only one I did like; The Bulova Lunar Pilot.
Why do I like it? Contrast, readability, ease of manipulation and price.
I have the blacked out version because it offered the greatest contrast. Strictly monochromatic. That high contrast makes even the sub dials easy to read in flight. The 45mm size also aids this.
The pushers are big and far enough apart that it’s easy to only push the one you wanted to push.
Price; Mine was $316.00 back in 2021.
It’s one thing to like the “look” of a chronograph, but another entirely to actually use one in its intended environment.
This watch has delivered since day one.
I have been collecting watches for over 30 years. I like expensive watches, inexpensive watches, vintage watches, homage watches and everything in between!
I use my Lunar Pilot to time how long it will take my marketing department to justify our terrible website presence. Your use has more integrity.
I use my Lunar Pilot to time how long it will take my marketing department to justify our terrible website presence. Your use has more integrity.
You could probably time that with a calendar! (If your marketing ppl are like mine).
Oooo my! I am almost ashamed to say that I only us mine to tell time! Is that a bit “Mundane” !?!? 😂
Oooo my! I am almost ashamed to say that I only us mine to tell time! Is that a bit “Mundane” !?!? 😂
Not if you are using it to measure increments of time that are important to you!
Couldn’t love mine any more if I tried (although I’m not a pilot in any sense😂😂)
Couldn’t love mine any more if I tried (although I’m not a pilot in any sense😂😂)
Looking good!
Sounds like you have a very interesting career!
So cool! What are some things you use the chronograph for while in flight?
Looks incredible in black, and that strap fits perfectly. Nice 👍🏾
So cool! What are some things you use the chronograph for while in flight?
Fuel tank change (wing tanks) 30 mins
Standard rate turn 2 mins
Half of standard rate turn in holding pattern 1 min
Final approach fix to decision point on non precision approach 2 mins (or more or less depending on approach)
EFC time (Expect Further Clearance) given in Zulu time but I calculate forward in minutes and start a timer.
Lunch time!
Some of these don’t get used much as GPS and LPV approaches have made most non precision approaches pretty rare.
The same with holds. The GPS shows the holding pattern and calculates it for you.
I still practice some of the old school ways just in case…
Couldn’t love mine any more if I tried (although I’m not a pilot in any sense😂😂)
Looks fab. Not a pilot either but will be getting one at some point.
Sounds like you have a very interesting career!
Not to my granddaughter!
Looks incredible in black, and that strap fits perfectly. Nice 👍🏾
Thank you! It’s an Amazon MN strap. Very comfortable!
Man it does look good ! 💯💯💯
Fuel tank change (wing tanks) 30 mins
Standard rate turn 2 mins
Half of standard rate turn in holding pattern 1 min
Final approach fix to decision point on non precision approach 2 mins (or more or less depending on approach)
EFC time (Expect Further Clearance) given in Zulu time but I calculate forward in minutes and start a timer.
Lunch time!
Some of these don’t get used much as GPS and LPV approaches have made most non precision approaches pretty rare.
The same with holds. The GPS shows the holding pattern and calculates it for you.
I still practice some of the old school ways just in case…
... and before ForeFlight, a chronograph was handy to time legs when navigating by dead reckoning 😄
By flying backwards you mean negative ground speed due to head wind? 10,000 hours in a 172 is no small feat 😀 Respect! 🍻
Exactly. We pulled just enough power with full flaps to start drifting backwards in some straight line 74-knot winds.
Thanks! 🍻
Sounds like that was a cool gig…smart to be prepared
We agreed it was smart to be prepared and as it tuned out, one day after evening rush hour, we landed and I went home as usual, while my pilot stayed behind to do some paperwork in the hangar. He had a massive heart attack and died on the spot. 🥺
Wow
In my opinion, the Stowa flieger chrono is the best pilot chrono ever made. If only due to its legibility, and simplicity.
Perhaps not as useful or as good value compared to the Bulova or others, but an endlessly beautiful watch.
@danield8 - the white dial Bulova is stunning
In my opinion, the Stowa flieger chrono is the best pilot chrono ever made. If only due to its legibility, and simplicity.
Perhaps not as useful or as good value compared to the Bulova or others, but an endlessly beautiful watch.
@danield8 - the white dial Bulova is stunning
Thank you! I’m talking like I’ve designed it 😂😂 ooh look at the movement… that’s proper sexy
Try this one too great GMT
I use mine for timing at the track. I love my mechanical chronos but when I really want accurate, I go to quartz.
Not if you are using it to measure increments of time that are important to you!
Sorry, not really just have never needed to use it for anything so demanding! Just for telling time………so boring!😊
I use a chrono to time my drawings. It keeps me disciplined. But I usually prefer a digital layout for precision. But I would def buy a smaller lunar pilot. Hoping but maybe it's never. So I'm also keeping an eye on the astronaut. That watch is sexy with real pilot heritage!
I use a chrono to time my drawings. It keeps me disciplined. But I usually prefer a digital layout for precision. But I would def buy a smaller lunar pilot. Hoping but maybe it's never. So I'm also keeping an eye on the astronaut. That watch is sexy with real pilot heritage!
It’s a true tool watch!
I don’t think they will ever make them small enough for most users. If they ever did a 38mm I would buy another one!
In my opinion, the Stowa flieger chrono is the best pilot chrono ever made. If only due to its legibility, and simplicity.
Perhaps not as useful or as good value compared to the Bulova or others, but an endlessly beautiful watch.
@danield8 - the white dial Bulova is stunning
Lovely watch! I have a couple of Stowa ProDivers. Stowa is a real high quality brand.
I do miss flying. I have over 10,000 hours in a little Cessna 172XP. I used to be a traffic reporter over Richmond - with a dedicated pilot - and my pilot taught me to fly in case something happened to him in flight. I could do basic stuff, like take-offs, landings (incl. short field), chandelles, wing overs, stalls...even flew backwards a few times, which was really weird! We had spots picked out around the city where we thought we could land if needed.
Watch-related: Love that Bulova! 👍
That is a LOT of time flying around smashing bugs!
It sounds like it was enjoyable nonetheless!
That is a LOT of time flying around smashing bugs!
It sounds like it was enjoyable nonetheless!
Twice a day, every business day, for 10 years. It was indeed a fun gig, getting to fly around the city. Never did get my license though, so respect to you for doing so. 👍
of all the variations of the Lunar Pilot this speaks to me loudest (purchase price didn’t hurt either 😄)
I’ve yet to handle the new/reduced/blue panda ones, but this big guy is a very legible watch indeed.
of all the variations of the Lunar Pilot this speaks to me loudest (purchase price didn’t hurt either 😄)
I’ve yet to handle the new/reduced/blue panda ones, but this big guy is a very legible watch indeed.
If they ever release a 38mm version I will certainly be buying one!