http://www.boatinternational.com | January 2018BOAT LIFE
LACO PADERBORN
Laco watches, made for Second World War pilots
and navigators, have become highly collectable.
The German brand still makes models that are
virtually identical to the originals, such as the
quartz-powered, 42mm Paderborn and several
versions with mechanical movements in case
sizes up to 55mm.£725, pageandcooper.comBELL & ROSS BR 126
GMT & FLYBACK
Bell & Ross made its name with its square-cased
Instrument watches inspired by the gauges
on modern fighter jets. This, from the more
traditional Sport Heritage range, features a
flyback chronograph that is stopped and reset
with a push of a button. £5,000, bellross.comZENITH PILOT TYPE 20
EXTRA SPECIAL
Louis Bleriot wore a Zenith in 1909 when he
first flew over the English Channel. This retro
version of the Type 20, with a 45mm bronze case,
giant “onion” crown and accurate El Primero
movement, would have suited the cockpit of his
flimsy aircraft. £5,900, zenith-watches.comIWC PILOT’S WATCH
TOP GUN MIRAMAR
This modern, 44.5mm version of the 1930s Big
Pilot’s Watch gets a scratch-resistant ceramic
case with an anthracite finish and a green calfskin
strap. The in-house movement is protected from
magnetismbyasoftironcageandhasaneasy-
to-read chronograph totaliser.£9,450, iwc.comBREITLING NAVITIMER
RATTRAPANTE
One of the most celebrated pilot watches,
the Navitimer has been around since 1952. Its
“circular slide rule” around the dial allows speed,
distance and fuel range calculations. This model
is the first to feature a flyback, split-seconds
chronograph mechanism. £9,720, breitling.comBREMONT AIRCO MACH 2
It is now a decade since Bremont sold its first
watch, and the range of aviation-inspired pieces
has grown to include more than a dozen models.
One of the latest is the elegant Airco Mach 2,
a 40mm chronometer featuring polished hands
and numerals and the brand’s hardened steel
Trip-Tick case. £2,895, bremont.comSWAP SHOP There’s nothing quite like staying on board your own yacht but, if it’s berthed
in the South of France and you’re heading to New York for business or fancy a holiday in
Thailand, it’s not always the most practical option. The Gilt Club, a new private members’ club
for owners of elite “assets”, is offering a solution. For an annual fee of £5,000, members are
able to swap stays at their high-end residences, homes and yachts in exchange for access to
some of the world ’s finest private properties. Among those currently signed up are an historic
24 bedroom Scottish estate, a private Maldivian island and a palatial ski chalet in Courchevel –
all well worth offering a week on board for. thegiltclub.com