Sekonda Pilot Style Date Ref. 1827
Pilot/Aviation Watch · Sekonda (Time Products UK). A British brand known for high-volume, affordable watches. Historically sourced movements from the USSR, now primarily uses Japanese quartz.
Period: Modern Lifestyle (2010s-Present). It balances vintage 'Flieger' design elements like the triangle at 12 with modern sunburst finishes and larger case proportions.
Type
Pilot/Aviation Watch
Brand
Sekonda (Time Products UK). A British brand known for high-volume, affordable watches. Historically sourced movements from the USSR, now primarily uses Japanese quartz.
Movement
Quartz. Likely a Miyota or similar high-volume Japanese quartz caliber, featuring standard accuracy of +/- 20 seconds per month.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 42-44mm, Thickness: 11mm, Lug-to-lug: 50mm, Lug width: 22mm. It wears large on the wrist due to the thin bezel and wide dial.
Description
This Sekonda is a contemporary takes on the classic Type A Flieger pilot watch. Its most striking feature is the brown sunburst dial that catches the light, contrasted by a high-visibility yellow seconds hand. It is designed as a rugged-looking everyday 'tool style' watch for the budget-conscious collector.
Key Features
Sunburst brown dial, yellow contrast seconds hand, Flieger-style 12 o'clock marker, large knurled crown, and the '50 metres' water resistance text on the dial.
Dial Description
Sunburst brown fade dial with white printed Arabic numerals. Features a triangular marker at 12 o'clock, sword hands with lume, a bright yellow central seconds hand, and a date window at 3 o'clock.
Case Material
Polished alloy/base metal with a stainless steel caseback. The case shows high-polish finishing typical of entry-level lifestyle pieces.
Crystal Type
Mineral glass. Flat profile, no visible AR coating. Noticeable for being prone to scratches compared to sapphire.
Bezel Details
Fixed narrow bezel with a polished finish. There is an internal minute/seconds track on the flange with Arabic numerals in five-minute increments.
Crown & Pushers
Large knurled push-pull crown at 3 o'clock. Designed for easy grip, mimicking pilot watch 'onion' or 'diamond' crowns, though more understated.
Bracelet or Strap
Blue fabric NATO-style strap. The strap appears heavily worn with fraying near the terminal end, fitted with polished steel hardware.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down or snap-on caseback with standard branding and water resistance ratings engraved.
Movement Type
Quartz. Likely a Miyota or similar high-volume Japanese quartz caliber, featuring standard accuracy of +/- 20 seconds per month.
Water Resistance
50 Metres (5 ATM). Suitable for surface splashes or brief rain exposure but not recommended for swimming, snorkeling, or diving.
Origin & Provenance
British brand, manufactured in China using Japanese components and movements.
Age Estimate
Circa 2018-2023. A contemporary model currently or recently found in high-street retail catalogues.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of pilot watch aesthetics, making professional-style aviation designs accessible to the mass market.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The strap is significantly frayed and needs replacement. The case shows minor hairline scratches, and the spring bars are visible due to the NATO strap choice.
Value Estimate
MSRP approximately £30-£50 ($40-$60 USD). Secondary market value is roughly £15-£25 depending on strap condition.
Care & Maintenance
Requires battery replacement every 2-3 years. The fabric strap should be hand-washed or replaced when fraying occurs. Avoid immersion in water due to the '50m' rating which is only splash-proof.
Similar Watches
Laco Augsburg (authentic German pilot Heritage), Seiko SNK806 (mechanical alternative), Citizen Eco-Drive Avion (solar quartz equivalent).
Interesting Facts
Sekonda was the UK's best-selling watch brand for 31 consecutive years. Originally, the brand was the export vehicle for the Soviet watch industry before pivoting to quartz in the 1980s.