Flight Club

The inspiration behind Bell & Ross's new automatic flyback chronograph is the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, which flew its last reconnaissance mission in 1998. It's got a stealthy 43mm matt black PVD-coated case and a bright orange canvas strap that even the most blinkered plane-spotter would spot a mile off. £4,400

A modern take on Alpina's early pilot's watch. A bi-compax dial features a telemeter scale to measure the distance between you and an event you see first and hear second (e.g. lightning). The swirly bit in the middle is a tachymeter for measuring speed. £2,530

Hamilton made over a million watches during WW2. The case of its latest pilot's watch is sandblasted so it doesn't reflect sunlight into your face, or into the view of an enemy. Packed inside is an automatic chronograph with a 60-hour reserve. £1,420

Originally aimed at drivers, the Speedmaster became the ultimate pilot's watch after NASA selected it for the Apollo programme. It's still the only watch to have been worn on the Moon and this latest version has a super-slick all-black ceramic case. £7,590

British brand Bremont has become a flyboy favourite in its short life-time. Its latest pilot's watch, the U-2 Blue, was inspired by the Lockheed U-2 spy plane, and has been tested at 100,000 feet and in temperatures as low as -50°C. £3,595

In 2012, Zenith introduced a 57.5mm behemoth built around a pocket-watch movement. Its popularity has given rise to a new collection, including this 48mm beast named after Manfred von Richthofen, the German WW1 flying ace. £5,800