Air Time: Watches Inspired by Aviation, Aeronautics, and Pilots

Author Mark Bernardo, Foreword by Jim DiMatteo, Afterword by Scott Kelly, Epilogue by Aaron Sigmond

The first comprehensive reference for watch connoisseurs to explore a century of stylish timepieces inspired by and built for aviation, aeronautics and space exploration, and piloting.

Air Time takes a keen look at more than ninety iconic timepieces that embody the spirit of flight, worn and made famous by the men and women who pioneered it, from daring balloonists and wartime jet pilots to jet-setters and astronauts.
In a thoroughgoing look at nearly a century ofaviation-inspired timepieces--from 1904 to the present day-- WatchTime's Mark Bernardo interweaves history, technical insight, and the distinctive style of pilot watches into a first-of-its-kind comprehensive monograph.
Chapters showcase historical milestones such as Cartier's development of the first men's wristwatch for Alberto Santos-Dumont; Charles Lindbergh's invention of the Longines Hour Angle; and the Omega Speedmaster, the first watch to land on the moon. Also featured are iconic timepieces, including the Breitling Navitimer, IWC Big Pilot's Watch, Breguet Type XX, and Rolex GMT-Master, up through current category timepieces such as in the collections of Bell & Ross, Longines, Bremont, Patek Philippe, Hamilton, and Zenith. Informative and compelling, this fascinating guide is the perfect gift for connoisseurs of timepieces, aviation, and globetrotting travel.

About The Author

Mark Bernardo is the Senior Editor of WatchTime, and the coauthor of Sea Time: Watches Inspired by Sailing, Yachting, and Diving (Rizzoli, 2018).

Scott Kelly is a former military fighter pilot and test pilot, an engineer, a retired astronaut, and a retired U.S. Navy captain. A veteran of four spaceflights, Kelly commanded the International Space Station (ISS) on three expeditions.

Aaron Sigmond is an award-winning publisher, editor, and author.

Publish Date: July 06, 2021
Format: Hardcover
Category: Antiques & Collectibles - Clocks & Watches
Publisher: Rizzoli
Trim Size: 10 x 12-1/2
Pages: 240
US Price: $85.00
CDN Price: $115.00
ISBN: 978-0-8478-6966-4

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Reviews

"Veteran watch journalists Mark Bernardo and Aaron Sigmond wrap up their co-authored trilogy of Drive Time, Sea Time and now, Air Time, with yet another comprehensive and beautifully designed coffee-table-worthy book. Unlike many books that gather sections and chapters by brand, Air Time manages to do so without feeling stale. That’s partly because of the compellingly sequenced curation of brands and watches, but also due to the informative, but never boring voices, that Bernardo and Sigmund have developed through this three-part series. Whether you’re an experienced collector or just curious about pilot’s watches, this book will likely teach you a few things. Or you can just consider it your catalog for your next big purchase." —ROBB REPORT

"This trilogy of books, which has come out one by one over the years, tackles each in its own volume: watches' relationships with cars and racing in Drive Time, diving and sailing in Sea Time and, most recently, flying in Air Time. Together, they make a collection of their own worth amassing for anyone who considers themself a watch collector or enthusiast." —GEARPATROL.COM

"...explores more than a century of stylish timepieces inspired by, built for, or made famous by aviation pioneers — from daring balloonists and wartime jet pilots to globetrotting jet-setters and astronauts." —WATCH TIME

"More than 90 iconic timepieces from 1904 to the present day that embody the spirit of flight, and made famous by the men and women who pioneered it. From Cartier’s development of the first men’s wristwatch to Lindbergh’s invention of the Longiness Hour Angle, the book is packed with history as well gorgeous photography, making it a true celebration of timepieces." —INDULGE

"In a comprehensive and beautifully-illustrated look at nearly a century of aviation-inspired watches, beginning with Santos-Dumont’s Cartier, author Mark Bernardo offers in-depth looks at pilot’s important timepieces." —MAXIM.COM

Author Bookshelf: Aaron Sigmond