Watches have been around for centuries, with the first wristwatch being made in 1868 by Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe. Originally intended as a piece of jewelry, wristwatches eventually evolved into something far more practical and functional.
Watches designed for a specific purpose beyond just telling the time are known as utilitarian watches. These watches are built to serve a particular purpose, such as flying, diving, racing, or military use. And as they are built for daily wear and tear, they are made with robust, high-quality materials that can withstand tough conditions. Think stainless steel or titanium.
The appeal of utilitarian watches lies in their versatility. They may have been designed with a specific profession in mind, such as the iconic pilot watches and military field watches, but that doesn't mean they can't be enjoyed by enthusiasts of all walks of life.
Pilot Watches and Field Watches
If you’ve been looking into utilitarian watches, it’s likely that you’ve heard about Breitling and its a rich history of utilitarian watches. The Breitling Navitimer, for instance, is a classic utilitarian watch that was designed with pilots in mind. Originally introduced in 1952, the navi timer was built with a slide rule to calculate airborne calculations. During the golden era of civil aviation, the Navitimer became the go-to watch for pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike, earning a reputation as the quintessential pilot's watch.
Source: https://www.breitling.com/us-en/icons/navitimer/
Field watches are another type of utilitarian watch that has gained popularity in recent years. The origins of the field watch date back to WWI, when trench officers would buy trench watches and strap these to their wrists. These watches eventually evolved into the standard wristwatches issued to soldiers in the military, providing a quicker and more convenient way to read watches over the standard pocket watch.
Hamilton is one of the most popular manufacturers associated with field watches. The Hamilton Khaki Field watch, first introduced in the 1940s, was designed for use in the field. It has a simple yet robust design, with a sturdy canvas strap and a stainless steel case that can withstand harsh environments. It's no surprise that the Khaki Field watch is still popular today and is widely used by soldiers and adventurers around the world.
Source: https://www.horbiter.com/en/the-hamilton-khaki-field-history-and-reviews/
Getting a utilitarian watch can be a wise investment for anyone looking for a durable, functional, and versatile timepiece fit for anywhere. More than just simple timepieces, they are built with practical tools and can last a lifetime.