For pilots who value a watch as a tool as much as a timepiece, Scheyden Precision Eyewear will debut the first model of its True Aviator line of watches at EAA AirVenture 2013.
Dubbed the Steam Gauge, the model evokes the standard instrument six-pack. It won’t display airspeed or attitude, but the watch’s three round gauges display time (of course), heading (with a liquid magnetic compass), and a digital IFR timer, in addition to a number of other features.
Scheyden founder Jeff Herold said he used to be “a Breitling guy,” but “as nice as the Breitlings are, I found myself only using it to tell time.” The Steam Gauge adds to that features such as an ATIS bezel, which allows pilots to record the identification letter of the weather broadcast without writing it, and the liquid compass—a feature Herold said is a nice feature for pilots even on the ground.
“How many times do you fly into a strange area, … you get out of the airplane, you get into town," and then you "don’t know where you are?” he said.
The Steam Gauge has a standard price of $2,992. On the main gauge, pilots can set a second time zone such as Zulu time. The lower gauge, a digital timer, can be used for timing instrument procedures or assisting with timed checklist items, according to Scheyden. Other features include a chronograph, alarm, countdown timer, water-resistance, glowing digits, and global airport identifiers. It is available in brushed stainless steel, “Stealth Black,” or “Swiss Gold.” Scheyden is donating one of the initial limited release watches to the Gathering of Eagles Gala auction Aug. 1.
