Wrist Lore Blackbird LE Automatic Pilot Watch

Chances are when you think of a pilot watch, the aesthetics of this mesmerising Wrist Lore Blackbird LE Automatic won’t be the first thing that springs to mind and that’s definitely a good thing in our opinion here at Coolector HQ. This majestic looking timepiece is funding on Kickstarter now (with some 40% off the final retail price no less) and does a fine job of showcasing how watchmaking newcomers, Wrist Lore, dare to be different in the design of their timepieces to deliver a pilot watch quite unlike any other you’re likely to have encountered.

The Wrist Lore Blackbird LE Automatic Pilot Watch on Kickstarter is currently available for the bargain early bird price of just $369 during the crowdfunding campaign and they are rapidly closing in on their funding target which goes to show there is a pretty big market for watches as striking and eye-catching as the Blackbird. It is a new kind of pilot watch which envelopes a stylised balance of sophistication and form and it has been crafted in dedication to the SR-71 Blackbird Aircraft. So, if you’re a fan of aviation and you’re after a new timepiece that will turn heads, look no further.

Inspired By A Colossal Piece of Aviation Engineering

The Lockheed SR-71 “Blackbird” is a long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was operated by the United States Air Force. The SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats so, if a surface-to-air missile launch were detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and out-fly the missile. A total of 32 aircraft were built, none were lost to enemy action, which is an extraordinary statistic. In order to obtain the vast amounts of titanium needed for the construction of the SR-71, the CIA created fake companies throughout the world to purchase the metal from the biggest supplier, the former Soviet Union. It has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft and it serves as the design inspiration for this fantastically cool looking timepiece which is taking Kickstarter by storm.

Not your average looking watch from a visual perspective, the Wrist Lore Blackbird LE Automatic Pilot Watch on Kickstarter (from $369) is going to add a real touch of gravitas to your wrist. The hallmark of this glorious looking watch from Wrist Lore bears distinguishable trademark features such as a distinct bezel which is a nod to the SR-71’s cockpit dials – specifically the inertial vertical speed indicators. With exposed black screws, red highlights that signify the center of gravity controls, a canteen lock protection system, chapter ring, and sleek defined lines — the goal was to simulate the ingenuity of the aircraft itself whilst staying aesthetically impactful on the wrist.

At 84,000+ feet in a moonless night sky the cockpit dials of the SR-71 would be illuminated in a celestial glow. Wrist Lore wanted to replicate this look by using the most ubiquitous name in watch lume – Super-LumiNova™. The Swiss Super-LumiNova™ illuminates the hands during darkness and is our equivalent of the SR-71’s Astro-Inertial Navigation System, which could see stars during both day and night and makes this a stand out watch on the wrist. In honour of the year the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was built, only 1966 pieces of each Blackbird edition colourway will be crafted and each watch will be individually numbered to make it unique to you. The model also features an engraved caption on the caseback reading “AUT VINCERE AUT MORI” meaning “Conquer or Die” which is a fantastic finishing touch.

Top Class Features

Considering you can get your hands on one of these Wrist Lore Blackbird LE Automatic Pilot Watches for as little as $369 during their Kickstarter, it’s hard to believe the calibre of components that have gone into their crafting. Wrist Lore pride themselves in the art of fine craftsmanship, with watches that are hand crafted and assembled. They pay particular attention to detail to make sure you their watches offer the sort of quality you’d typically see in timepieces costing 3-4 times their amount. Some of the stand out elements include the Miyota Cal.82SO open heart automatic movement, 100m water resistance, 316L surgical grade stainless steel casing and the Swiss Super-LumiNova™ dial.

Each Blackbird LE Automatic watch ships with a brilliant, premium collectors box which features a special book containing exclusive stories from SR-71 pilots, warranty card, stickers, and other bits and pieces that add to the experience of owning such a unique timepiece. Wrist Lore have created three distinct colourways to let you easily find your own style and personality. At the end of the campaign you can choose from either the Signature Black, Silver, or Rose Gold offerings. Head on over and bag yours for just $369 now.