Latest Review
It is very difficult for a pilot watch to stand out amongst its peers. It seems like every company that pops up, big and small, makes one. Many are very nice and many are very generic, but few jump out and say to you “make me a part of your collection”. The Maratac Pilot is one of these few watches.
check out our full review of the large model (seen in this post) here and the 39mm mid sized here
At first glance, it might not seem that different: a big steel case, big bold lumed index and a small seconds dial at 6… This scene has obviously been played out before. 
The differences that make the Maratac unique are subtler. The index around the small seconds dial has a distinct layout and the font used on the main index is a little squarer than most. The off-axis “onion” screw-down crown is large and nestles against the lug in an interesting manner. The minute and hour hands are simple, sharp, tapering triangles that seem to float in the middle of the watch. The black face has no logo and no distractions, resulting in a clarity that really calls to the purpose of a pilot’s watch. Simply put, it is just a very refined watch.
Part of what makes such a clean watch, with such minimal detailing, so great is that whatever strap you put on it will really define its personality. A black leather strap will intensify the face and make the watch bolder, while a striped NATO will make it
sportier and perhaps a bit more fashionable. A rubber strap might lend itself to more rugged applications and a metal bracelet would give it a more formal appearance. Since the watch is basically colorless, you can really experiment with combinations, and at 22mm lug width, there are plenty of straps out there to choose from.
Here is a gallery on watchuseek of it with a pretty intense leather strap.
But the looks aren’t all that matter here; the Maratac pilot is powered by a Miyota 8245 21 jewel automatic movement, has a domed sapphire lens, is 46mm x 12.5mm and is only $195. Process that for a second, you are getting a large, well built, great looking automatic with a domed sapphire lens for less than 200 dollars. That is an unbeatable value. Needless to say, this watch has already achieved a cult status on forums and is regularly sold out on the one site it is available, CountryComm, though they keep restocking. If your wrist can handle a watch this size, and you are interested in the pilot’s watch aesthetic, then the Maratac is a must have…at this price, what is there to lose?
Here is a gallery with some better photos
oh yeah, and here is a video!!!!
images from Countrycomm.com
