The similarities between field and pilot watches can make it hard to tell some of the more simple three hand versions apart from each other, and many consider the type names interchangeable, but there are some differences, pilots generally have better lume and are more likely to have complications both possibly a nod to the idea that watches were considered a vital instrument during early flights, and field dials are generally simpler.

This collection includes an Airco Mach 1 from British brand and pilot specialist Bremont; a German GMT in my white dialed Sinn 105 UTC; a German chronograph, my Hanhart Pioneer Mk1; and my Ollech and Wajs P-101 with a friction bezel.