A favorite pair of jeans, a sweatshirt that fits like no other, there are certain things I own that are comfortable and timeless in one. The BYOP Avitimer just joined my stable of such items. I have an indifference to Flieger dials, but appreciate and enjoy the utilitarian nature of a pilot’s watch.  BYOP provides a pilot watch that forgoes a traditional Flieger look for a dial that is more reminiscent of an instrument panel.

Sitting under the BYOP Avitimer flat sapphire crystal is a prime example of an “at a glance” dial.  The hands are simple sword or fence post (I am terrible at this stuff, so the description is up to you) with blacked out bases.  These design choices give the dial a clean look and aids in legibility regardless of conditions.

Operated by the upper, non-screw down crown is the internal bezel. The bezel is an unobtrusive compliment to the layout of the watch. It is there if you need it, but does not detract if you do not.  The date wheel is color matched. BYOP refers to this as a “stealth” date. Some may call it inconspicuous and others may say it is difficult to read. Either way, it is there if you need/want, but doesn’t get in the way of reading the time.

The bottom screw down crown has an excellent “pop”.  Both crowns are proportioned well to give you a grip without throwing off the visual balance. The brushed stainless steel case is definitely toolish, with some roughness noted around the lugs. Case measurements are; 42mm by 48mm lug to lug and 13mm thick.  Weight is 98g. The drilled lugs have a nice downturn. The Avitimer rides on a 22mm leather strap. For me, the larger strap allows this watch to sit flat and comfortable on my smaller wrist.

The BYOP Avitimer is a watch that tells time without static. To clarify, the watch has other features, but none interfere or cloud the ability to quickly and easily tell time. Passion does not always translate into great design with microbrands, but I feel BYOP did a very nice to excellent job with the Avitimer.

BYOP, Be Your Own Pilot, even if you are not a flyer, not a bad mantra to live by.